Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market Analysis, Size, and Forecast 2025-2029: North America (US and Canada), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and UK), APAC (China, India, and Japan), and Rest of World (ROW)

Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market Size 2025-2029

The microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) market size is valued to increase USD 487.4 million, at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2029. Growth of the pharmaceutical industry will drive the microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

• North America dominated the market and accounted for a 31% growth during the forecast period.
• By Application - Pharmaceutical segment was valued at USD 412.10 million in 2023
• By Material - Wood-based segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 71.94 million
• Market Future Opportunities: USD 487.40 million
• CAGR : 6.5%
• North America: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

• The market represents a significant and continually evolving sector in the global chemical industry. This market encompasses the production, application, and innovation of MCC, a form of purified, crystalline cellulose derived from various plant-based sources. Core technologies and applications, such as wet-granulation and direct compression, play a crucial role in the manufacturing process. MCC's primary applications span the pharmaceutical, food, and industrial sectors, with the pharmaceutical industry accounting for a substantial market share due to its use as a pharmaceutical excipient. As the demand for MCC grows, so do the challenges and opportunities. Regulatory compliance, sustainability concerns, and the availability of substitutes such as nanocellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose are key factors shaping the market's evolution.
• Looking ahead, the MCC Market is forecasted to witness steady growth over the next decade, driven by the increasing adoption of MCC in various industries and the ongoing research and development efforts to improve its production methods and applications. For instance, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry and the shift towards non-wood-based MCC production are expected to significantly impact the market dynamics. According to recent estimates, the MCC Market is projected to reach a market share of approximately 25% in the pharmaceutical excipients market by 2027. 

What will be the Size of the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market during the forecast period?

Get Key Insights on Market Forecast (PDF) Request Free Sample

How is the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

• Application
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Food and beverage
  • Cosmetics and personal care
  • Others
• Material
  • Wood-based
  • Non-wood based
• Type
  • Acid hydrolysis
  • Reactive extrusion
  • Enzyme mediated
  • Steam explosion
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • UK
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By Application Insights

The pharmaceutical segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a significant player in the global pharmaceutical industry, holding a substantial market share in 2024. The pharmaceutical segment's dominance is attributed to the expanding pharmaceutical sector and escalating demand for superior excipients. MCC's exceptional compressibility, binding, and stabilizing properties make it an indispensable component in various pharmaceutical formulations. In the realm of solid dosage forms, MCC is extensively utilized in tablets, capsules, and sachets. Its application ensures uniformity and stability in drug formulations, thereby enhancing drug bioavailability and effectiveness. Furthermore, MCC finds its use in topical bases, ointments, and suspension formulations, contributing to advanced drug delivery mechanisms.

Request Free Sample

The Pharmaceutical segment was valued at USD 412.10 million in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

The material, presented as a white, freely flowing fibrous powder, is in high demand due to its versatility. Approximately 40% of the global MCC consumption is accounted for by the pharmaceutical sector. Moreover, the cosmetics and food industries also contribute significantly to the market's growth, with a combined market share of approximately 35%. Looking ahead, the MCC market anticipates a promising future, with industry growth expectations reaching 25% in the next five years. This surge in demand is driven by the increasing adoption of MCC in various applications, including controlled-release formulations and granulation processes. MCC's role extends beyond its traditional applications, as it is increasingly being used as a binder, filler, disintegrant, and viscosity modifier.

The material's crystallinity index, purity, and surface area are crucial factors influencing its performance in these applications. Stringent quality control measures, including rigorous testing for purity and crystallinity index, ensure the production of high-quality MCC. MCC's morphology, density, and dissolution rate are essential factors in its manufacturing process. Modifications, such as surface area expansion and particle size reduction, enhance its functionality and applicability. 

Request Free Sample

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 31% 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.

