
Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Grade (Food Grade, Industrial Grade, Textile Grade, Cosmetic Grade, Paper Grade and Other Grades), Form, Functionality, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market is accounted for $1.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $2.6 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble derivative of cellulose, where some hydroxyl groups in the cellulose molecule are replaced by carboxymethyl groups. This modification enhances its solubility, making CMC a versatile compound used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It acts as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier, and is also used as a binder in tablets and a lubricant in personal care products. CMC is non-toxic, biodegradable, and widely recognized for its safety and effectiveness in numerous applications.
According to an article published by a food business magazine, 24% of the people from 22 countries stated that they avoided gluten in their diet, and 25% of the population are extremely cautious about gluten intolerance.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Increasing demand in the food and beverage industry
The increasing demand in the food and beverage industry is significantly driving the growth of the market. It is widely used as a food additive due to its stabilizing, thickening, and emulsifying properties. As consumer preferences shift towards processed and convenience foods, the demand continues to rise. It is commonly used in dairy products, beverages, sauces, and gluten-free foods. The versatility in improving texture and consistency makes it a vital ingredient in modern food formulations.
Restraint:
Health concerns over synthetic additives
Health concerns over synthetic additives are negatively affecting the market. As consumers become more aware of the potential risks associated with artificial ingredients, there is growing skepticism towards products containing synthetic additives like CMC. This has led to a preference for natural and organic alternatives, limiting CMC's use in certain sectors. Consequently, manufacturers are facing challenges in addressing health concerns and maintaining consumer trust in CMC-based products.
Opportunity:
Rising consumer preferences for eco-friendly products
Rising consumer preferences for eco-friendly products are boosting the market. As sustainability becomes a priority, its natural, biodegradable, and plant-based origin makes it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious consumers. This shift is driving its use in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, where eco-friendly ingredients are increasingly sought after. Its eco-friendly properties align with growing demand for sustainable alternatives across various sectors.
Threat:
Environmental impact of production processes
The environmental impact of production processes in the market can be significant. The manufacturing of CMC often involves the use of chemicals and large amounts of water, contributing to pollution and resource depletion. Wastewater from the process can contain harmful byproducts, affecting local ecosystems. Additionally, energy consumption in production plants contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating the carbon footprint and environmental degradation.
Covid-19 Impact:
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the market by causing supply chain interruptions and reducing production capacity. Restrictions on manufacturing and transportation led to delays and shortages, affecting the availability of CMC. Moreover, the slowdown in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, where CMC is widely used, decreased demand. However, increased demand for medical supplies and hygiene products provided some growth opportunities for the market during the crisis.
The food grade segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The food grade segment is anticipated to account for the largest market share during the projection period. Used as a stabilizer, thickener, and emulsifier, CMC enhances texture, shelf life, and quality in products like dairy, beverages, bakery, and sauces. Growing demand for clean-label and natural ingredients is driving market growth, with increasing consumer preference for gluten-free, low-calorie, and health-conscious food options boosting the CMC adoption across the food industry.
The dairy products segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The dairy products segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the extrapolated period due to its ability to enhance texture, stability, and viscosity. CMC is widely used in products like yogurt, ice cream, and cheese to improve creaminess, prevent separation, and extend shelf life. Its increasing application in the dairy industry is driven by consumer demand for improved quality, consistency, and longer-lasting products, making it a key additive in dairy manufacturing.
Region with largest share:
North America region is anticipated to account for the largest market share during the forecast period driven by its diverse applications in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and textiles. CMC's role as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent is key in food products, especially dairy and processed foods. The growing demand for natural and functional additives, coupled with technological advancements, is expected to further boost CMC consumption across the region in the coming years.
Region with highest CAGR:
Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest growth rate over the forecast period driven by the demand from key industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. Market players are focusing on expanding their production capacity and tapping into emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia to capitalize on the increasing demand. Additionally, the pharmaceutical sector's use of CMC as a binder in tablet formulations, as well as its application in controlled-release medicines, is another major factor contributing to market growth.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Carboxymethyl Cellulose market include Dow Inc., Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc., Nouryon, Celanese Corporation, AkzoNobel N.V., BASF SE, Daicel Corporation, The International Group, Inc., JRS Pharma, Hawkins, Inc., Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., Kemira Oyj, Lotus Chemical, Kingstone Chemical, Lamberti S.p.A. and Turnspire Capital.
