Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market Analysis APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, South America - China, US, India, UK, Germany - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Size 2024-2028 

The carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) market size is forecast to increase by USD 526 million at a CAGR of 5.54% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to its diverse applications in various industries. In the food sector, CMC is widely used as a food additive, particularly in ice cream production for texture improvement. In the manufacturing industry, CMC is utilized in the production of detergents and coatings. The oilfield industry also relies heavily on CMC for drilling activities, as it acts as a drilling fluid thickener, enhancing the efficiency of oil drilling. In the paper industry, CMC is used as a sizing agent, improving the paper's strength and durability. Moreover, the increasing disposable income and growing awareness of health and eco-friendly products in developing countries are driving the demand for CMC in the textile industry. However, the market faces challenges due to stringent regulations and the impact of global lockdowns on production and supply chain disruptions. Despite these challenges, the market is expected to grow steadily due to the increasing demand for CMC in various industries and its versatile applications. 

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Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a plant-derived cellulose, is a vital ingredient in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and food and beverages. This cellulose derivative is produced through the reaction of cellulose gum with monochloroacetic acid in the presence of caustic soda. CMC's primary applications lie in its role as a stabilizing agent in the food industry. It is widely used in the food supply chain to prevent movement restriction and ensure the smooth production and transportation of food products. In the realm of gluten-free baking, CMC plays a crucial role as a gluten substitute, catering to the growing demand for gluten-free products due to the increasing prevalence of gluten intolerance and celiac diseases. In the pharmaceutical sector, CMC serves as a critical excipient in the production of tablets, capsules, and suspensions. Its ability to improve the flow properties of powders and enhance the binding capacity makes it an essential component in the manufacturing process of various medications. The cosmetics industry also benefits significantly from CMC. It is used as a thickener and stabilizer in personal care products, contributing to their texture and consistency.

Further, the growing urbanization and the increasing popularity of social media have led to a wave in the cosmetics market, further driving the demand for CMC. The retail trade sector, particularly in the sales of multicuisine foods and ice cream production, also relies on CMC as a food additive. Its ability to act as a stabilizer and thickener makes it an indispensable ingredient in these industries. The dominance of the target industries in North America, coupled with the increasing expenditure on healthcare and personal care products, is expected to boost the CMC market in the region. The domestic pharmaceutical industry's production of generic drugs and medical goods also contributes significantly to the market's growth. In conclusion, Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a versatile ingredient with a wide range of applications in various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Its production involves the reaction of cellulose gum with monochloroacetic acid and caustic soda.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Application
  • Food and beverages
  • Pharmaceutical and cosmetics
  • Oil and gas
  • Paper
  • Others
• Grade Type
  • Highly purified
  • Technical grade
  • Industrial grade
• Geography
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • North America
    • US
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
  • Middle East and Africa
  • South America

By Application Insights

The food and beverages segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a widely used derivative of cellulose, applied across various industries such as food and beverages, detergents, oilfield, paper, and coatings. In the food and beverage sector, CMC functions as a valuable food additive due to its thickening, stabilizing, and suspending properties. It enhances the rheological properties, structure, flavor, and appearance of food products, including ice cream, yogurt, and acid milk drinks. CMC is particularly beneficial in ice cream production, where it prevents the formation of ice crystals and improves the texture and consistency of the final product.

In the manufacturing of acid milk drinks, CMC plays a crucial role as an emulsion stabilizer, ensuring the homogeneity and stability of the mixture. These drinks, characterized by their sweet and sour tastes, consist of water, milk or milk powder, yogurt, citric acid, fruity essence, and synthetic pigment. Beyond the food industry, CMC is employed in the oilfield sector as a drilling fluid thickener, enabling efficient drilling operations in crude oil and petroleum product extraction. The increasing disposable income and the developing economies have led to a growing demand for CMC in various applications. 

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The food and beverages segment accounted for USD 474.60 million in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

APAC is estimated to contribute 39% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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In the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, the expanding consumption of multicuisine foods and beverages is driving the market growth. The food and beverage industry in APAC is experiencing significant expansion, particularly in the packaged food sector, which is fueling the demand for CMC as a thickening and stabilizing agent. China is currently the dominant market for CMC in APAC, with substantial consumption in applications such as food processing, personal care products, and domestic pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, urbanization and the increasing influence of social media trends in beauty and personal care are also contributing to the market's growth. Additionally, the development of the national oil and gas industry in several APAC countries may provide further opportunities for the CMC market. Overall, the CMC market in APAC is expected to witness substantial growth during the forecast period.

