Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Size

The global carboxymethyl cellulose market was valued at USD 1.87 billion in 2025. It is projected to grow from USD 1.93 billion in 2026 to USD 2.95 billion by 2035, representing 4.8% CAGR from 2026 to 2035, according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• The market for the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) has been experiencing massive growth due to its growing number of applications in various industries. The globally growing demand has been enhanced using CMC as a stabilizer, thickener, and emulsifier in the food and beverage industry. The increase in consumer preference for processed and convenience foods has also led to a stable increase in the market.
  
• The application of CMC in the personal care and cosmetics sector has seen greater use in products like shampoos, lotions and toothpaste as a thickening and binding agent. Its consumption has also been boosted by the increasing knowledge of skincare and hygiene products particularly in the emerging economies.
  
• The pharmaceutical industry has turned out to be another major force in this since CMC is widely applicable in drug delivery systems and formulations. Its ability to act as a binder, stabilizer, and in the controlled release makes it useful in tablets, capsules, and suspensions. As the worldwide need to have quality and effective pharmaceutical products, the role that CMC plays in enhancing the quality of drugs and their shelf life has enhanced its presence in the market.
  

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Trends

• Bio-based and sustainable products are one of the trends in the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market. To satisfy the rising demand of sustainable ingredients, manufacturers are increasingly emphasizing sustainable production process and renewable raw materials. This is trend that is assisting the market to distinguish the products and capture the interest of the environmentally conscious industries like food, personal care and pharmaceuticals.
  
• There is also the growing use of CMC in high-performance industrial use. In addition to conventional applications, other industries, such as construction, adhesives and coatings are seeking to utilize advanced CMC formulations that will enhance functionality. The move into non-conventional areas is helping companies to spread their risks by diversifying their revenues and gaining a hold in newer market segments.
  
• The CMC market also has an impact on the trend of digitalization and automation in manufacturing. The high level of purity grades, quality uniformity, and scalable production made possible by advanced production technologies are also contributing to competitiveness. The technology change is assisting producers in sustaining high regulatory requirements and serving special uses more effectively.
  
• There is an increasing trend in collaboration and partnership between CMC manufactures and end-user industries. Firms are also undertaking collective research and development in order to develop specific solutions depending on the application. This is a trend that is promoting innovation, decreasing the time to market new products, and improving the long-term customer relationships which are leading to market evolution.
  

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Analysis

Carboxymethyl cellulose industry based on grade is segmented into technical/industrial grade, semi-purified grade, purified grade, extra purified/food/pharmaceutical grade, and battery grade. The extra purified/food/pharmaceutical grade segment was valued at USD 570 million in 2025, and it is anticipated to expand to 5.1% of CAGR during 2026-2035.

• The markets of carboxymethyl cellulose are undergoing upsurge in the various grades due to their specialized uses. In the field of construction, textile and oilfield, technical and industrial grades are being utilized more and more because of their cost-efficiency and versatility of application. Semi-purified and purified grades also favor personal care, cosmetics and food markets, as producers in search of consistent thickening, stabilizing and binding qualities of various formulations.
  
• More purified and pharmaceutical-grade CMC is used in the pharmaceutical and specialty food industry, in higher-purity grades. These grades allow a high degree of control of product performance and safety which is in support of innovative drug delivery systems and functional food products. Battery grade CMC is an emerging trend also as lithium-ion battery manufactures, where it is highly applicable as a binder in electrode, placing the industry in line with the emerging energy storage and electric vehicle market.
  

Carboxymethyl cellulose market based on viscosity grade is segmented into extra low viscosity, low viscosity, medium viscosity, high viscosity, extra high viscosity, and super high viscosity. The medium viscosity was valued at USD 560 million in 2025, and it is anticipated to expand to 4.6% of CAGR during 2026-2035.

• CMC market is expanding with different industry requirements in terms of viscosity grades to match the performance requirements. Extra low viscosity and low viscosity grades are finding applications in beverages, liquid pharmaceuticals as well as in personal care formulations where smooth texture and readily soluble characteristics are required. Medium viscosity grades are used in the food industry, detergents, and paper industry as they provide both good thickening and binding characteristics with stability in the product quality.
  
