Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Size:

The global carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market size reached USD 1.94 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 2.64 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%  during 2025-2033. The market is propelled by the increasing product demand in the food and beverage (F&B) industry as a thickener and stabilizer, its rising importance as a binder and disintegrant in the pharmaceutical sector, and the widespread application in personal care products for improved texture and viscosity.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The market is majorly being driven by the rising demand in the F&B sector as a stabilizing and thickening agent, the increasing use in oil drilling fluids due to its rheological properties, the pharmaceutical industry's need for CMC as a binding and disintegrating agent, and its growing application in personal care products for improved texture and viscosity.
• Key Market Trends: Key trends in the market include the increasing demand for low-fat and gluten-free food products, which utilize CMC as a fat replacer and stabilizer. There is also a growing preference for natural and biodegradable ingredients in personal care and cosmetic products. Moreover, advancements in pharmaceutical formulations and the rising use of CMC in drug delivery systems are significant trends shaping the market.
• Geographical Trends: Asia Pacific leads the Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) market due to rapid industrialization, expanding food and beverage sectors, and increasing demand in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Growing populations, rising disposable incomes, and significant investments in research and development further boost CMC consumption in the region.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) industry include Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc, Cellulose Solution Private Limited, Chongqing Lihong Fine Chemicals Co. Ltd., Daicel Corporation, DKS Co. Ltd, J.M. Huber Corporation, Lamberti S.p.A., Madhu Hydrocolloids Private Limited, Mikro-Technik GmbH & Company KG, Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Qingdao Sinocmc Chemical Co. Ltd., TCI Chemicals (India) Pvt. Ltd., and Zibo Hailan Chemical Co. Ltd., among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Opportunities in the market include expanding applications in new industries, such as bioplastics and 3D printing, and increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. However, challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and stringent regulatory requirements can hinder market growth. Additionally, competition from alternative hydrocolloids and thickeners poses a challenge. Effective market strategies and innovation in product development can help overcome these challenges.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Trends:

Increasing Demand for Gluten-free Food Products

The increasing demand for gluten-free food products drives the CMC market growth as CMC acts as an effective gluten substitute, providing the desired texture and consistency in gluten-free baked goods. For instance, according to a survey which included responses from 22 countries, 24% of respondents always or usually avoid gluten, 12% have increased their use of gluten-free food in the past two years, 25% are extremely or very concerned about gluten intolerance, and 4% are personally affected by gluten intolerance. CMC improves the structural integrity, moisture retention, and mouthfeel of gluten-free products, making them more appealing to consumers. The rise in gluten intolerance and celiac disease awareness, along with the growing health-conscious population, further boosts the demand for gluten-free foods, subsequently increasing the need for CMC in food formulations. According to Cleveland Clinic, About 6% of the U.S. population is gluten intolerant.

Increasing Applications in Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, CMC is essential as a binding agent in tablets, a disintegrant, and a stabilizer in liquid medications. Its ability to enhance drug formulations and improve bioavailability makes it a valuable component, driving demand in the healthcare sector. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India's domestic pharmaceutical market was valued at USD 42 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to USD 65 billion by 2024, with further expansion expected to reach USD 120-130 billion by 2030. Moreover, the Indian pharmaceutical industry, currently ranked third globally in terms of production volume, has evolved into a thriving sector, growing at a CAGR of 9.43% over the past nine years. Therefore, increasing the export of pharmaceutical products from the country is expected to create an upside for the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market.

Increasing Product Use in Personal Care Items

The personal care industry relies on CMC for its ability to enhance the viscosity and texture of products like toothpaste, lotions, and shampoos. The trend towards natural and biodegradable ingredients further boosts its demand, aligning with consumer preferences for sustainable personal care products. For instance, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, a data published in June 2024 revealed that total retail sales of cosmetics from January to May this year reached 176.3 billion RMB ($24.4 billion), marking a 5.4% year-on-year increase. In May alone, retail sales hit 40.6 billion RMB ($5.6 billion), reflecting an 18.7% YoY growth, the highest since April of last year. In April 2023, retail sales of cosmetics grew by 24.3% YoY. Such significant expansion of the personal care and beauty sector facilitates the usage of CMC, which, in turn, is contributing to the market growth.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on purity level, property, and application.

Breakup by Purity Level:

• Highly Purified 
• Technical Grade 
• Industrial Grade
   

Highly purified accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the purity level. This includes highly purified, technical grade, and industrial grade. According to the report, highly purified represented the largest segment.

Highly purified carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) leads the market due to its superior quality and broad application range, particularly in pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care industries. Its high purity ensures consistent performance, safety, and compliance with stringent regulatory standards, making it essential for sensitive applications like drug formulations, food additives, and high-end cosmetics. The demand for high-quality, reliable ingredients in these sectors drives the preference for highly purified CMC, cementing its market leadership.