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year and the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Market Driver

Health-related benefits of linen products is the key driver of the market. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a derivative of cellulose, is a versatile hydrophilic substance extensively used in various industries, including medical goods and cosmetics. As a viscosity modifier, stabilizer, and emulsifier, CMC plays a crucial role in enhancing the texture and consistency of milk products, drinks, dressings and seasonings, ice creams, and frozen desserts. Its soluble complexes provide stability and improve the overall quality of these products. In the medical sector, CMC is utilized for its thickening and binding properties in pharmaceutical applications. The demand for CMC is forecasted to grow steadily in the coming years due to its functional benefits.

Market Trends

The growing interest of consumers in organic and eco-friendly carboxymethyl cellulose products is the upcoming trend in the market. Carboxymethyl cellulose, a plant-derived cellulose, is gaining popularity due to the increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly and organic products. This trend is significant in the carboxymethyl cellulose market. The production process of carboxymethyl cellulose involves treating cellulose with monochloroacetic acid and caustic soda to create cellulose gum. This gum is widely used as a stabilizing agent in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and food and beverages. In the food industry, carboxymethyl cellulose is used to prevent movement restriction in gluten-free baking, catering to the needs of individuals with gluten intolerance and celiac diseases. The demand for gluten-free products is on the rise, making carboxymethyl cellulose a valuable ingredient.

Its use in food supply ensures the safety and quality of various food items, making it an essential component. Carboxymethyl cellulose's eco-friendly and organic nature aligns with the current consumer trend towards sustainable and healthier options. By choosing carboxymethyl cellulose, industries can meet the demands of health-conscious consumers while also reducing their environmental footprint. This trend is expected to continue, making carboxymethyl cellulose a valuable investment for businesses.

Market Challenge

Stringent regulations in the textile industry is a key challenge affecting the market growth. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a derivative of cellulose, is extensively used in various industries, including food and beverages. In the food sector, CMC functions as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in processed food products, particularly in bakery items and dairy applications. The changing food habits of the working generation and the growing population in developed countries have led to an increase in the consumption of processed food. Acidification is a common process used in the production of CMC, which involves the treatment of cellulose with calcium hydroxide and sodium chloride, followed by sulfuric acid. This process results in the formation of carboxymethyl groups on the cellulose molecule, enhancing its functional properties.

The CMC market is expected to benefit from this trend, as it is an essential ingredient in various processed food applications. In conclusion, the carboxymethyl cellulose market is driven by the increasing demand for processed food and beverages, particularly in developed countries. Its functional properties, such as thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying, make it an essential ingredient in various food applications. The regulatory environment and consumer safety concerns are significant factors influencing the market's growth. The US food processing industry's continued growth is expected to provide opportunities for the CMC market in the coming years.

Exclusive Customer Landscape

The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Allwyn Chem Industries - The company offers carboxymethyl cellulose products such as in powder format. 

The market research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Amar Cellulose Industries
• Ashland Inc.
• Barzaghi Srl Unipersonale
• Cellulose Solutions Pvt Ltd.
• CMC SA
• Daicel Miraizu Ltd.
• DKS Co. Ltd.
• Foodchem International Corp.
• Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co. Ltd.
• Jining Fortune Biotech Co. Ltd.
• Lamberti SpA
• Nilkanth Organics
• Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.
• Nouryon Chemicals Holding BV
• Patel Industries
• Quimica Amtex SA De CV
• Univar Solutions Inc.
• USK Kimya Inc.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Research Analyst Overview

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a plant-derived cellulose that undergoes chemical modification using monochloroacetic acid and caustic soda. This process results in the production of cellulose gum, a versatile substance with various applications. In the pharmaceutical sector, CMC serves as a stabilizing agent, viscosity modifier, and emulsifier. Its usage in food and beverages is extensive, particularly in gluten-free baking for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac diseases. CMC is a vital food additive in ice cream production, detergent manufacturing, oilfield operations, paper coatings, and disposable income-driven industries. The global CMC market has been studied its growth, driven by significant adoption in convenience food, and pharmaceutical sector, and lucrative growth in developing countries.

Further, the wave in urbanization, social media influence on beauty trends, and national bureaucracy in the retail trade boost the market's availability. CMC's stabilizing property is essential in milk products, drinks, dressings, and seasonings, ice creams, and frozen desserts. Its role as a soluble complex in casein and acidification in bakery items increases consumption in processed food industries in developed countries. Changing food habits and a growing working generation, along with a rising population, contribute to the market's continued development.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research and Growth Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market  and its contribution of the market in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market growth and trends and changes in consumer behaviour
• Growth of the market across APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America
• Thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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