• Extra high and high viscosity grades are being used with high viscosity grades in industrial and specialty applications in building construction, oilfield drilling, and battery production. These grades improve the retention of water, suspension and binding characteristics and satisfy the needs of the process of high demands.
  

Carboxymethyl cellulose market based on form is segmented into powder, granular, liquid/solution, and flake. The powder segment was valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2025, and it is anticipated to expand to 4.5% of CAGR during 2026-2035.

• Powder and granular CMC, especially, has continued to be an important part of industrial use, as it is easy to store, transport, and add to dry blends. The forms have found greater applications in the textile, paper and construction sectors where solubility and cost-effectiveness are not only controlled but also appreciated.
  
• Food, pharmaceutical and personal care Liquid/solution and flake forms are increasingly used in food, pharmaceutical, and personal care, used due to their faster dissolution and equal wet processing performance. CMC flexibility allows industries to streamline production operations, enhance product quality, and increase their application in a variety of markets to enhance growth in the market.
  

Carboxymethyl cellulose market based on function is segmented into thickening agent, stabilizer, binder, film-former, water retention agent, and suspending agent. The thickening agent segment was valued at USD 740 million in 2025, and it is anticipated to expand to 4.4% of CAGR during 2026-2035.

• In food, personal care, and pharmaceutical product applications, the continuous demand is influenced by CMC as a thickening agent, where consistency and texture of products are important aspects. Stabilizing and binding functions are finding wider use in the industrial and specialty applications, such as textiles, adhesives and coating, and they offer structural integrity and higher performance.
  
• Applications such as film-forming, water retention and suspending are increasing in industries such as construction, oil and gas, battery manufacturing, just to mention but a few, where operational efficiency and product life are essential factors. The growth of functional applications in industries is also assisting CMC to enter new markets and diversify its applications.
  

Carboxymethyl cellulose market based on end use is segmented into food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care & cosmetics, oil & gas, pulp & paper, detergents & laundry, battery/energy storage, textile, 3d printing & biomedical, mining & minerals, and others (construction, paints, adhesives, ceramics). The food & beverage segment was valued at USD 700 million with a market share of 37.5% in 2025, and it is anticipated to expand to 4.4% of CAGR during 2026-2035.

• The CMC is experiencing consistent growth due to food and beverage applications and its functions as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier are seeing more and more application in processed and convenience foods. Pharma drugs are also aiding in market growth using CMC in the controlled release of drugs, binding of pills and stabilization of suspensions.
  
• The use of CMC in personal care and cosmetics, oil and gas, pulp and paper, and detergents are still trying to make use of CMC to enrich their formula and streamline their processes. New growth opportunities in the battery/energy storage industry, in 3D printing, biomedical sectors, and construction are emerging that represent how market end uses can be customized to both traditional and innovative applications.
  

Carboxymethyl cellulose market based on distribution channel is segmented into direct sales (B2B industrial) and indirect sales (distributor/retail). The direct sales (B2B industrial) segment was valued at USD 1.3 billion with a market share of 69.7% in 2025, and it is anticipated to expand to 4.7% of CAGR during 2026-2035.

• Direct sales (B2B industrial) are on the rise, where the manufacturers are working hand in hand with end-users to offer custom-made solutions to industrial use like oilfield drilling, construction, and battery manufacturing. Large-volume procurement and technical support is supported by this channel which reinforces long term business relationships.
  
• The use of distributors and retail networks to make indirect sales is growing in food, personal care and pharmaceutical industries where large batch sales and broad geographic coverage are required. This distribution pattern assists the CMC producers in getting access to regional markets and serving small producers, provoking wider adoption and growing the market.
  

The North America carboxymethyl cellulose market accounted for USD 490 million in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.

The market of CMC in North America is increasing gradually with the rising number of applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care sectors. The rise in the use of processed foods and dietary supplements has strained the need to use effective thickening and stabilizing solutions. Oilfield drilling and paper production industry applications are also contributing to further growth.

U.S. dominates the North America market, showcasing strong growth potential.

U.S. is the best expanding nation in North America with robust industrialization and demands in the pharmaceutical and personal care domain. The increase in consumption of functional foods, beverages and processed foods contributes to the rise of medium and high-viscosity CMC consumption. It is also aided by growth in battery making and battery storage applications. Together with the regulatory backing and quality-conscious consumers, they are converging to make specialty CMC grades, and are driving market growth in the U.S.

The Europe carboxymethyl cellulose market accounted for USD 450 million in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.

The CMC market of Europe is growing based on food, personal care and pharmaceutical applications. The production of higher purities of grades of products has been facilitated by strict quality, and regulatory standards. Applications in the paper, construction and oilfield drilling industries remain industrial. Moreover, innovation is being encouraged by sustainability efforts and the need for bio-based materials. These variables coupled with industrial and consumer adoption in the various sectors are enhancing the market presence of the region.

Germany dominates the Europe market, showcasing strong growth potential.

Germany is the country is the fastest growing in Europe that has the advantage of its robust industrial foundation and demand, in the fields of pharmaceuticals, food processing and personal care. Innovation based on research has provided the development of high performance CMC in battery production, construction, and specialty application in CMC. The increased demand is due to growth in processed foods and cosmetic formulations.

Asia Pacific carboxymethyl cellulose market accounted for 39.5% market share in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.

The Asia-Pacific CMC is a fast developing market that is fueled by food, personal care, and pharmaceutical sectors. CMC is being used as a stabilizer and a thickener due to the surge in demand of processed and packaged foods that are being driven by urbanization and increased disposable incomes. The textile, paper and construction industries are increasing in industrial use. New investments in high-grade pharmaceutical and specialty applications are increasing product innovation and penetration, contributing to wider regional market growth.

China market is estimated to grow with a significant CAGR, in the Asia Pacific carboxymethyl cellulose industry.

China is the fastest-growing nation in the Asian-Pacific region because of its vast industrial foundation and rising food, pharmaceutical as well as personal care demand. The growth in medium and high-viscosity CMC is being enhanced by booming convenience foods and beverages. Specialty grades are finding opportunities in expansion of battery production, 3D printing, and biomedical.

Latin America carboxymethyl cellulose market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the analysis timeframe.

The CMC market in Latin America is expanding at a moderate pace which is fueled by the demand for food and beverages and in industries. CMC is finding more applications as a stabilizer and thickener in processed foods, bakery foods and beverages. It is slowly being embraced by personal care and pharmaceuticals. Paper, textile, and construction industrial applications also aid in the expansion of the market.

Brazil leads the Latin America market, exhibiting remarkable growth during the analysis period.

Brazil is the Latin American country that is gaining fastest rate of growth, and this is aided by urbanization, food processing and industrialization. In the dairy, bakery and beverage industry, the market is increasing its demand of medium and high viscosity grades. Personal care, pharmaceutical, construction, and oilfield growth supplement expansion of the market. The enhanced retail infrastructure and industrial investments along with the implementation of modern manufacturing processes are enhancing the adoption of CMC and making Brazil a major market in the region.

Middle East & Africa carboxymethyl cellulose market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the analysis timeframe.

Middle East & Africa CMC market is also growing because of the development of food, pharmaceutical and personal care markets. Adoption is growing because of urbanization and altered consumption trends. Oilfield drilling, construction and detergents are also experiencing stable demand in industrial applications. The market is being influenced by increasing investments in high purity and specialty grades used in pharmaceuticals, food, and battery markets.

Saudi Arabia carboxymethyl cellulose industry to experience substantial growth in the Middle East and Africa market in 2025.

Saudi Arabia is also the fastest growing nation in the Middle East Africa with food processing, individual care, and industrial sectors. Of oilfield services, construction, and energy storage applications, CMC of technical and specialty grade is in demand. The growth is supported with the retail expansion and modern food manufacturing practices. Government policies that favor industrial diversification and high-performance materials are making it easy to adopt, which will make Saudi Arabia a major player in the growth of the market in CMC across the region.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Share

• Ashland Inc., Nouryon, DKS Co. Ltd, Nippon Paper Industries, and Lamberti S.p.A. are a significant part of the global market and with further standing of being slightly fragmented with the top five players steadily holding 35.2% market share in the year 2025.
  
• The CMC market firms are oriented to constant innovation of their products. Creation of specialty grading and design of specific solutions that can be tailored to suit a wide range of industry needs which enable them to consolidate their market.
  
• Investment in research and development is strategic in enabling firms to enhance the quality, efficiency and purity of their products to fit in the high-demand applications in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.
  
• Increasing production capacities and updating the manufacturing facilities will ensure the continuity of supply, as well as the large volume orders, and contribute to the reliability of supply in the global markets.
  
• The uptake of viable and environmentally friendly production methods aids the companies to tune to the regulatory provisions and the demand trend of consumers, and this increases brand value.
  
• The ability to offer diversified product portfolios in terms of viscosity, grade, and functional applications helps companies to have numerous segments of the market but not to rely on a single segment.
  
• Effective distribution channels such as the direct B2B sales and distributor relationships enable the companies to access the regional and global markets effectively and retain their wide market coverage.
  
• The strategy of competitive pricing and minimization of cost using operational efficiency make firms stay appealing both in industrial and consumer-oriented segments.
  
• Marketing and technical support programs, including education of the industry, training, and technical advice, enhance relations with clients and securing the impact on the main applications within the market.
  

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Companies

The major players operating in carboxymethyl cellulose industry include:

• Ashland Global Holdings
• Nouryon
• DKS Co. Ltd
• Nippon Paper Industries
• Lamberti S.p.A.
• Others
  
• Ashland Global Holdings maintains its presence in CMC market through its diverse products in high-purity and specialty grades with food, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses. The company is reliable and has a high presence in the market because of constant innovation, investment in R&D and excellent customer support.
  
• Nouryon concentrates on the production of high-performance CMC solutions in various industries such as the personal care industry, the food industry, and the oilfield industry. The customized solutions, sustainability efforts, and strategic capacity expansions allow the firm to maintain their sway in the market and address the changing demands in the industry.
  
• Daicel Corporation is the company has not only managed to maintain its presence in the market through the supply of technologically advanced high-viscosity grades of CMC products to be used in industrial and specialty applications. The company also focuses on quality control, innovation and partnerships with the end-users to enhance its long term relationships and to maintain the position.
  
• Lamberti S.p.A. is capitalizing on diversified CMC portfolio in terms of viscosity levels and functional usage to cater to food, pharmaceutics and industrial products. Its powerful R&D, and customer-focused solutions can respond to the specific application needs, which guarantees the stability and growth of the market.
  
• Zibo Hailan Chemical Co. Ltd is specialized in producing technical and industrial CMC grades in large scale use at a low cost. The company has been able to remain competitive due to its operational efficiency, regular supply as well as focus solutions that cater to the demand of the regional industry.
  

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Industry News

• In June 2022, Nouryon acquired the CMC business of J.M. Huber Corporation, broadening its product portfolio and global reach in CMC grades across food, personal care, and industrial segments, strengthening its competitive position in the market.
  
• In March 2025, Daicel Corporation launched BELLOCEA BS7 an eco-friendly biodegradable cellulose particle intended to replace microplastic beads in cosmetics, influencing the market by aligning CMC derivatives with sustainability trends and regulatory shifts away from plastics.
  
• In May 2025, Lamberti USA completed the acquisition of the Covestro production facility in East Providence effective, expanding its industrial footprint in the U.S. and enhancing regional production capabilities that indirectly support CMC ingredient distribution and innovation.
  

The carboxymethyl cellulose market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & (Kilo Tons) from 2022 to 2035, for the following segments:

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Market, By Grade

• Technical/industrial grade
• Semi-purified grade
• Purified grade
• Extra purified/food/pharmaceutical grade
• Battery grade

Market, By Viscosity Grade

• Extra low viscosity
• Low viscosity
• Medium viscosity
• High viscosity
• Extra high viscosity
• Super high viscosity

Market, By Form

• Powder
• Granular
• Liquid/solution
• Flake

Market, By Function

• Thickening agent
• Stabilizer
• Binder
• Film-former
• Water retention agent
• Suspending agent

Market, By End Use

• Food & beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal care & cosmetics
• Oil & gas
• Pulp & paper
• Detergents & laundry
• Battery/energy storage
• Textile
• 3d printing & biomedical
• Mining & minerals
• Others (construction, paints, adhesives, ceramics)

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct sales (B2B industrial)
• Indirect sales (distributor/retail)

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa