Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Size:
The carboxymethyl cellulose market size is growing with a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period (2025-2032), and the market is projected to be valued at USD 2.38 Billion by 2032 from USD 1.73 Billion in 2024. Additionally, the market value for the 2025 is attributes to USD 1.80 Billion.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Scope & Overview:
The carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) polymer which is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups attached to some of the hydroxyl groups. It appeared as a white or lightly yellow powder with no odor and taste. This polymer is available in both low purity (≥99%) and high purity (≥99%) grade. It exhibits properties such as high viscosity, biodegradability, and hydrophilicity. Due to this, CMC is used in various end-use sectors such as food & beverage, pulp & paper, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, paints & coatings, and others. Moreover, this polymer is distributed through direct and indirect sales channels to sales to food processors, paints and coatings manufacturers, and paper manufacturing units.
How is AI Impacting the Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market?
AI is influencing the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market by optimizing production and R&D. Machine learning algorithms analyze complex data from synthesis processes, such as the degree of substitution and purity, to ensure consistent, high-quality output and reduce waste. In the R&D space, AI helps predict the properties of new CMC formulations for specific applications, such as in food, pharmaceuticals, and batteries. This predictive capability accelerates the development of specialized grades of CMC that meet the precise needs of various industries. As a result, AI-driven insights are making the manufacturing process more efficient and fostering innovation across the CMC value chain.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Dynamics - (DRO):
Key Drivers:
Growing Demand for Gluten-Free Food Products is Driving Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Growth
In gluten-free food products, carboxymethyl cellulose is used to mimic the structure of gluten and create a smooth, consistent texture in baked goods such as cakes. It also contributes to a better crumb structure and increased volume in gluten-free food products. Moreover, the demand for these products is growing due to increasing awareness about celiac disease and gluten intolerance, furthermore driving the market.
- According to Research Article Published in Applied Food Research, the global demand for gluten-free food products has increased by 16% between the year 2018 and 2022. This growing consumption of gluten-free food products is driving the use of carboxymethyl cellulose to create a smooth and consistent texture.
Hence, growing demand for gluten-free food products is leading to carboxymethyl cellulose market expansion.
Rising Adoption in Oil and Gas Sector is Creating Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Demand
In oil and gas sector, carboxymethyl cellulose is used during hydraulic fracturing operations as a fluid viscosifier to facilitate oil delivery. It also helps to keep salts soluble in drilling muds, ensuring efficient and safe drilling in oil production. Moreover, the companies are expanding their oil production due to increasing transportation, energy production, and use of petrochemicals, furthermore driving the market.
- In 2024, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation invested USD 33 Billion to expand its oil production capacity. This is leading to more oil production, in turn driving the use of carboxymethyl cellulose for efficient and safe drilling.
Hence, rising adoption in oil and gas sector is creating carboxymethyl cellulose market demand.
Key Restraints:
Growing Commercialization of Alternatives is Constraining Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Growth
The commercialization of alternative polymers such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose amongst others is growing. They provide similar functions to that of carboxymethyl cellulose. The hydroxyethyl cellulose is widely used in food products and paper production due to its lower production costs and greater availability. Furthermore, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is preferred in eye drops due to better ocular surface disease index. Additionally, xanthan gum and carrageenan are used in food products such as sauces and ice creams due to better thickening properties and high stability. Hence, the growing commercialization of alternatives is constraining the market growth due to low production cost and greater availability.
Future Opportunities:
Expanding Paints and Coatings Sector is Expected to Create Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Opportunities
In the paints and coatings sector, carboxymethyl cellulose is used for even suspension of pigments and other solid particles in the paint, preventing settling and ensuring a consistent color and texture. It also helps to retain water within the paint, preventing it from drying out too quickly and allowing for extended open time. Moreover, paints and coatings sector is expanding significantly due to growing consumer preference towards aesthetic & durable finishes, technological advancements, and government support.
- As per India Brand Equity Foundation, the paints and coatings sector in India is expected to grow with a polymer annual growth rate of 10% by 2028 from 2023. This will lead to more manufacturing of paints and coatings, thereby creating market opportunities supported by use in maintaining color and texture in paints.
Hence, expanding paints and coatings sector is expected to create carboxymethyl cellulose market opportunities.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Segmental Analysis :
By Purity:
Based on Purity, the market is categorized into low purity (<99%) and high purity (≥99%).
Trends in Purity:
- According to carboxymethyl cellulose market trends, high purity is extensively used in food products and pharmaceutical formulations.
- Adoption of low purity polymer is growing in paper manufacturing to enhance paper strength and printability as per market trends.
The high purity (≥99%) segment accounted for the largest market share in the year 2024.
- The high purity (≥99%) carboxymethyl cellulose polymer is free from significant impurities, ensuring its effectiveness and safety.
- It is used in ice cream, sauces, dressings, and other food products to improve texture and stability.
