Global Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Report 2025: Size Projected USD 2.64 Billion, CAGR of 3.32% by 2033.

Market Overview

The global carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market was valued at USD 1.94 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.64 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.32% during 2025-2033. Dominated by Asia-Pacific with a market share over 35.2%, the region benefits from cost-efficient production, abundant raw materials, and growing processed food preference. Key industrial applications in construction, textiles, and pharmaceuticals are also driving demand.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024
• Historical Years: 2019-2024
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Key Takeaways

• The global market size was USD 1.94 Billion in 2024, expected to grow to USD 2.64 Billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 3.32% for 2025-2033.
• Asia-Pacific held over 35.2% market share in 2024, attributed to affordable production and a strong industrial base.
• Demand is fueled by sectors such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and oil drilling.
• In the U.S., 6% of the population is gluten intolerant, driving gluten-free product demand and CMC usage.
• The pharmaceutical market in India, growing at 9.43% CAGR, offers lucrative opportunities for CMC growth.
• Personal care products benefit from CMC's viscosity-enhancing, natural, and biodegradable attributes.

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Market Growth Factors

The carboxymethyl cellulose market is propelled by rising industrial applications in sectors such as construction, mining, and textiles. Its rheology-modifying properties make it essential for formulating paints, adhesives, and ceramics, where controlling viscosity and stability is critical. The demand for eco-friendly, biodegradable ingredients bolsters CMC adoption, supported by a global shift towards sustainable production practices favoring cellulose derivatives over synthetic alternatives.

Increasing demand for gluten-free food products is a significant market driver. CMC acts as an effective gluten substitute by enhancing moisture retention, texture, and structural integrity in gluten-free baked goods. Surveys report that 24% of respondents usually avoid gluten and 6% of the U.S. population is gluten intolerant, which, alongside rising health consciousness and awareness of celiac disease, escalates the use of CMC in food formulations.

The pharmaceutical and personal care industries further strengthen market growth. CMC serves as a binding agent, disintegrant, and stabilizer in drug formulations, improving bioavailability. India's pharmaceutical market expansion-valued at USD 42 billion in 2021 and projected to exceed USD 120 billion by 2030-provides a lucrative environment. In personal care, CMC enhances viscosity and texture in toothpaste, lotions, and shampoos, with rising consumer preferences for natural, biodegradable ingredients. For example, China's cosmetics retail sales increased 5.4% year-on-year to $24.4 billion in early 2024, underscoring sector growth.

Market Segmentation

By Purity Level:

• Highly Purified: Largest segment in 2024 with approximately 39.8% market share. Preferred for pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care due to superior quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Technical Grade
• Industrial Grade

By Property:

• Thickening Agent: Leading property type with about 45.3% market share in 2024. Key for enhancing texture and consistency in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products due to high viscosity and water-binding abilities.

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

By Application:

• Food and Beverages: Largest application segment with around 30% market share in 2024. Used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier to improve texture, shelf life, and support gluten-free and low-fat products.

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

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific dominates the carboxymethyl cellulose market with over 35.2% share in 2024. The region's leadership stems from its growing food and beverage industry, large population, rising disposable income, and expanding pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. Urbanization and increased demand for processed foods and industrial applications such as oil drilling and textiles enhance growth prospects. Major producers and R&D activities in China and India further solidify the region's market dominance.

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Recent Developments & News

• April 2025: Lamberti USA acquired the Covestro manufacturing facility in East Providence, Rhode Island, expanding its U.S. industrial footprint.
• April 2025: Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc. completed the expansion of its pharmaceutical production facility in Cabreúva, Brazil, increasing presence in Latin America.
• March 2025: Daicel Corporation and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation agreed to acquire Toyama Filter Tow Co., Ltd., making it a wholly owned subsidiary, consolidating three production bases.
• March 2025: Shanghai Moyom Biotechnology's Aphranel® MagiCCrystal CaHA Filler received Class III Medical Device Certificate from China NMPA, featuring a biodegradable CMC-based product.
• June 2024: Tate & Lyle announced acquisition of CP Kelco's global shares for approximately US$1.8 billion, enhancing its specialty gums portfolio.

Key Players

• Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
• Cellulose Solution Private Limited
• Chongqing Lihong Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd
• Daicel Miraizu Ltd
• Lamberti S.p.A.
• Mikro-Technik GmbH
• Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd
• Nouryon
• Qingdao Tianya Chemical Co., Ltd
• Sinocmc Chemical Co., Ltd.
• Tokyo Chemical Industry (India) Pvt. Ltd.

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