The worldwide market value for carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was estimated at USD 1,731.2 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 2,229.8 million by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 4.4% between 2025 and 2030. Market expansion is fueled by rising requirements for functional additives across personal care, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages.
CMC is valued for its ability to stabilize, thicken, and retain water, driving demand in food, personal care, and industrial applications. Rising interest in clean-label food products and sustainable formulations further boosts adoption. Growth is supported by the development of high-purity, food-grade, and pharmaceutical CMC variants, as well as the shift toward plant-based and gluten-free products.
Challenges include raw material cost fluctuations and regulatory scrutiny, along with competition from alternative hydrocolloids such as xanthan gum and guar gum.
The market is moderately fragmented with key players like Dow Chemical Company, Ashland Inc., Nouryon, CP Kelco, and Sevasa Industries Pvt Ltd. These companies invest in product innovation, strategic expansion, and sustainable practices to strengthen their positions, focusing especially on high-purity CMC for regulated markets such as food and pharmaceuticals.
High purity (Above 99%) accounted for 51.5% of revenue in 2024, with widespread use in regulated food, pharmaceutical, and personal care markets. Medium purity (90-99%) is popular in oil and gas, paper, and textiles for its cost-effectiveness and adequate functional properties. Low purity (Below 90%) is mainly used in construction and detergents, serving cost-sensitive markets.
The food and beverages sector led with a 42.9% revenue share in 2024, using CMC as a fat substitute and stabilizer. Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are growing segments, and the oil and gas sector uses CMC for drilling fluids. Detergents, paper, textiles, construction, and other technical industries also contribute to steady demand.
Asia Pacific held 40.7% of revenue in 2024, led by strong manufacturing infrastructure and consumption in China and India. Europe ranks second with a 25.1% share, driven by regulated personal care, food, and pharmaceutical demand, emphasizing sustainable, biodegradable ingredients. North America and Latin America show notable demand in processed food and detergents, while the Middle East & Africa region sees growth in construction and industrial use.
Major participants include Ashland Inc., Dow Chemical Company, CP Kelco, Sevasa Industries Pvt Ltd, Nouryon, and others. Leaders emphasize high-purity, specialty CMC grades and sustainability. Ashland Inc. is a prominent supplier focusing on premium-grade, high-purity CMC for food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care applications.
| Report Attribute | Details |
| Market size value in 2025 | USD 1,797.9 million |
| Revenue forecast in 2030 | USD 2,229.8 million |
| Growth rate | CAGR of 4.4% from 2025 to 2030 |
| Base year for estimation | 2024 |
| Historical data | 2018 – 2023 |
| Forecast period | 2025 – 2030 |
| Quantitative units | Revenue in USD million/billion, Volume in Kilotons, and CAGR from 2025 to 2030 |
| Report coverage | Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
| Segments covered | Purity, end use, region |
| Regional scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Middle East; Africa |
| Country scope | US; Canada; Mexico; Germany; UK; Italy; Spain; France; China; Japan; South Korea; Saudi Arabia; South Africa; Brazil; Argentina |
| Key companies profiled | Ashland Inc.; Dow Chemical Company; CP Kelco; Sevasa Industries Pvt Ltd; Nouryon; Lotte Fine Chemical Co.; Sudal Industries; Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG; Shandong Head Co. Ltd.; Zhejiang Tianyu Chemical; Shaanxi Jinye Biochemical; AkzoNobel (now Nouryon) |
What is the current estimated market value of the global carboxymethyl cellulose industry?
The global carboxymethyl cellulose market size was valued at USD 1,731.2 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,797.9 million in 2025.
What is the anticipated growth rate for the carboxymethyl cellulose market?
The market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 4.4% from 2025 to 2030, with its value projected to reach USD 2,229.8 million by 2030.
Which purity segment held the largest portion of the market revenue?
The high purity (Above 99%) segment commanded the largest revenue share of 51.5% in 2024, driven by its mandatory use in highly regulated sectors such as personal care, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
Who are the primary companies competing in the carboxymethyl cellulose sector?
Key companies active in the carboxymethyl cellulose market include Dow Chemical Company, Ashland Inc., CP Kelco, Sevasa Industries Pvt Ltd, and Nouryon.
What are the main drivers accelerating demand in the carboxymethyl cellulose market?
Market expansion is primarily driven by the increasing demand for functional additives in the personal care, food and beverages, and pharmaceutical sectors, along with a rising consumer preference for sustainable and plant-based ingredients.