- It is also utilized in eye drops to relieve irritation and discomfort due to dryness of the eyes.
- Furthermore, the demand for eye drops is increasing due to rising prevalence of eye diseases, aging population and increased screen time. To cater this, companies are expanding their production of eye drops.
- For instance, in 2024, Samil Pharmaceutical started the production plant for eye drops in Vietnam. This is leading to increased use of high purity (≥99%) carboxymethyl cellulose polymer in eye drops to relieve eye irritation.
- Hence, as adoption of eye drops is increasing, the need for this high-purity polymer is also increasing, in turn driving the segment.
The low purity (<99%) segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- The low purity (<99%) carboxymethyl cellulose polymer contains slightly more impurities as compared to the high purity grade.
- It is used in papermaking to enhance paper strength, improve printability as well as aid in coating and sizing processes.
- It is also utilized in used in paints and coatings to improve paint consistency, adhesion, and to prevent settling.
- Furthermore, the adoption of paints and coatings is increasing supported by rapid urbanization, population growth and rising disposable income. To cater this, paint and coatings manufacturers are expanding their production which will drive the use of low purity carboxymethyl cellulose polymer to improve paint consistency.
- Hence, as adoption of paints and coatings is increasing, the need for this polymer is also increasing. This will drive the segment for the forecasted years.
By End-Use:
Based on End-Use, the market is categorized into food & beverage, pulp & paper, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, paints & coatings, and others.
Trends in End-Use:
- As per carboxymethyl cellulose market trends, this polymer is extensively used in dairy products and beverages to improve texture and stability.
- Adoption of carboxymethyl cellulose is growing in paints and coatings to improve the flow and viscosity of the paints as per market trends.
The food & beverage segment accounted for the largest market share of 36.83% in the year 2024.
- In food and beverage sector, CMC polymer is used in ice creams, yogurt, and milk to improve texture, stability, and to prevent melting.
- It is also used in fruit juices, protein drinks, and other beverages to ensure uniform appearance & taste along with preventing sedimentation.
- Further, the consumption of fruit juice is increasing due rising health consciousness and growing preference towards sugar-free drinks. To cater this, companies are investing in the production of fruit juice.
- For instance, in 2024, Peterson Farms invested USD 30 Million in the production of fruit juices. This increasing fruit juices production is leading to more use of CMC polymer to ensure uniform juice appearance.
- Hence, as consumption of fruit juices is growing, the need for this polymer is also increasing, in turn driving the segment.
The paints & coatings segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- In paints and coatings sector, CMC polymer is used to improve the flow and spreading characteristics of the paint. This leads to better brushability, leveling, and reduced brush marks.
- It is also used to increase the viscosity of water-based paints, making them easier to apply and improving their coverage.
- Furthermore, the adoption of water-based paints is growing due to stringent environmental regulations and low volatility. To cater this, paints and coatings companies are increasingly incorporating CMC polymer for better paint flow.
- Hence, as the adoption of water-based paints is growing, the need for this polymer is also increasing. This will drive the segment for the forecasted years.
By Sales Channel:
Based on Sales Channel, the market is categorized into direct sales and indirect sales.
Trends in Sales Channel:
- Direct sales channel provides better product quality and ensures trusts among the customers.
- Adoption of indirect sales channel is growing due to proliferation of retail infrastructure in rural areas as per market trends.
The direct sales segment accounted for the largest market share in the year 2024.
- Direct sales is a type of sales channel where products are sold directly to customers without any intermediaries.
- The CMC polymer is widely sold through direct sales to food processors, paints and coatings manufacturers, and paper manufacturing units. They prefer direct sales due to trust and access to full inventory.
- Furthermore, direct sales channel leads to improved product offerings and personalized marketing. This leads to an increase in direct sales of this polymer to ensure a quality product.
- Hence, as focus on improving product offerings is increasing, the adoption of direct sales is also expanding, in turn driving the segment.
The indirect sales segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- Indirect sales is a type of sales channel where products are sold through intermediaries such as distributors, retailers or agencies.
- It furthermore includes retail sales and online sales where CMC is sold through retailers or through online marketplaces to oil & gas manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and paper manufacturers.
- Moreover, preference for retail sales is growing due to proliferation of retail infrastructure, evolving consumer behavior and government support. This is leading to more retail sales in countries.
- For instance, according to National Bureau of Statistics of China, retail sales is China is increased by 3.8% in 2024 as compared to the year 2023. This includes carboxymethyl cellulose which is distributed through online marketplaces to oil & gas manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and paper manufacturers.
- Thus, as retail infrastructure is expanding, the adoption of retail sales is also increasing. This will drive the segment for the forecasted years.
Regional Analysis:
The regional segment includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.
