Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Size and Share:

The global carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market size was valued at USD 1.94 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 2.64 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.32% during 2025-2033. Asia-Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of over 35.2% in 2024. The region benefits from cost-efficient production, abundant raw material availability, and the growing preference for processed foods, which represents a key driving factor. Moreover, the increasing population and urbanization further stimulate the need for carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in a wide range of industrial applications, thus positively influencing the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market share.

The global market is experiencing sustained growth due to increasing industrial applications across construction, mining, and textiles. CMC’s rheology-modifying properties make it indispensable in the formulation of paints, adhesives, and ceramics, where viscosity control and stability are critical. The rising demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable ingredients in industrial and consumer products is further strengthening its adoption. The global shift toward sustainable production practices is also prompting manufacturers to prefer cellulose-based derivatives over synthetic alternatives. For instance, a study titled “A Comprehensive Review on Cellulose Nanofibers, Nanomaterials, and Composites: Manufacturing, Properties, and Applications”, published in Nanomaterials in May 2025, discusses the natural properties of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and other cellulose-based derivatives. It highlights their biodegradability, renewability, non-toxicity, and superior mechanical strength compared to synthetic alternatives. The study emphasizes the compound’s effectiveness in applications such as biomedicine, packaging, and environmental remediation. In particular, they are used in drug delivery systems and biodegradable packaging, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional materials.

The United States carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market growth is driven by increasing demand in niche pharmaceutical and medical uses, such as wound care dressing, controlled delivery systems, and oral suspension stabilizers. High-tech research and development facilities across the country promote innovation in materials derived from cellulose, such as new areas of application for biotechnology and life sciences applications. Moreover, rigid environmental regulations are driving industries toward adopting sustainable, natural additives based on plants, making CMC a preferred alternative. The application of CMC in oilfield drilling fluids due to its water retention and fluid-loss control functions is still the prime driver, with increased reinvestments into local energy exploration. Demand from consumers for allergen-free and clean-label ingredients in personal care products also is keeping the market growing.

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. Also, according to reports, 6% of the U.S. population is gluten intolerant.

Increasing Applications in Pharmaceutical Industry

The carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market report highlights its significance in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is essentially used 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 a lucrative environment for the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market outlook.

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) Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on purity level, property, and application.

Analysis by Purity Level:

• Highly Purified
• Technical Grade
• Industrial Grade

Highly purified stand as the largest purity level in 2024, holding around 39.8% of the market. 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.

Analysis by Property:

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

Thickening agent leads the market with around 45.3% of market share in 2024. 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.

Analysis 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 leads the market with around 30% of market share in 2024. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a widely used food additive known for its thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying properties. It enhances the texture and shelf life of products like ice cream, sauces, and baked goods, and supports the growing demand for low-fat and gluten-free options. CMC's versatility also extends to dairy, meat, confectionery, and beverage industries. In the U.S., retail and food services sales reached $703.1 billion in May 2024, a 2.3% increase from the previous year. Similarly, Canadian food and beverage retail sales totaled $152.0 billion in 2022, with a profit margin of 7.4%.

Regional Analysis:

• 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

In 2024, Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest market share of over 35.2%. Asia-Pacific leads the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market due to its expanding food and beverage industry, driven by rising population and increasing disposable incomes. Industry reports indicate that by 2033, 61% of the global population will reside in urban areas, with cities in emerging Asia contributing to 95% of this growth. As disposable incomes rise, particularly in cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Manila, the demand for high-quality goods and services continues to grow. The expanding middle class and economic development in the region create significant opportunities for businesses. Similarly, urban centers in India, including Delhi and Bangalore, are experiencing substantial growth, with disposable income expected to rise by 73%. 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.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Analysis

In 2024, the United States held a market share of around 73.6% in North America. The United States carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market is primarily driven by a diverse range of industrial sectors, including food processing, oil and gas, construction, and healthcare. In the food sector, manufacturers rely on CMC for its stabilizing, thickening, and gelling properties, incorporating it into a wide range of products such as sauces, ice cream, and gluten-free foods. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, 11% of participants reported following a gluten-free diet at least once, while 56% reported following this diet 75% of the time, highlighting the robust demand for gluten-free foods. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies are also contributing to market growth, using CMC as a binder, disintegrant, and thickener in tablet formulations, as well as in controlled-release drugs. Moreover, the personal care and cosmetics industries are increasingly adopting CMC for its use in products such as shampoos, lotions, and toothpaste, where it helps in consistency and texture. Additionally, the rise in consumer preference for natural and sustainable products has boosted CMC adoption in various applications, as it is a plant-derived, biodegradable material. The healthcare sector also plays a role, with CMC used in wound care products, eye drops, and as a drug delivery agent.

Asia Pacific Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Analysis

The Asia Pacific carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market is expanding due to the rapid growth of industries such as oil and gas, textiles, and paper manufacturing. In the oil and gas sector, CMC plays a critical role as a viscosifier in drilling fluids, improving the efficiency of extraction processes, particularly in regions with challenging geological conditions. For instance, in India, the demand for oil is expected to reach 11 Million barrels per day by 2045, as per the India Brand Equity Foundation. The demand for natural gas was also expected to increase by 25 Billion Cubic Metres (BCM) in the country in 2024. This rising demand for oil and gas is expected to consequently increase the demand for CMC, ensuring sustained market growth. Other than this, the need for natural, biodegradable products in packaging, coatings, and adhesives further strengthens the role of CMC in these industries, making it an essential component for businesses aiming to align with evolving consumer preferences for environmentally friendly solutions.

Europe Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Analysis

The Europe carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market is largely influenced by the food industry, the cosmetics sector, and the rapidly growing sustainable materials market. Within the food sector, manufacturers are increasingly relying on CMC for its stabilizing, emulsifying, and thickening properties, particularly in plant-based and low-fat food products, where it serves as a crucial ingredient for texture and consistency. Moreover, as the demand for natural and organic ingredients rises, CMC's role as a plant-derived, biodegradable material aligns with consumer preferences for cleaner labels in food products. According to industry reports, in 2023, retail sales of organic products totaled 54.7 Billion Euros in Europe. The European Union also came out as the second-largest market for organic products globally. Additionally, in the textile industry, CMC is being increasingly used as a sizing agent, improving fabric strength, smoothness, and finish. Its ability to enhance dyeing processes and provide a better fabric feel is increasingly sought after in both high-quality and mass-produced textiles. The paper industry also heavily relies on CMC, where it serves as a coating and binder, enhancing the paper's texture and printability while reducing its permeability. Overall, the increasing focus on environmentally friendly materials is driving CMC adoption across various applications as industries seek alternatives to synthetic chemicals.

Latin America Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Analysis

The Latin America carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market is propelled by the increasing demand across diverse sectors, particularly oil and gas and paper manufacturing. In the oil and gas industry, CMC is used as a viscosifier in drilling fluids, enhancing the effectiveness of extraction processes. The expanding oil and gas industry is thereby expected to fuel the continuous demand for CMC as a crucial component of the drilling process. For instance, Brazil's oil and gas industry is steadily expanding. Natural gas production in the country averaged 155 million cubic meters per day (MMm³/d) and its oil production reached 3.575 million barrels per day (MMb/d) from July to December 2023, recording a robust growth of 7.3% in comparison to the first six months of the year. Besides this, CMC is greatly valued in the paper industry for its binding and coating properties, which improve the quality and durability of paper products, further contributing to market growth.

Middle East and Africa Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market is driven by the growing demand from sectors such as agriculture, textiles, and personal care. In agriculture, CMC is used in soil treatments, fertilizers, and as a thickening agent in pesticides, enhancing product efficiency and effectiveness. Consequently, as the agrochemicals market in the Middle East grows at an estimated CAGR of 2.79% during 2024-2032, the need for CMC in various fertilizers and pesticides is also expected to increase proportionately. Additionally, the personal care industry is increasingly adopting CMC in formulations for skincare and haircare products, where it acts as a stabilizer and enhances texture. The increasing preference for natural, biodegradable ingredients in these sectors is boosting the demand for CMC, as it is a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market is marked by the presence of both global industry leaders and regional manufacturers. Large players typically dominate through their technological expertise, wide distribution networks, and consistent investments in research and development to cater to various end-use industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. Meanwhile, smaller and regional manufacturers often focus on niche segments, offering specialized solutions and creating healthy market competition. Regulatory compliance, supply chain stability, and innovation in product formulations are critical factors influencing success in this market. The carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market forecast suggests that companies will continue to focus on product differentiation, sustainability, and expanding application areas to maintain competitiveness and respond to evolving consumer and industry demands. For instance, in March 2025, Daicel Corporation launched BELLOCEA® BS7, a biodegradable cellulose acetate spherical particle designed to replace microplastic beads in cosmetics. This eco-friendly ingredient offers a smooth, soft texture comparable to traditional microbeads and meets European biodegradation standards. BELLOCEA® BS7 is derived from plant-based cellulose and acetic acid, ensuring environmental compatibility. With the EU's 2035 microbead ban approaching, Daicel aims to expand its market presence, starting in Europe, in the rapidly growing alternative microbead sector, projected to grow annually by over 10%.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• 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.
• Zibo Hailan Chemical Co. Ltd.

Latest News and Developments:

• April 2025: Lamberti USA completed the acquisition of the Covestro manufacturing facility in East Providence, Rhode Island. This marks a significant milestone for the company, solidifying its established commercial and industrial footprint in the United States.
• April 2025: Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc. announced the completion of the expansion of its pharmaceutical production facility in Cabreúva, Brazil. This development will substantially increase Ashland’s pharmaceutical presence across Latin America.
• March 2025: Daicel Corporation and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation reached an agreement for the purchase of all the issued stock of Toyama Filter Tow Co., Ltd. in order to make the company a fully owned division of Daicel starting 1 April 2025. By establishing Toyama Filter Tow as a fully owned subsidiary, Daicel will run three production bases, including their Aboshi and Ohtake Plants, as a single organization.
• March 2025: The Aphranel® MagiCCrystal CaHA Filler brand of Shanghai Moyom Biotechnology successfully secured the Class III Medical Device Certificate from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). The product uses a pre-mixing method that combines CaHA with CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) in order to ensure homogeneous particle suspension and a smooth insertion push force. It is completely biodegradable and has been validated by 31 biochemical tests.
• 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 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 study 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.
• 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.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.