Nanocellulose in Composites and Coatings Market – By Product Type, By Application– Global Forecast, 2026–2035

Nanocellulose in Composites and Coatings Market Size

The global nanocellulose in composites and coatings market was valued at USD 499.3 million in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 567.3 million in 2026 to USD 1.3 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 7.6% according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• Nanocellulose includes any cellulose material with at least one nanometre-sized dimension and is mainly derived from plant fibres, bacteria, or algae. Nanocellulose includes cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, and bacterial cellulose based on the differences such as size, morphology, and crystallinity. Nanocellulose possesses many advantageous properties such as high strength, low weight, high surface area, biodegradability, and tunable surface chemistry, making it an ideal option for reinforcing materials and consequently forming advanced functional coatings.
• The applications of nanocellulose in composites have been widely recognized in areas such as strength, thermal, barrier properties, and even low concentrations. It can improve the tensile strength, stiffness, and, importantly, dimensional stability in polymer matrices with an overall maintenance of a lightweight structure. Its high aspect ratio, being capable of forming effective networks, makes it suitable for making environmentally friendly packages, auto parts, and construction products. The renewability and biodegradable nature of the material further relate it to other trends in the global spectrum toward the development of sustainable materials.
• It is a broad-utility component that enhances film formations, barriers, and rheological behaviour in coatings. It may increase resistance to the penetration of oxygen, water, and oil, rendering it applicable both in protective and food-packaging coatings. Nanocellulose combined with functionality additives such as antimicrobial agents, UV-blockers, or conductive fillers, making these multilayer coatings more functional. It is compatible with both water-based and solvent systems, which further enlarges its potential applications across industrial sectors.
• The recent technological advancements made on nanocellulose composites is the improvement of their dispersion and bonding to polymer matrices. Surface-modification techniques such as chemical functionalization or grafting allow nanocellulose to easily mix with hydrophobic polymers, keeping them apart from a possible aggregation and maximizing the mechanical reinforcement effects.

Nanocellulose in Composites and Coatings Market Trends

• Nanocellulose in composite and coating technology is gaining importance because industries are demanding high performance and more sustainable materials, with more applications. The rising awareness regarding different environmental issues is shifting the world to use lightweight, durable, and biodegradable materials to replace fossil petroleum-based materials by nanocellulose alternatives.
• Demand is growing as manufacturers appreciate the ability of nanocellulose to increase mechanical strength, thermal stability, and barrier properties in composites and coatings. Versatile and efficient at low concentrations, it is a preferred candidate in automotive components, in packaging, electronics, and biomedical fields where performance meets sustainability.
• Nanocellulose incorporation is aimed at imparting coatings and composites with not only reinforcement features but also antimicrobial, UV-resistance, water repellent, and even conductive characteristics. Such a trend is building the type of preference adopters of materials are developing towards where high performance goes together with highly functional versatility.
• Technological innovations have also been instrumental in speedy growth of the market. Advancements in the extraction methodology coupled with surface modification and functionalization have improved compatibility with various polymers. Newer large-scale production methods such as extrusion, electrospinning, and 3D printing are now rendering high-quality nanocellulose commercially viable. Taking all these steps together, manufacturers can do so cost-effectively in producing customized high-performance products.
• Due to the demand for green and high-performance materials by industries globally, the market is expected to grow continuously. Opportunities for the future of nanocellulose open with the integration of hybrid composites, smart coatings, and circular economy practices, establishing a potential for nanocellulose that may be utilized in all segments of next-generation composites and coatings.

Nanocellulose in Composites and Coatings Market Analysis

The nanocellulose in composites and coatings market by product type is segmented into cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), microfibrillated cellulose (MFC/CMF), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) bags hold the largest market value of USD 274.6 million in 2025.

• Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC/CMF) are widely used in composites and coatings because their long, flexible fiber structure improves strength, toughness, and viscosity. The materials show excellent ability to disperse into polymer systems and coating formulations which results in better reinforcement and film creation and surface consistency. The materials maintain their ability to function across different composite and coating uses because they require only basic processing to achieve their various functions.
• Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) are used in the material applications that require precise characteristics use. CNC provides high stiffness and crystallinity which helps improve mechanical strength and barrier performance and dimensional stability of composites and coatings. A highly pure and uniform nanofiber network is produced by BNC through its biological processes which enables precise control of structural characteristics and material consistency. BNC production requires more complex processes, but the material is increasingly used in applications which need exact material design and performance characteristics.