In 2024, Asia Pacific accounted for the highest market share at 41.52% and was valued at USD 0.72 Billion and is expected to reach USD 0.93 Billion in 2032. In Asia-Pacific, the China accounted for the highest carboxymethyl cellulose market share of 34.36% during the base year of 2024. As per analysis, Asia Pacific region holds a dominant position in the market due to expanding food and beverage sector. The carboxymethyl cellulose polymer is used to retain moisture, prevent shrinkage, and improve the overall texture of baked products. It also helps to maintain quality and prevent ice crystal formation in frozen foods. In addition to this, this polymer is utilized in candies, jams, jellies, and other food products to improve texture, stability, and shelf life. Moreover, in the countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea, government is investing in food processing sector, further driving the market adoption.
- According to Ministry of Food Processing Industries, government invested USD 3.65 Billion in food processing sector in India. This is leading to more production of baked food products thereby driving the use of carboxymethyl cellulose for moisture retention.
Therefore, due to the above-mentioned factors, the Asia Pacific region is dominating in the market as per analysis.
Europe is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period of 2025-2032. According to carboxymethyl cellulose market analysis, Europe region is growing considerably in the market driven by pulp and paper sector. In this sector, carboxymethyl cellulose is used to enhance fiber dispersion, leading to a more uniform paper structure. It also helps to create a surface with good closed nature and ink receptivity, resulting in clear and bright color printing. Additionally, countries such as Germany, France, and United Kingdom are major contributors in the market due to strong investment in paper production. Hence, carboxymethyl cellulose market share of Europe is expected to emerge rapidly through expansion of pulp and paper sector as per analysis.
According to carboxymethyl cellulose market analysis, North American region is growing considerably in the market driven by pharmaceutical sector. The carboxymethyl cellulose is used for binding of ingredients in tablets and capsules, ensuring a cohesive formulation. It is also utilized in medical dressings to promote wound healing by maintaining moisture and forming a protective film. Additionally, countries such as United States is the major contributor to the market growth in this region due to the increase in investment of pharmaceutical sector.
The Middle East & Africa region is experiencing moderate growth in the market driven by expanding oil and gas industry. The carboxymethyl cellulose polymer is used to reduce the amount of fluid lost through the borehole walls. It also helps control the flow properties of drilling fluids and maintain wellbore stability. Additionally, countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq are major contributors in the market due to growing investment in oil and gas projects.
As per analysis, the market in Latin America is driven by paints and coatings industry. The carboxymethyl cellulose polymer helps to stabilize paint formulations and extends their shelf life. It also contributes to the adhesion of the paint to the substrate and helps to form a strong, durable coating. Additionally, in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Columbia, paints and coatings manufacturing plants are expanding. This is leading to carboxymethyl cellulose market expansion across the region.
Top Key Players & Market Share Insights:
The carboxymethyl cellulose industry is highly competitive with major players providing products to the national and international markets. Key players are adopting several strategies in research and development (R&D) and product innovation to hold a strong position in the global carboxymethyl cellulose market. Key players in the carboxymethyl cellulose industry include-
- Nouryon (Netherlands)
- Ashland (United States)
- DKS Co. Ltd (Japan)
- Química Amtex S.A. (Colombia)
- DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (United States)
- Daicel Miraizu Ltd. (Hong Kong)
- CP Kelco (United States)
- Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Japan)
- Dow Chemical Company (United States)
- Lamberti S.P.A (Italy)
Recent Industry Developments :
Product Launch:
- In 2021, ICPA Health Products launched Wet Mouth, a saliva substitute for treating individuals suffering from dry mouth. It contains carboxymethyl cellulose that helps to enhance oral lubrication in the mouth.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Report Insights:
| Report Attributes | Report Details |
| Study Timeline | 2019-2032 |
| Market Size in 2032 | USD 2.38 Billion |
| CAGR (2025-2032) | 4.1% |
| By Purity |
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| By End-Use |
|
| By Sales Channel |
|
| By Region |
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| Key Players |
|
| North America | U.S. Canada Mexico |
| Europe | U.K. Germany France Spain Italy Russia Benelux Rest of Europe |
| APAC | China South Korea Japan India Australia ASEAN Rest of Asia-Pacific |
| Middle East and Africa | GCC Turkey South Africa Rest of MEA |
| LATAM | Brazil Argentina Chile Rest of LATAM |
| Report Coverage |
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Key Questions Answered in the Report
How big is the carboxymethyl cellulose market? +
In 2024, the carboxymethyl cellulose market is USD 1.73 Billion.
Which is the fastest-growing region in the carboxymethyl cellulose market? +
Europe is the fastest-growing region in the carboxymethyl cellulose market.
What specific segmentation details are covered in the carboxymethyl cellulose market? +
Purity, End-Use and Sales Channel are covered in the carboxymethyl cellulose market.
Who are the major players in the carboxymethyl cellulose market? +
Nouryon (Netherlands), Ashland (United States), and Daicel Miraizu Ltd. (Hong Kong) are some of the major players in the market.