Breakup by Property:

• Thickening Agent
• Stabilizer
• Binder
• Anti-Repository Agent 
• Lubricator 
• Emulsifier
• Excipient
   

Thickening Agent holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the property have also been provided in the report. This includes thickening agent, stabilizer, binder, anti-repository agent, lubricator, emulsifier, and excipient. According to the report, thickening agent accounted for the largest market share.

The thickening agent property represents the dominant property type because CMC's high viscosity and water-binding capabilities make it ideal for enhancing texture and consistency in various applications. In the food industry, it stabilizes and thickens products like sauces and desserts. In pharmaceuticals, it improves the viscosity of liquid medicines. Additionally, in personal care products, CMC provides the desired thickness in lotions and shampoos, making it a versatile and widely used additive across industries.

Breakup by Application:

• Food and Beverages
• Oil and Refining
• Pharmaceutical
• Paint and Textile
• Cosmetics and Personal Care 
• Paper Coating and Household Care 
• Others
   

Food and Beverages represents the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes food and beverages, oil and refining, pharmaceutical, paint and textile, cosmetics and personal care, paper coating and household care, and others. According to the report, food and beverages represented the largest segment.

The food and beverages sector leads the market due to its extensive use as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent. CMC improves the texture, consistency, and shelf life of products like ice cream, sauces, and baked goods. The growing consumer demand for high-quality, low-fat, and gluten-free foods further boosts its application. Additionally, its ability to enhance the mouthfeel and appearance of various food items makes it indispensable in modern food processing and production. As per US Census Bureau, advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for May 2024, adjusted for seasonal variations, were $703.1 billion, marking a 0.1% increase from the previous month and a 2.3% rise from May 2023. Sales from March to May 2024 were up 2.9% compared to the same period last year. The March to April 2024 percent change was revised to a 0.2% decrease. Retail trade sales increased by 0.2% from April 2024 and 2.0% from last year. Nonstore retailers saw a 6.8% increase from last year. Moreover, according to StatCan, retail sales of food and beverage stores totalled $152.0 billion in 2022, exhibiting a profit margin of 7.4% in 2022.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific leads the market, accounting for the largest carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific represents the largest regional market for carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

Asia-Pacific leads the Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) market due to its expanding food and beverage industry, driven by rising population and increasing disposable incomes. The region's robust pharmaceutical and personal care sectors also contribute to high demand for CMC. Additionally, the growing industrial applications, particularly in oil drilling and textiles, further boost market growth. Major CMC producers and extensive R&D activities in countries like China and India enhance production capabilities, solidifying Asia-Pacific's leadership in the CMC market. For instance, according to L'Oréal's Universal Registration Document 2022, the Asia-Pacific region represented over 42% of the global cosmetics market in 2022. This substantial market share is anticipated to drive the growth of the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market.

In January 2022, CP Kelco, a prominent CMC manufacturer, announced an expansion of its production capacity at the Wulian, China facility. This expansion was intended to meet the increasing demand for CMC across various industries.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) industry include Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc, Cellulose Solution Private Limited, Chongqing Lihong Fine Chemicals Co. Ltd., Daicel Corporation, DKS Co. Ltd, J.M. Huber Corporation, Lamberti S.p.A., Madhu Hydrocolloids Private Limited, Mikro-Technik GmbH & Company KG, Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Qingdao Sinocmc Chemical Co. Ltd., TCI Chemicals (India) Pvt. Ltd. and Zibo Hailan Chemical Co. Ltd.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• The competitive landscape of the market is characterized by the presence of several key players. These companies focus on expanding production capacities, strategic acquisitions, and product innovations to strengthen their market positions. The market is also influenced by rising demand from various end-use industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. Additionally, smaller regional players and new entrants contribute to the competition by offering cost-effective solutions and catering to niche markets. Overall, the CMC market is highly competitive with continuous advancements and strategic developments.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market News:

• In February 2023, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. established a subsidiary named SUNROSE MAC in Hungary for the manufacturing and sales of carboxymethyl cellulose. This expansion enabled the company to enhance its supply chain throughout Europe.
• In June 2024, Tate & Lyle announced that it will acquire the entire issued share capital of CP Kelco U.S., CP Kelco China, and CP Kelco ApS, along with their subsidiaries, from J.M. Huber Corporation for a total implied consideration of US$1.8 billion (approximately £1.4 billion) on a cash-free, debt-free basis. CP Kelco is a leading provider of pectin, specialty gums, and other nature-based ingredients.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.