Cellulosic Polymers Market - By Type (Cellulose Esters, Cellulose Ethers, Regenerated Cellulose, By Application (Paints & Coatings, Flexible Packaging, Skin Care, Print Laminations), By End-use, & Forecast, 2023 – 2032

Cellulosic Polymers Market Size

Cellulosic Polymers Market was valued at USD 9.4 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 6% between 2023 and 2032. This results in high demand for cellulosic polymers as eco-friendly materials mainly used in many industries. Biodegradability, renewability, and versatility contribute to their adoption, in addition to government rules that promote sustainable practices.
 

Moreover, technological advancements for cost-effective production of certain material and utilities used in packaging, textile industry and health services promote an augmentation of the business growth.
 

One major pitfalls of cellulosic polymer industry is the difficulty to make them cost effectively at a large scale, thus making it impossible for mass production, resulting in lack of wide spread application causing the noncompetitive markets.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the cellulosic polymers industry expansion, causing supply chain disruptions, reduced demand due to economic downturn, and challenges in workforce availability. However, the increased awareness of sustainability and need for healthcare-related products presented some opportunities for growth and innovation.
 

Cellulosic Polymers Market Trends

Demand for sustainable materials, driven by eco-consciousness, has boosted growth in the cellulosic polymers industry. Various industries such as packaging, textiles, and pharmaceuticals adopt biodegradability, renewable sourcing, and versatility for their development due to increase in environmental awareness of mankind. Nevertheless, the market has problems in the relatively cheap manufacturing of units and their mass demand fulfillment. Eco friendly alternative with such changes and evolving regulatory framework is fueling growth in the market which is likely to have a sustained future for the business.
 

Cellulosic Polymers Market Analysis

Based on type, the market is divided into regenerated cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, and others. In terms of market share, the regenerated cellulose segment took approximately 44% in 2022. This stems from rising demand for regenerated cellulosic fibers that have multiple uses, like food packaging, textiles and apparels, and medical devices, among others. Cellulosic fibers are regenerated from cellulose-the major components in plants’ cell walls. These materials involve the dissolution of cellulose in a solvent and the subsequent remodeling of it into different forms. Soft, resilient regenerated cellulosic fibers that are biodegradable can be used in many industries positively impacting the market growth.
 

Based on application, the market is categorized into paints & coatings, flexible packaging, skin care, print laminations, and others. The paints & coatings segment accounted for over 36% market share in 2022 and is projected to grow through 2032. Cellulosic polymers play a vital role in the paints and coatings industry, offering sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Utilized as thickeners, binders, and stabilizers, they enhance formulation efficiency and contribute to reduced environmental impact, aligning with the growing demand for eco-conscious solutions in the sector. The growth of demand for biodegradable packaging solutions as well as the increased need for flexible packing solutions in food and beverage industry are all attributed to this fact. These include cellophane, cellulose acetate and cellulose nanofibers that find their use in various flexible packaging applications.
 

Based on End-use, the cellulosic polymers market is categorized into food & beverage, building & construction, personal & cosmetic care, medical & pharmaceutical, and others. The Food & Beverage segment accounted for over 30% market share in 2022 and is projected to grow significantly through 2032. Cellulose is used so widely especially for food processing and packing of food stuffs. Food products such as yoghurt, ice cream, sauces, and dressings have cellulosic polymer like pectin, that is used is stabilizers, thickeners, and gelling agents. They are also useful for extending the shelf-life and enhancing food security of the food products.
 

North America dominated the global market in 2022, accounting for a major share of around 43%. Partnerships and integrations are playing a pivotal role in propelling the North America cellulosic polymers industry growth. Notably, the cellulosic polymers market in North America is going up due to growing attention in sustainable ways of life in this region. An important trend is the accelerating need for bio- based and sustainable materials in the packaging, textile and health care sectors. This is also supported by strict regulations that promote ecofriendly alternatives, pushing upmarket growth. Nevertheless, attending to the question of production cost and scaling is imperative in order to fully exploit the market of the region.
 

Cellulosic Polymers Market Share

Major players operating in the cellulosic polymers industry include:

• DuPont
• Rayonier Advanced Materials
• Celanese Corporation
• Daicel Corporation
• Eastman Chemical Company
• Borregaard ASA
• Solvay S.A.

DuPont and Rayonier Advanced Materials. are dominant players in the global market as DuPont Market leader in innovation, diversified product portfolio, strong global presence, focus on sustainability. Rayonier Advanced Materials is specialized in high-purity cellulose products, strong R&D capabilities, sustainable practices, established market reputation.
 

Cellulosic Polymers Industry News

• In April 2023, Toray Industries, Inc., has infused an extra $8 million into Cellulosic Biomass Technology Co., Ltd., augmenting its ownership from 67% to 84.4%. Toray is steadfast in achieving a 20% proportion of recycled resources in major polymer products by 2030, driving advancements in recycling technologies for plastics, transitioning to biomass-based materials, and utilizing carbon dioxide as a viable raw material.
   
• In January 2020, Nouryon is furthering its growth strategy by securing a deal to purchase J.M. Huber Corporation's carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) business. This move aligns with Nouryon's focus on investing in promising growth sectors through strategic acquisitions. The CMC business offers a comprehensive range of grades and operates globally, generating approximately USD 142.94 million (€135 million) in sales across 80 countries. The acquisition encompasses a top-tier manufacturing plant and an advanced R&D facility situated in Äänekoski, Finland.
   

The cellulosic polymers market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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By type

• Cellulose Esters
• Cellulose Acetate
• Others 
• Cellulose Ethers
• Fibres
• Films
• Regenerated Cellulose
• Others

By application

• Paints & Coatings
• Flexible Packaging
• Skin Care
• Print Laminations
• Others

By end user

• Food & Beverage
• Building & Construction
• Personal & Cosmetic Care
• Medical & Pharmaceutical
• 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
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Southeast Asia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia