Microcrystalline Cellulose Market Summary
The global microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) market was valued at approximately USD 1.56 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 7.0% from 2025 to 2032, reaching an estimated value of USD 2.5 billion. MCC is widely used as a binder, filler, and disintegrant in pharmaceutical tablets, as well as a bulking and anti-caking agent in food products.
Key Market Trends & Insights
- North America led the global market in 2025, with about 33% market share, driven by strong pharmaceutical, personal care, and food & beverage demand.
- The U.S. market is anticipated to grow steadily, supported by high consumption of processed foods and expanding pharmaceutical production.
- Wood-based MCC dominated about 65% of the market due to its versatility, eco-friendliness, and regulatory acceptance.
- Powdered MCC leads the form segment, preferred for stability, ease of handling, and cost-effectiveness.
- Pharmaceutical applications accounted for roughly 34% of the market share, largely because of MCC’s crucial role in tablet compression and drug delivery.
MCC’s excellent compressibility, chemical inertness, and ability to improve powder flow make it essential across pharmaceutical, food, and personal care industries. Innovations such as enzymatic hydrolysis and nanocellulose conversion drive product development, enhancing MCC’s functional properties. Regulatory approvals from agencies around the world ensure product safety but also induce stringent compliance requirements that shape the market.
Source Insights
Wood-based MCC is favored due to abundant supply, biodegradability, and superior purity. Non-wood sources like agricultural residues and microbial MCC offer sustainable alternatives increasingly adopted to reduce reliance on wood pulp, sometimes offering cost advantages.
Form Insights
Powder form remains predominant, owing to its longer shelf life and handling benefits. Liquid MCC is growing in niche applications for enhanced bioavailability and alignment with clean-label and natural product trends.
Application Insights
The pharmaceutical sector dominates MCC applications, utilizing MCC as a binder and disintegrant in tablets and capsules. In personal care, MCC enhances texture and oil absorption in cosmetics. In food, MCC functions as a fat replacer and bulking agent, improving texture in baked goods and low-calorie products.
Regional Insights
North America leads the market with a large share due to developed healthcare and food processing industries. Europe and Asia Pacific are also significant, with Asia Pacific showing fast growth propelled by industrial expansion in China, India, and Japan.
U.S. Microcrystalline Cellulose Market Trends
The U.S. market is growing steadily with high demand for food additives and pharmaceuticals. Bread and bakery products contribute significantly to MCC consumption due to rising consumer spending.
Europe Microcrystalline Cellulose Market Trends
France exhibits robust growth driven by its leading cosmetics industry and export strength. Advances in personal care products support MCC demand.
Asia Pacific Microcrystalline Cellulose Market Trends
China and India demonstrate considerable growth potentials with expanding food, pharmaceutical, and coating sectors, supported by government initiatives promoting sustainable materials.
Key Company Insights
- Roquette Frères leads with plant-based, innovative MCC products across pharma and food industries.
- Asahi Kasei Corporation invests in production capacity expansions and sustainable practices in Japan.
- Apollo Scientific Ltd. and Ankit Pulps continuously innovate product quality and safety aligned with GMP standards.
Top Market Players
- Roquette Frères
- JRS PHARMA
- Asahi Kasei Corporation
- Apollo Scientific Ltd.
- SEPPIC
- Ankit Pulps
- Godavari Biorefineries Ltd.
- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
- DFE Pharma
- Fengchen Group Co., Ltd.
- Foodchem International Corporation
Recent Developments
- In September 2023, International Flavors & Fragrances introduced Avicel PH LN, a low-nitrile MCC excipient designed for pharmaceutical applications.
- Asahi Kasei completed a new manufacturing facility in Japan in early 2023 to meet growing global demand for MCC.
- Roquette added new excipient grades in late 2023, focusing on moisture protection and stability for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
Market Report Scope
| Market Size, 2025 |
USD 1.56 billion |
| Forecast Value, 2032 |
USD 2.5 billion |
| Growth Rate |
CAGR of 7.0% (2025-2032) |
| Historical Data |
2018-2024 |
| Forecast Period |
2025-2032 |
| Quantitative Units |
Volume in kilotons, revenue in USD million/billion |
| Segments Covered |
Source, form, application, region |
| Regional Scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, Middle East & Africa |
| Country Scope |
U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Saudi Arabia |
| Key Companies |
Roquette Frères, JRS PHARMA, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Apollo Scientific Ltd., SEPPIC, Ankit Pulps, Godavari Biorefineries Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances, DFE Pharma, Fengchen Group, Foodchem International |
Global Microcrystalline Cellulose Market Report Segmentation
- Source (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2032)
- Wood-based
- Non-wood-based
- Form (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2032)
- Application (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2032)
- Pharmaceutical
- Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Food & Beverages
- Paints & Coatings
- Others
- Region (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2032)
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Central & South America
- Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current market size of microcrystalline cellulose?
The market was valued close to USD 1.56 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow steadily.
- What is the expected market growth rate?
The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of approximately 7.0% through 2032.
- Which region holds the largest share?
North America leads the global market with around a third of total consumption.
- Who are the leading manufacturers?
Major players include Roquette Frères, JRS PHARMA, Asahi Kasei Corporation, and International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
- What key factors drive market growth?
Growth is fueled by increasing pharmaceutical production, food industry demand for clean-label ingredients, and innovations in MCC functionality.