The nanocellulose in composites and coatings market by application is segmented into composites and coatings. Composites hold the largest market value of USD 289.5 million in 2025.

• Nanocellulose is increasingly used in composite materials to improve mechanical strength and stiffness and weight efficiency. The material achieves lightweight performance through its capacity to improve load distribution and dimensional stability and durability when used in polymer or bio-based matrix systems. The natural origin of the material enables the creation of sustainable composite systems which industries need to find alternatives to traditional synthetic reinforcements. The different matrix types which nanocellulose can interact with make it suitable for structural and semi-structural applications in composite materials.
• Nanocellulose improves film formation and surface uniformity and barrier properties in coatings. The substance enhances viscosity control and crack resistance and adhesion which are critical to protective and functional coatings. Nanocellulose improves moisture and gas resistance which makes it suitable for packaging and surface protection applications. The system operates effectively with water-based systems because it supports the development of environmentally friendly formulation for coatings.

The market in the North America is expected to experience significant and promising growth from USD 283.3 million in 2025 to USD 697.9 million in 2035. The U.S. nanocellulose in composites and coatings market accounted for USD 242.2 million in 2025.

• North America is driven by industrial infrastructure-high adoption of sustainable materials and demand from automotive, aerospace, and packaging sectors. The market is also enhanced by the stimulation of innovation and R&D in composites and coatings. Encouragement to green materials in the form of incentives from the government also acts as a vehicle to support market expansion. The U.S. is at the top of this region with advances in manufacturing capability and nanocellulose production at scale. They are focusing on high-performance composites and environmentally friendly coatings. Rising environmental awareness also spurs market demand among consumers.

The market in the Europe is expected to experience significant and promising growth from USD 91.2 million in 2025 to USD 221.9 million in 2035.

• In Europe, the market maintains a steadiness due to the stringency of environmental regulations and strong demand for renewable and bio-degradable materials. The market is being fed by a robust research ecosystem and sustainable packaging initiatives. A shift toward more of the high-end industrial and automotive applications is being done. Germany is centered with large industrial facilities for R&D purposes and industrial scale nanocellulose production. High-performance composites and functional coatings are produced by the major handlers. Sustainable policies speed up the switch to more sustainable materials compared to conventional ones.

The nanocellulose in composites and coatings market in Asia Pacific is expected to experience increasing growth from USD 88.6 million in 2025 to USD 236.9 million in 2035 with a CAGR of 9.9%.

• Asia-Pacific emerges as the fastest-growing market, largely due to accelerated industrial growth and increased automotive and consumer electronics production, drawing sales from ecologically friendly materials. An increase in the production capacity available around that region paves the way for large-scale adoption, with initiative and backing from the government for the growth of material sustainability. In this region, Japan is currently investing heavily in technology research. They focus on the development of nanocellulose-based composites and functional coatings based on innovations to meet the rigor of automotive and electronic applications.

Middle East & Africa market is expected to experience significant and promising growth from USD 16.7 million in 2025 to USD 51.1 million in 2035.

• The market in the Middle East & Africa is moderate but growing, with specific applications for packaging and specialty coatings. The concept of sustainable materials is catering to market growth. Global collaborations with nanocellulose producers help conditions to propel technology. Leading countries in the region are investing well in the realm of industrial applications on the coatings and composites of nanocellulose. With such strategic partnerships, advanced nanocellulose technologies are introduced into local industries.

Latin America is expected to experience significant and increasing growth from USD 19.4 million in 2025 to USD 55.8 million in 2035.

• Latin America is positioned as an emerging business thanks to its surplus biomass resources and an increasing sustainable interest in packaging and construction materials. Industrial consumption is gradually rising. Local green initiatives help drive further market progression. Among the Latin American countries, Brazil presides over the production of nanocellulose from its wealth of cellulose resources. Companies in the Latin American region are focusing on performance composite materials and eco-compliant coating materials. These enable greater market broadness in the increasing demand for high-performance composites supported by public-private synergy.

