Cellulose derivatives are compounds derived from cellulose through chemical modifications, aimed at enhancing or altering its properties for various applications. These derivatives offer improved processability and functionality, making them ideal for creating environmentally friendly products that are biodegradable and non-toxic.
The main types of cellulose derivatives include methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), ethyl cellulose, among others. Methyl cellulose, for instance, is utilized in pharmaceuticals as a thickener, emulsifier, and binder in tablet formulations. These derivatives are further categorized into grades such as Industrial Grade, Food Grade, and Pharmaceutical Grade, catering to end-users such as the food industry, pharmaceutical industry, personal care sector, construction industry, paint industry, and more.
The cellulose derivatives market research report is one of a series of new reports from the business research company that provides cellulose derivatives market statistics, including cellulose derivatives industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an cellulose derivatives market share, detailed cellulose derivatives market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the cellulose derivatives industry. This cellulose derivatives market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The cellulose derivatives market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.31 billion in 2024 to $6.82 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products, increasing usage in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and personal care industries, a favorable regulatory landscape promoting the use of cellulose derivatives, and awareness about the benefits of cellulose derivatives in various applications.
The cellulose derivatives market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $9.18 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the expansion of the pharmaceutical and personal care industries, the adoption of cellulose derivatives in novel applications such as 3D printing and biodegradable packaging, emerging markets witnessing rapid urbanization and industrialization, and innovations in manufacturing processes improving cost-efficiency. Major trends in the forecast period include consolidation via mergers and acquisitions, the development of advanced cellulose derivatives, a surge in cellulose ethers for thickening and stabilizing, rising demand for microcrystalline cellulose in pharma, and the adoption of cellulose esters in specialty coatings and films.
The growing demand for pharmaceuticals and personal care products is expected to drive the expansion of the cellulose derivatives market. This rise in demand is attributed to increasing health awareness, aging populations, and advancements in medical and cosmetic technologies. Cellulose derivatives are commonly used in pharmaceuticals and personal care products as thickeners, stabilizers, and excipients, enhancing the texture, stability, and delivery of active ingredients. For example, in June 2023, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations reported that pharmaceutical production reached approximately $374.00 billion in 2022, up from $356.35 billion in 2021. Additionally, in September 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a US government agency, revealed that average consumer spending on personal care products increased by 12.3%, reaching $866 in 2022, compared to $771 in 2021. Therefore, the growing demand for pharmaceuticals and personal care products is driving the growth of the cellulose derivatives market.
Major companies in the cellulose derivatives market are focusing on innovative and sustainable solutions, such as cellulose thickeners, to address environmental concerns and meet the rising demand for eco-friendly products across industries. Cellulose thickeners enhance viscosity and stability in various products, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. For example, Nouryon launched Bermocoll flow cellulose ethers in April 2022, offering improved sag resistance, leveling, spatter resistance, and hiding compared to standard thickeners in paint systems. This water-soluble product is particularly suitable for low-VOC paint formulations and airless spray applications, providing a natural and sustainable option for interior and exterior decorative paints.
In September 2022, Roquette acquired Crest Cellulose Pvt. Ltd. to strengthen its presence in the cellulose derivatives market and enhance its offerings for the pharmaceutical and personal care industries. Crest Cellulose Pvt. Ltd., based in India, specializes in producing cellulose derivatives for various applications in these sectors.
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 & SOHNE 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 2024 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.
The countries covered in the cellulose derivatives market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The cellulose derivatives market consists of sales of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and cellulose nitrate. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Cellulose Derivatives Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on cellulose derivatives market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for cellulose derivatives ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The cellulose derivatives market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.
Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
Data segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Cellulose Derivatives market Characteristics
3. Cellulose Derivatives market Trends And Strategies
4. Cellulose Derivatives market - Macro Economic Scenario Including The Impact Of Interest Rates, Inflation, Geopolitics, Covid And Recovery On The Market
5. Global Cellulose Derivatives Growth Analysis And Strategic Analysis Framework
5.1. Global Cellulose Derivatives PESTEL Analysis (Political, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal Factors, Drivers and Restraints)
5.2. Analysis Of End Use Industries
5.3. Global Cellulose Derivatives market Growth Rate Analysis
5.4. Global Cellulose Derivatives Historic Market Size and Growth, 2019 - 2024, Value ($ Billion)
5.5. Global Cellulose Derivatives Forecast Market Size and Growth, 2024 - 2029, 2034F, Value ($ Billion)
5.6. Global Cellulose Derivatives Total Addressable Market (TAM)
6. Cellulose Derivatives market Segmentation
6.1. Global Cellulose Derivatives market, Segmentation By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Methyl Cellulose
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC)
Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)
Ethyl Cellulose
Other Types
6.2. Global Cellulose Derivatives market, Segmentation By Grade, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Industrial Grade
Food Grade
Pharmaceutical Grade
6.3. Global Cellulose Derivatives market, Segmentation By End Users, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Food Industry
Pharmaceutical Industry
Personal Care
Construction
Paint Industry
Other End Users
6.4. Global Cellulose Derivatives Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Methyl Cellulose, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
6.5. Global Cellulose Derivatives Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Pharmaceutical Grade
Food Grade
Industrial Grade
6.6. Global Cellulose Derivatives Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC), By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Low Viscosity
Medium Viscosity
High Viscosity
6.7. Global Cellulose Derivatives Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (NaCMC)
Calcium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CaCMC)
Other Salts
6.8. Global Cellulose Derivatives Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Low Viscosity
Medium Viscosity
High Viscosity
6.9. Global Cellulose Derivatives Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Ethyl Cellulose, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Pharmaceutical Grade
Food Grade
Industrial Grade
6.10. Global Cellulose Derivatives Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Other Types, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Ethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (EHEC)
Sodium Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (NaHEC)
Other Modified Cellulose Derivatives
7. Cellulose Derivatives market Regional And Country Analysis
7.1. Global Cellulose Derivatives market, Split By Region, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
7.2. Global Cellulose Derivatives market, Split By Country, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion