The cellulose derivatives market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• The cellulose derivatives market has shown substantial growth in recent years. It will grow from $6.31 billion in 2024 to $6.82 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0%.
The growth in this market has been fueled by the rising demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products, increased usage in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and personal care industries, a supportive regulatory environment, and greater awareness of the benefits of cellulose derivatives.
The cellulose derivatives market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• The cellulose derivatives market is projected to grow to $9.18 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 7.7%.
Growth drivers include the expansion of the pharmaceutical and personal care industries, the adoption of cellulose derivatives in new applications like 3D printing, and urbanization in emerging markets. Key trends include mergers and acquisitions, the development of advanced cellulose derivatives, increased demand for cellulose ethers, and the use of cellulose esters in specialty coatings.
The increasing demand for pharmaceuticals and personal care products is expected to drive the growth of the cellulose derivatives market. Advancements in medical and cosmetic technologies, along with an aging population, are boosting the adoption of pharmaceuticals and personal care items. Cellulose derivatives are widely used in these products as stabilizers, thickeners, and excipients to enhance texture and delivery. The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations reported that pharmaceutical production reached $374 billion in 2022, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted a 12.3% increase in personal care product spending. This demand is driving the cellulose derivatives market.
The cellulose derivatives market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Type: Methyl Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC), Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), Ethyl Cellulose, Other Types
2) By Grade: Industrial Grade, Food Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade
3) By End Users: Food Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Personal Care, Construction, Paint Industry, Other End Users
Subsegments:
1) By Methyl Cellulose: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate (HPMCAS)
2) By Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC): Pharmaceutical Grade, Food Grade, Industrial Grade
3) By Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC): Low Viscosity, Medium Viscosity, High Viscosity
4) By Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC): Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (NaCMC), Calcium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CaCMC), Other Salts
5) By Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC): Low Viscosity, Medium Viscosity, High Viscosity
6) By Ethyl Cellulose: Pharmaceutical Grade, Food Grade, Industrial Grade
7) By Other Types: Ethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (EHEC), Sodium Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (NaHEC), Other Modified Cellulose Derivatives
Companies in the cellulose derivatives market are focusing on sustainable solutions like cellulose thickeners to meet the demand for eco-friendly products. Cellulose thickeners are used to enhance the viscosity and stability of products in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. For instance, in April 2022, Netherlands-based Nouryon launched Bermocoll flow cellulose ethers. This product offers enhanced resistance to sagging and improved spatter resistance in paints, making it suitable for low-VOC formulations and airless spray applications, providing a sustainable alternative for paints.
Major companies operating in the cellulose derivatives market are:
• The Dow Chemical Company
• Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• Eastman Chemical Company
• Celanese Corporation
• Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.
• Sappi Limited
• Nouryon
• SNF Group
• Daicel Corporation
• Ashland Global Holdings Inc
• Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc
• LOTTE Fine Chemical Co. Ltd
• Viscofan
• CP Kelco ApS
• Lamberti SpA
• Yueyang Xingchang Petrochemical Co Ltd
• DKS Co Ltd
• Shandong Head Co Ltd
• J RETTENMAIER & SÖHNE GmbH + Co KG
• Reliance Cellulose Products Ltd
• SE Tylose GmbH & Co KG
• Hangzhou Dayangchem Co Ltd
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the cellulose derivatives market in 2023 and is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the cellulose derivatives market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.