Nanocellulose in Composites and Coatings Market Share

• Nanocellulose in Composites and Coatings markets are moderately consolidated with players like Performance BioFilaments, Borregaard AS, Nippon Paper Industries, Oji Holdings, Daicel Corporation holding 46% market share and Performance BioFilaments being the market leader holding the market share of 18% in 2025.
• Continuous investments in research and development help companies in maintaining their strategic position by continuous improvements in the methods of extraction, functionalization, and combinations with composites and coatings at nanocellulose. Company meets the changing requirements by innovating, particularly in performance, durability, and multifunctionality, for the automotive, packaging, electronics, and biomedical industries. Strong R&D comes in handy in differentiating their companies from competition.
• Another major tactic is strategic partnerships and collaborations with universities, research institutes, and industry players, which can help provide access to technologies, scale up production, and conquer new markets efficiently by getting into novel joint ventures. These promote sharing expertise and assets strengthening the market presence.
• Companies also focus on sustainable and eco-friendly dependent practices that keep into the global environmental trends. They create their brand while appealing to the environmentally conscious consumers and industries with renewable biomass, waste-minimization, and production of biodegradable composites and coatings. Sustainability also helps comply with stringent government regulations.
• Strategies like market expansion and diversification help to grow market. Emerging markets are being targeted, identification of new application areas, multifunctional products such as antimicrobial, UV protective or electrically conductive-type coatings. This reduces dependency on a single market segment, thus creating multiple revenue streams.

Nanocellulose in Composites and Coatings Market Companies

Major players operating in the nanocellulose in composites and coatings market are:

• Anomera Inc.
• Blue Goose Biorefineries Inc.
• Borregaard AS
• CelluComp Ltd.
• Daicel Corporation
• GranBio Technologies
• Kao Corporation
• Kruger Inc.
• Melodea Ltd.
• Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
• Oji Holdings Corporation
• Performance BioFilaments
• Seiko PMC Corporation

Performance BioFilaments develops sustainable nanocellulose fibers from renewable resources through their research. The company develops bio-based materials which replace synthetic fibers used in composite materials and coatings. The fibers provide enhanced mechanical strength and durability attributes which decrease their ecological footprint. The company provides products for automotive and packaging and construction industries. The technology enables circular economy operations which rely on renewable materials as their primary raw material source.

Borregaard AS operates as the world's foremost producer of biochemicals and biomaterials from wood. The company produces cellulose derivatives and nanocellulose which serve multiple industrial applications including composites and coatings. Borregaard operates sustainable business practices through its use of renewable wood resources and environmentally friendly production methods. The company develops products which improve strength and barrier properties and organic material degradation in different uses. The company provides its services to multiple industries which include construction and personal care and food packaging.

Nippon Paper Industries operates as the Japanese company which produces paper and produces pulp and creates chemical products. The company researches and develops advanced cellulose materials which include nanocellulose to enhance both product performance and sustainable practices. The company applies its nanocellulose technology across multiple industries which include composites and coatings and packaging.

Oji Holdings Corporation is a major Japanese company operating in paper, packaging, and forest products. The company creates advanced cellulose materials which include nanocellulose for their use in composite materials and protective coatings. Oji uses its innovative approach to develop products which achieve both sustainability goals and high-performance standards. The company uses its materials to enhance strength and barrier performance while reducing weight for both packaging and industrial uses. The company emphasizes environmental responsibility and renewable resource use.

Daicel Corporation is a Japanese chemical company that produces cellulose derivatives and specialty chemicals as its main products. The company makes nanocellulose products which enhance both mechanical properties and barrier performance in composite materials and protective coatings. Daicel invests in research to develop innovative bio-based materials for automotive, electronics, and packaging sectors. The company produces nanocellulose which enables the creation of products that are both lighter and stronger while still being environmentally friendly. The company focuses on expanding application possibilities by developing new technology through ongoing research and development.

Nanocellulose in Composites and Coatings Industry News

• On October 2025, AgriSea in New Zealand, announced the launch of the world's commercial scale biorefinery that can produce nanocellulose from seaweed-a significant leap in sustainable materials. The Paeroa facility, converts the by-product of seaweed processing into high value nanocellulose, which finds applications in agriculture, electronics, cosmetics, filtration, and energy storage.
• On September 2025, CelluForce Inc., an international leader to cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), announced its new product CelluShield, a high-performance bio-based barrier coating meeting recyclable flexible packaging requirement. The water-based coating of nanocellulose allows excellent barrier performance in terms of oxygen and moisture.

The nanocellulose in composites and coatings market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million and volume in terms of kilo tons from 2022–2035 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC)
• Cellulose Nanofibrils (CNF)
• Bacterial Nanocellulose (BNC)
• Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC/CMF)

Market, By Application

• Composites
• Polymer matrix composites
• Automotive composites
• Construction & building materials
• Packaging composites
• Electronics & advanced materials
• Coatings
• Paper & packaging barrier coatings
• Textile coatings & surface treatments
• Functional & protective coatings
• Agricultural films & smart coatings

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

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