Market Overview

The global Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market was valued at USD 1.94 Billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow to USD 2.64 Billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 3.32% during the forecast period of 2025-2033. The market growth is fueled by increasing industrial applications, including construction, mining, textiles, and the rising demand for eco-friendly biodegradable products. Asia-Pacific leads the market with over 35.2% share due to cost-efficient production, raw material availability, and growing processed food preferences.

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%
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033
• Asia-Pacific commands over 35.2% market share in 2024, benefiting from expanding food, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors.
• The thickening agent property segment dominates with 45.3% share due to versatility in food, pharma, and personal care applications.
• Highly purified CMC is the leading purity level at 39.8%, preferred in stringent applications like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
• Food and beverages application holds 30% market share, driven by demand for gluten-free, low-fat foods, and product texture enhancements.
• The United States holds 73.6% of North America’s market share, driven by pharmaceutical, personal care, and food processing uses.

Sample Request Link: https://www.imarcgroup.com/carboxymethyl-cellulose-market/requestsample

Market Growth Factors

The global carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market is witnessing sustained growth due to numerous factors. One key driver is increasing industrial applications across construction, mining, and textiles sectors, where CMC’s rheology-modifying properties improve formulations in paints, adhesives, and ceramics by controlling viscosity and stability. Additionally, rising demand for eco-friendly, biodegradable ingredients in both industrial and consumer products propels the adoption of CMC as manufacturers shift to sustainable production practices, preferring cellulose-based derivatives over synthetic counterparts.

The food industry significantly contributes to market growth. CMC acts as an effective gluten substitute, thickening agent, and stabilizer in gluten-free and low-fat food products, enhancing structural integrity, moisture retention, and mouthfeel. According to surveys, 24% of respondents often avoid gluten and 6% of the U.S. population is gluten intolerant, boosting demand. The expanding pharmaceutical industry also drives growth, with CMC widely used as a binding agent, stabilizer, and disintegrant in drug formulations, enhancing bioavailability. India’s pharmaceutical market, valued at USD 42 billion in 2021 and projected to reach USD 65 billion by 2024, exemplifies rising potential.

Furthermore, the personal care sector favors CMC due to its rheological benefits in products like lotions, shampoos, and toothpaste. The trend towards natural and biodegradable ingredients aligns with increased retail sales of cosmetics, such as China’s cosmetics sales reaching RMB 176.3 billion ($24.4 billion) in the first five months of 2024, marking a 5.4% year-on-year rise. These factors collectively elevate demand and contribute to consistent market expansion.

Market Segmentation

Analysis by Purity Level:

• Highly Purified: Largest segment with 39.8% market share in 2024, preferred for superior quality required in pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care due to consistent safety and regulatory compliance.
• Technical Grade: Not provided in source.
• Industrial Grade: Not provided in source.

Analysis by Property:

• Thickening Agent: Dominates with 45.3% market share in 2024, enhancing texture and consistency in food products, pharmaceuticals, and personal care items.
• Stabilizer: Not provided in source.
• Binder: Not provided in source.
• Anti-Repository Agent: Not provided in source.
• Lubricator: Not provided in source.
• Emulsifier: Not provided in source.
• Excipient: Not provided in source.

Analysis by Application:

• Food and Beverages: Leads with approximately 30% market share in 2024, used for thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying, supporting demand for gluten-free and low-fat products.
• Oil and Refining: Not provided in source.
• Pharmaceutical: Not provided in source.
• Paint and Textile: Not provided in source.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Not provided in source.
• Paper Coating and Household Care: Not provided in source.
• Others: Not provided in source.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific dominates the Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) market with over 35.2% share in 2024, driven by abundant raw material availability, cost-efficient production, and a growing processed food industry. Urbanization and rising disposable incomes in countries like India and China stimulate demand across food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care sectors. The region benefits from extensive R&D and strong manufacturing capabilities, solidifying its leadership and fostering sustained market growth through 2033.

Recent Developments & News

• April 2025: Lamberti USA completed the acquisition of Covestro's manufacturing facility in East Providence, Rhode Island, expanding its U.S. industrial footprint.
• April 2025: Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc. expanded its pharmaceutical production facility in Cabreúva, Brazil, enhancing pharmaceutical presence in Latin America.
• March 2025: Daicel Corporation acquired Toyama Filter Tow Co., Ltd., consolidating production bases for streamlined operations.
• March 2025: Shanghai Moyom Biotechnology’s Aphranel® MagiCCrystal CaHA Filler received Class III Medical Device Certificate from China's NMPA, featuring CMC combination for biodegradability and performance.
• June 2024: Tate & Lyle announced acquisition of CP Kelco subsidiaries from J.M. Huber Corporation for approximately US$1.8 billion, strengthening its position in nature-based ingredients.

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.

If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.

👉Get Custom Market Research for Your Business👈

About Us

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provide a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

Contact Us

IMARC Group,

134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

Tel No: (D) +91 120 433 0800

United States: +1-201971-6302