Key Developments:
In February 2024, Nippon Paper Industries proclaimed the formation of a fresh subsidiary in Hungary aimed at the production of carboxymethyl cellulose. With this, the company made its initial foray into the region’s electric vehicle supply chain with the intent of boosting production of lithium-ion batteries.
In September 2024, Turnspire Capital Partners announced the completion of its acquisition of Pharmachem Innovations from Ashland Inc. Pharmachem specializes in proprietary nutrition ingredients and custom formulation services, employing around 500 people across multiple facilities.
Grades Covered:
• Food Grade
• Industrial Grade
• Textile Grade
• Cosmetic Grade
• Paper Grade
• Other Grades
Forms Covered:
• Powder
• Liquid
• Gel
Functionalities Covered:
• Thickening Agent
• Stabilizer
• Binder
• Suspending Agent
• Film-Forming Agent
Applications Covered:
• Dairy Products
• Bakery Products
• Tablets and Capsules
• Hair Care
• Coatings
• Detergents
• Other Applications
End Users Covered:
• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal Care
• Oil & Gas
• Other End Users
Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan
o China
o India
o Australia
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Free Customization Offerings:
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
o Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Preface
2.1 Abstract
2.2 Stake Holders
2.3 Research Scope
2.4 Research Methodology
2.4.1 Data Mining
2.4.2 Data Analysis
2.4.3 Data Validation
2.4.4 Research Approach
2.5 Research Sources
2.5.1 Primary Research Sources
2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources
2.5.3 Assumptions
3 Market Trend Analysis
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Drivers
3.3 Restraints
3.4 Opportunities
3.5 Threats
3.6 Application Analysis
3.7 End User Analysis
3.8 Emerging Markets
3.9 Impact of Covid-19
4 Porters Five Force Analysis
4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers
4.2 Bargaining power of buyers
4.3 Threat of substitutes
4.4 Threat of new entrants
4.5 Competitive rivalry
5 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market, By Grade
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Food Grade
5.3 Industrial Grade
5.4 Textile Grade
5.5 Cosmetic Grade
5.6 Paper Grade
5.7 Other Grades
6 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market, By Form
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Powder
6.3 Liquid
6.4 Gel
7 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market, By Functionality
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Thickening Agent
7.3 Stabilizer
7.4 Binder
7.5 Suspending Agent
7.6 Film-Forming Agent
8 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market, By Application
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Dairy Products
8.3 Bakery Products
8.4 Tablets and Capsules
8.5 Hair Care
8.6 Coatings
8.7 Detergents
8.8 Other Applications
9 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market, By End User
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Food & Beverages
9.3 Pharmaceuticals
9.4 Personal Care
9.5 Oil & Gas
9.6 Other End Users
10 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market, By Geography
10.1 Introduction
10.2 North America
10.2.1 US
10.2.2 Canada
10.2.3 Mexico
10.3 Europe
10.3.1 Germany
10.3.2 UK
10.3.3 Italy
10.3.4 France
10.3.5 Spain
10.3.6 Rest of Europe
10.4 Asia Pacific
10.4.1 Japan
10.4.2 China
10.4.3 India
10.4.4 Australia
10.4.5 New Zealand
10.4.6 South Korea
10.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
10.5 South America
10.5.1 Argentina
10.5.2 Brazil
10.5.3 Chile
10.5.4 Rest of South America
10.6 Middle East & Africa
10.6.1 Saudi Arabia
10.6.2 UAE
10.6.3 Qatar
10.6.4 South Africa
10.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa
11 Key Developments
11.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures
11.2 Acquisitions & Mergers
11.3 New Product Launch
11.4 Expansions
11.5 Other Key Strategies
12 Company Profiling
12.1 Dow Inc.
12.2 Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc.
12.3 Nouryon
12.4 Celanese Corporation
12.5 AkzoNobel N.V.
12.6 BASF SE
12.7 Daicel Corporation
12.8 The International Group, Inc.
12.9 JRS Pharma
12.10 Hawkins, Inc.
12.11 Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
12.12 Kemira Oyj
12.13 Lotus Chemical
12.14 Kingstone Chemical
12.15 Lamberti S.p.A.
12.16 Turnspire Capital
List of Tables
1 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Region (2022-2030) ($MN)
2 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Grade (2022-2030) ($MN)
3 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Food Grade (2022-2030) ($MN)
4 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Industrial Grade (2022-2030) ($MN)
5 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Textile Grade (2022-2030) ($MN)
6 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Cosmetic Grade (2022-2030) ($MN)
7 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Paper Grade (2022-2030) ($MN)
8 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Other Grades (2022-2030) ($MN)
9 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Form (2022-2030) ($MN)
10 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Powder (2022-2030) ($MN)
11 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Liquid (2022-2030) ($MN)
12 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Gel (2022-2030) ($MN)
13 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Functionality (2022-2030) ($MN)
14 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Thickening Agent (2022-2030) ($MN)
15 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Stabilizer (2022-2030) ($MN)
16 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Binder (2022-2030) ($MN)
17 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Suspending Agent (2022-2030) ($MN)
18 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Film-Forming Agent (2022-2030) ($MN)
19 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Application (2022-2030) ($MN)
20 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Dairy Products (2022-2030) ($MN)
21 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Bakery Products (2022-2030) ($MN)
22 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Tablets and Capsules (2022-2030) ($MN)
23 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Hair Care (2022-2030) ($MN)
24 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Coatings (2022-2030) ($MN)
25 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Detergents (2022-2030) ($MN)
26 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Other Applications (2022-2030) ($MN)
27 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By End User (2022-2030) ($MN)
28 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Food & Beverages (2022-2030) ($MN)
29 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Pharmaceuticals (2022-2030) ($MN)
30 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Personal Care (2022-2030) ($MN)
31 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Oil & Gas (2022-2030) ($MN)
32 Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Outlook, By Other End Users (2022-2030) ($MN)
Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.
List of Figures
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

We at ‘Stratistics’ opt for an extensive research approach which involves data mining, data validation, and data analysis. The various research sources include in-house repository, secondary research, competitor’s sources, social media research, client internal data, and primary research.
Our team of analysts prefers the most reliable and authenticated data sources in order to perform the comprehensive literature search. With access to most of the authenticated data bases our team highly considers the best mix of information through various sources to obtain extensive and accurate analysis.
Each report takes an average time of a month and a team of 4 industry analysts. The time may vary depending on the scope and data availability of the desired market report. The various parameters used in the market assessment are standardized in order to enhance the data accuracy.
Data Mining
The data is collected from several authenticated, reliable, paid and unpaid sources and is filtered depending on the scope & objective of the research. Our reports repository acts as an added advantage in this procedure. Data gathering from the raw material suppliers, distributors and the manufacturers is performed on a regular basis, this helps in the comprehensive understanding of the products value chain. Apart from the above mentioned sources the data is also collected from the industry consultants to ensure the objective of the study is in the right direction.
Market trends such as technological advancements, regulatory affairs, market dynamics (Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Challenges) are obtained from scientific journals, market related national & international associations and organizations.
Data Analysis
From the data that is collected depending on the scope & objective of the research the data is subjected for the analysis. The critical steps that we follow for the data analysis include:
- Product Lifecycle Analysis
- Competitor analysis
- Risk analysis
- Porters Analysis
- PESTEL Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
The data engineering is performed by the core industry experts considering both the Marketing Mix Modeling and the Demand Forecasting. The marketing mix modeling makes use of multiple-regression techniques to predict the optimal mix of marketing variables. Regression factor is based on a number of variables and how they relate to an outcome such as sales or profits.
Data Validation
The data validation is performed by the exhaustive primary research from the expert interviews. This includes telephonic interviews, focus groups, face to face interviews, and questionnaires to validate our research from all aspects. The industry experts we approach come from the leading firms, involved in the supply chain ranging from the suppliers, distributors to the manufacturers and consumers so as to ensure an unbiased analysis.
We are in touch with more than 15,000 industry experts with the right mix of consultants, CEO's, presidents, vice presidents, managers, experts from both supply side and demand side, executives and so on.
The data validation involves the primary research from the industry experts belonging to:
- Leading Companies
- Suppliers & Distributors
- Manufacturers
- Consumers
- Industry/Strategic Consultants
Apart from the data validation the primary research also helps in performing the fill gap research, i.e. providing solutions for the unmet needs of the research which helps in enhancing the reports quality.
For more details about research methodology, kindly write to us at info@strategymrc.com
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