Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Share, Growth Analysis, Industry Trends & Forecast 2025-2033

Market Overview

The global Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market was valued at USD 1.94 Billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 2.64 Billion by 2033. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 3.32% during the forecast period 2025-2033. Asia-Pacific is the largest market, benefiting from cost-efficient production, abundant raw materials, and a rising preference for processed foods among the increasing urban population.

Study Assumption Years

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

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Key Takeaways

• Current Market Size: USD 1.94 Billion in 2024
• CAGR: 3.32% during 2025-2033
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033
• Asia-Pacific held the largest market share of over 35.2% in 2024 due to food and beverage industry growth, rising population, and disposable incomes.
• Highly purified CMC represents the largest purity segment with 39.8% share in 2024.
• The thickening agent property dominates with around 45.3% market share in 2024.
• Food and beverages application leads with approximately 30% market share in 2024.
• The United States holds around 73.6% market share in North America in 2024, driven by pharmaceutical, food, and personal care sectors.

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Market Growth Factors

The carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market growth is primarily driven by increasing industrial applications in construction, mining, and textiles. CMC's rheology-modifying and viscosity control properties make it indispensable in paints, adhesives, and ceramics. Increasing demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable ingredients strengthens its adoption. The global shift to sustainable production methods favors cellulose-based derivatives over synthetics, boosting CMC demand.

Increasing demand for gluten-free foods propels the CMC market as CMC acts as an effective gluten substitute, enhancing texture and moisture retention. Surveys show 24% of respondents avoid gluten, and 6% of the U.S. population is gluten intolerant. Rising awareness of gluten intolerance and celiac disease further boost demand, benefiting food formulation with CMC.

Growing pharmaceutical applications drive market expansion. CMC is used as a binder, disintegrant, and stabilizer in liquid medications improving drug formulation and bioavailability. India's pharmaceutical market is expanding rapidly, valued at USD 42 billion in 2021 and projected to reach USD 65 billion in 2024 with strong growth expected through 2030. Increasing exports and production further fuel demand.

Increasing use in personal care products like toothpaste, lotions, and shampoos also supports market growth. Consumer preferences for natural, biodegradable ingredients align with CMC's properties. China’s cosmetics retail sales rose 5.4% year-on-year in early 2024, indicating sector expansion which supports higher CMC demand in personal care.

Market Segmentation

Analysis by Purity Level:

• Highly Purified: Largest segment in 2024 with 39.8% share; preferred in pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care due to high quality and regulatory compliance.
• Technical Grade: Not separately quantified in source.
• Industrial Grade: Not separately quantified in source.

Highly purified CMC is essential for sensitive applications requiring consistent performance and safety.

Analysis by Property:

• Thickening Agent: Dominates with 45.3% share in 2024; improves texture and viscosity in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.
• Stabilizer: Not separately quantified in source.
• Binder: Not separately quantified in source.
• Anti-Repository Agent: Not separately quantified in source.
• Lubricator: Not separately quantified in source.
• Emulsifier: Not separately quantified in source.
• Excipient: Not separately quantified in source.

Thickening agent property is widely used for viscosity control and water-binding across industries.

Analysis by Application:

• Food and Beverages: Largest application with around 30% share in 2024; CMC acts as thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, and gluten substitute enhancing product texture and shelf life.
• Oil and Refining: Important for drilling fluids due to water retention and fluid-loss control.
• Pharmaceutical: Used as binder, disintegrant, and stabilizer in drug formulations.
• Paint and Textile: Used in viscosity control and fabric finishing.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Enhances texture and viscosity of lotions, shampoos, toothpaste.
• Paper Coating and Household Care: Improves paper quality and durability.
• Others: Not specified in source.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific dominated the CMC market in 2024 with over 35.2% market share due to an expanding food and beverage sector, rising population, and disposable incomes. Urbanization and growing middle class particularly in cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Delhi, and Bangalore drive demand for processed foods and sustainable ingredients. The region benefits from large production capacities and strong R&D activities, especially in China and India.

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 completed expansion of its pharmaceutical facility in Cabreúva, Brazil, enhancing presence in Latin America.
• March 2025: Daicel Corporation and Mitsubishi Chemical purchased all issued stock of Toyama Filter Tow Co., Ltd., consolidating production bases.
• March 2025: Shanghai Moyom Biotechnology’s Aphranel® MagiCCrystal CaHA Filler achieved Class III Medical Device Certificate from China NMPA, combining CaHA with CMC for biodegradable medical applications.
• June 2024: Tate & Lyle agreed to acquire CP Kelco’s businesses from J.M. Huber Corporation for approximately US$1.8 billion, expanding nature-based ingredients 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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