Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market - By Purity, By End-user & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Size

The global carboxymethyl cellulose market was valued at USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and paper.
 

CMC is valued for its thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying properties, making it a versatile ingredient in food products, particularly in gluten-free and low-fat formulations. The pharmaceutical sector utilizes CMC as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulations, contributing to market expansion. Additionally, the rising focus on clean label products and natural ingredients is propelling demand, as CMC is derived from renewable sources. Technological advancements in production processes and applications are also enhancing market potential.
 

Geographically, Asia-Pacific is leading the market due to rapid industrialization and growing consumer bases in countries like China and India. However, fluctuations in raw material prices and stringent regulatory frameworks may pose challenges to market growth in the future.
 

The growing demand for low-fat foods and gluten-free frozen desserts is a key driver in the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market, as CMC acts as a stabilizer and thickening agent, enhancing texture and mouthfeel in these products. Additionally, the rise in oil drilling activities has increased the need for CMC in drilling fluids, where it serves as a viscosifier and fluid loss control agent, improving efficiency in extraction processes.
 

The pharmaceutical sector also contributes positively, as CMC is widely used as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulations, ensuring consistent dosage and effective delivery of active ingredients. Furthermore, the cosmetics industry utilizes CMC for its emulsifying properties in creams and lotions, enhancing product stability and application. This diverse applicability across sectors reinforces the market’s growth trajectory, positioning CMC as a vital ingredient in various formulations that meet contemporary consumer preferences.
 

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Trends

Recent trends in the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market highlight significant advancements in manufacturing efficiency and technology. Innovative production methods, such as continuous processing and automated systems, are streamlining operations, reducing waste, and lowering costs. Enhanced purification techniques improve product quality and consistency, meeting stringent regulatory standards. Furthermore, research into alternative raw materials and green chemistry is fostering sustainable practices within the industry. These developments not only optimize resource utilization but also align with the growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. Overall, technological progress is vital for increasing competitiveness and responsiveness in the evolving CMC market.
 

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Analysis

The above 95% purity segment will capture USD 1.2 billion and demonstrate a 4.4% CAGR till 2032. Above 95% purity indicates highly purified carboxymethyl cellulose, which is especially used in personal care, pharmaceuticals, food, and drinks. It is also used in other end-user industries such as detergents & laundry, pulp & paper, oil & gas, etc. Furthermore, strong demand for cellulose gum with purity above 99.5% in the food & beverage and pharmaceutical industries will further propel the overall industry growth.
 

The food & beverage segment held a 43.7% market share in 2023, amounting to USD 640 million, and is projected to grow at a 4.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. The carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market is witnessing notable growth across various end-user sectors. In the food and beverage industry, CMC is increasingly favored for its thickening and stabilizing properties, especially in low-fat and gluten-free products. The pharmaceutical sector relies heavily on CMC as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulations, driven by the demand for effective drug delivery systems. In personal care, CMC is used in creams and lotions for its emulsifying capabilities, enhancing product stability.
 

The oil and gas industry utilizes CMC in drilling fluids, where it improves viscosity and reduces fluid loss, supporting increased drilling activities. In the pulp and paper sector, CMC serves as a coating and adhesive, enhancing paper quality. Additionally, the detergents and laundry segment leverages CMC for its soil suspension and viscosity control properties.
 

The U.S. carboxymethyl cellulose market is projected to achieve USD 357.7 million, with a CAGR of 4.4% from 2024 to 2032. The U.S. industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand across various sectors. In the food and beverage segment, CMC is favored for its thickening and stabilizing properties, particularly in gluten-free and low-fat products. The pharmaceutical industry is expanding its use of CMC as an essential excipient in drug formulations, enhancing the efficacy of medications.
 

Technological advancements in manufacturing processes are improving efficiency and product quality, while a growing emphasis on sustainability is prompting the exploration of eco-friendly raw materials. The personal care sector is also contributing to market growth, utilizing CMC for its emulsifying properties in creams and lotions. Additionally, the oil and gas industry rely on CMC in drilling fluids, further bolstering demand.
 

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Share

Companies include, Akzo Nobel N.V. has made significant strides in the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market by integrating innovative applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, emphasizing product quality and sustainability. Ashland Global Holdings, Inc. offers a diverse range of CMC products tailored for various industries, including personal care and oil drilling, highlighting their focus on customization and performance.
 

Chongqing Lihong Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd. has contributed to the CMC market by enhancing production efficiency and developing cost-effective solutions, catering primarily to the Asian market. Daicel Corporation stands out with its emphasis on high-quality CMC for food applications, leveraging advanced manufacturing processes to meet stringent industry standards. DKS Co. Ltd. focuses on research and development, leading to the introduction of innovative CMC formulations that address emerging consumer trends.
 

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Companies

Major players operating in the carboxymethyl cellulose industry are:

• AkzoNobel N.V.
• Ashland Global Holdings
• Chongqing Lihong Fine Chemicals
• Daicel Corporation
• DKS
• Dow Chemical Company
• J.M. Huber Corporation
• Lamberti
• Nippon Paper Industries
• Patel Industries
• Qingdao Sinocmc Chemical
• Qingdao Tianya Chemical
• Triveni Chemicals
• USK Kimya A.S.
   

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Industry News

February 2023: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. has announced the establishment of a manufacturing and sales subsidiary in Hungary for its carboxymethyl cellulose product, SUNROSE MAC. This material is utilized in the production of lithium-ion battery (LiB) anodes for electric vehicles (EVs). The move aims to enhance its rapidly expanding supply chain in Europe.
 

June 2024: INOX Air Tate & Lyle has announced its plans to acquire the entire issued share capital of CP Kelco U.S., CP Kelco China, and CP Kelco ApS, including their subsidiaries, from J.M. Huber Corporation for an implied total consideration of $1.8 billion on a cash-free, debt-free basis. CP Kelco is recognized as a leading provider of pectin, specialty gums, and other nature-based ingredients. The acquisition of CP Kelco by Tate & Lyle directly impacts the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market, as CP Kelco is a key producer of CMC.
 

This carboxymethyl cellulose market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Purity

• Above 95%
• 80% - 95%
• Below 80%

Market, By End Use

• Food & beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal care
• Oil & gas
• Pulp & paper
• Detergents & laundry
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE