| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 1.57 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 1.97 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 4.64 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players_Market_-_Key_Players.webp "Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Major Players")
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Analysis
The Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market size is estimated at USD 1.57 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.97 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.64% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The COVID-19 pandemic harmed the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) sector. Global lockdowns and severe rules enforced by governments resulted in a catastrophic setback as most production hubs were shut down. Nonetheless, the business is recovering since 2021 and is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
- Increasing adoption of processed and convenient food and a surge in oil drilling activities are some factors driving the studied market's growth.
- Conversely, the availability of substitutes is expected to hinder the studied market's growth.
- Nevertheless, significant growth in the pharmaceutical sector is likely to create lucrative growth opportunities over the forecast period.
- The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the market and will likely witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Trends
Growing Applications in the Food and Beverages Sector
- The food and beverages application segment accounted for a significant revenue share in the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market in 2022. CMC is popularly used as a viscosity modifier/thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in milk products, drinks, dressings and seasonings, ice creams, frozen desserts, etc. CMC stabilizes ice creams by imparting a smooth and creamy texture by regulating ice crystal size growth. Its stabilizing property is also utilized in milk products where it forms soluble complexes with casein, thus preventing its precipitation upon the acidification of milk. Also, due to its excellent binding and viscosity-modifying properties, CMC is an alternative to gluten in bakery items.
- The large consumption of processed food in developed countries and the changing food habits stimulating fast adaptability to convenient food among the working generation boosted the demand for CMC in food and beverage applications. Furthermore, the growing awareness of good food habits and rising health consciousness made way for gluten-free foods in the market.
- As the population continues to grow, meeting the increasing demand for food is augmenting the food and beverages sector, which is one of the key factors driving the growth of the target industry. For instance, according to US Census Bureau, in 2022, annual sales of retail food and beverage stores in the United States amounted to approximately USD 947 billion, which showed an increase of 7.6% compared to 2021.
- Moreover, according to StatCan, retail sales of food and beverage stores in Canada amounted to approximately CAD 12.1 billion (USD 9.30 billion) in June 2022, which showed an increase of 1% compared to January 2022.
- The companies involved in the global food and beverages industry are adopting several business strategies to strengthen their position in the market. In January 2023, American multinational food company PepsiCo announced that it is planning to expand its operation in Hyderabad and add 1,200 employees within the next one and a half years.
- Therefore, considering the factors above, the demand for CMC will rise significantly in the food and beverages application segment shortly.
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Asia-Pacific Region to Dominate the Market
- The Asia-Pacific dominated the global carboxymethyl cellulose market in 2022, with a significant market share in revenue. It is projected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period.
- Growing demand for CMC in food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications is the primary factor driving the growth of the Asian-Pacific region's target industry. The increasing expenditure on multicuisine foods and personal care products due to the growing disposable income in countries like China and India fuels market growth.
- Due to urbanization, growing disposable income, and social media influence in China, the beauty and personal care market is experiencing a burgeoning demand for higher quality, premium brand products. For instance, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in January 2022, the retail trade revenue of cosmetics in China amounted to about USD 9.18 billion. It reached about USD 9.76 billion in January 2023. As the demand for cosmetic products expands further in second-and third-tier cities of China, the CMC market is expected to maintain its growth momentum shortly.
- Moreover, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India's domestic pharmaceutical market stood at USD 42 billion in 2021 and is likely to reach USD 65 billion by 2024 and further expand to USD 120-130 billion by 2030.
- Moreover, India is a significant and rising country in the global pharmaceuticals sector. For instance, according to IBEF, India is the 12th largest exporter of medical goods globally. Indian drugs are exported to more than 200 countries, with the United States being the key market. Generic drugs account for 20% of the global export volume, making the country the largest provider of generic medicines globally. Indian drug and pharmaceutical exports stood at USD 24.60 billion in FY22 and USD 24.44 billion in FY21. Therefore, increasing the export of pharmaceutical products from the country is expected to create an upside for the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market.
- Furthermore, according to L'Oréal - Universal Registration Document 2022, the Asia-Pacific accounts for over 42% of the global cosmetics market in 2022, which is expected to boost the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market.
- All factors above are likely to fuel the growth of the Asia-Pacific carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market over the forecast time frame.
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Carboxymethyl Cellulose Industry Overview
The Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market is fragmented in nature. The major players in this market (not in a particular order) include DuPont, Nouryon, Ashland, NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD., and DKS Co. Ltd., among others.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Leaders
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DuPont
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Nouryon
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Ashland
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NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
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DKS Co. Ltd.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
_Market_Market_Concentration.webp "Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Concentration")
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Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market News
- February 2023: In Hungary, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. established a manufacturing and sales subsidiary for carboxymethyl cellulose named SUNROSE MAC. This expansion helped the company to grow its supply chain across Europe.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Industry Segmentation
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) belongs to the polysaccharide family. It is an anionic derivative of cellulose, typically synthesized by the reaction of plant-derived cellulose with monochloroacetic acid or its sodium salt in an organic solvent under alkaline conditions. The carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market is segmented based on application and geography. The market is segmented by application into food and beverage, oil and gas, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, detergents, paper processing, and other applications (mining, paints and coatings, construction, textile processing, adhesives, and ceramics). The report offers market size and forecasts for 15 countries across major regions. For each segment, market sizing and forecasts are based on revenue (USD) for all the above segments.
| Application | Food and Beverages | ||
| Oil and Gas | |||
| Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals | |||
| Detergents | |||
| Paper Processing | |||
| Other Applications (Mining, Paints and Coatings, Construction, Textile Processing, Adhesives, Ceramics) | |||
| Geography | Asia-Pacific | China | |
| India | |||
| Japan | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| North America | United States | ||
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| Europe | Germany | ||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Italy | |||
| France | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
| Middle-East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | ||
| South Africa | |||
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa | |||
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Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Research FAQs
How big is the Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market?
The Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market size is expected to reach USD 1.57 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.64% to reach USD 1.97 billion by 2030.
What is the current Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market size?
In 2025, the Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market size is expected to reach USD 1.57 billion.
Who are the key players in Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market?
DuPont, Nouryon, Ashland, NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. and DKS Co. Ltd. are the major companies operating in the Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market?
Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market?
In 2025, the Asia-Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market.
What years does this Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market size was estimated at USD 1.50 billion. The report covers the Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Carboxymethyl Cellulose Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