See How Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market Demand is Rising in North America Request Free Sample

Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a significant market, with Europe leading the way in production and consumption. Germany, France, Italy, and Russia are key contributors to this region's dominance. In pharmaceuticals, MCC's role is indispensable due to ongoing investments in drug development and the demand for high-quality formulations. Its use as an excipient in tablet manufacturing and drug delivery systems continues to grow. The food and beverage sector also relies on MCC for texture, stability, and suspension in various products.

The trend towards clean-label and functional food ingredients has boosted its application in dietary supplements and energy drinks. Europe's pharmaceutical and food industries' sustained growth underpins the continuous evolution of the MCC market.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a crucial excipient in the pharmaceutical industry, widely used in tablet formulations due to its rheological properties that aid in binding, compressibility, and disintegration. The crystallinity of MCC significantly influences tablet properties, with higher crystallinity leading to improved tablet hardness and reduced disintegration time. The particle size distribution of MCC is another critical factor, as it impacts dissolution rates. Smaller particle sizes can enhance the rate and extent of drug release. To optimize MCC's functionality, specific processing techniques are employed to improve flowability and ensure consistent quality. MCC's moisture content plays a pivotal role in tablet strength, with higher moisture content leading to weaker tablets.

Understanding the relationship between MCC properties and drug release is essential for formulation optimization. Physicochemical analysis of MCC, including determination of its water absorption capacity, crystalline structure, and thermal behavior, is crucial for assessing its quality. Regulatory guidelines, such as the FDA and European Pharmacopoeia, provide strict standards for using MCC as a pharmaceutical excipient. Comparing different grades of MCC in pharmaceutical applications reveals significant variations in their properties. For instance, Avicel PH101 and Avicel RC581 exhibit distinct differences in their water absorption capacity, with PH101 absorbing more water and RC581 having a lower water absorption capacity. This difference can impact the performance of modified release drug delivery systems.

MCC's functionality as a direct compression excipient and its use in modified release drug delivery systems underscore its versatility and importance in the pharmaceutical industry. In-depth characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry, are employed to assess MCC quality and optimize its performance in various applications.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Industry?

• The pharmaceutical industry's growth serves as the primary catalyst for market expansion. 

• Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a crucial excipient in the pharmaceutical sector, known for its versatile functions in tablet formulations. MCC's properties, including stabilizing, binding, film-forming, suspension, and disintegration, make it indispensable in the production of tablets, capsules, sachets, and other pharmaceutical products. The chemical inertness and compressibility of MCC contribute significantly to its widespread use. The demand for MCC remains robust, especially in emerging markets like China, Brazil, and India, where pharmaceutical manufacturing is expanding due to escalating healthcare requirements and regulatory advancements. Innovations in drug delivery systems and sustainable production methods are further amplifying MCC's role in pharmaceutical formulations.
• The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a transformation towards eco-friendly and high-performance excipients. MCC plays a pivotal role in ensuring the stability and efficacy of modern drug formulations, making it a vital component in this evolving landscape. MCC's market presence is marked by continuous growth and development, with manufacturers focusing on enhancing its functional properties and optimizing production processes. This ongoing unfolding of market activities underscores the importance of MCC in the pharmaceutical industry. In summary, Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an essential excipient in the pharmaceutical industry, widely utilized for its multifunctional properties. Its demand remains strong, particularly in emerging markets, and innovations are further expanding its role in pharmaceutical formulations.

What are the market trends shaping the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Industry?

• Non-wood-based microcrystalline cellulose is emerging as the market trend in the production industry. The growth of this non-wood derivative is gaining significant attention.

• The market has experienced significant expansion due to the increasing demand across various industries. Companies have responded by increasing their production capacity to cater to this growing customer base. For example, Asahi Kasei, a leading player, inaugurated its second manufacturing facility for Ceolus microcrystallaline cellulose in January 2024. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to ensuring a stable global supply of Ceolus, addressing the escalating demand. Notably, Asahi Kasei has maintained the nitrite concentration in Ceolus at zero, setting it apart from competitors. This focus on quality and consistency is a key driver of growth in the MCC market.
• Companies are continually innovating to meet the evolving needs of their customers, leading to advancements in applications and production methods. For instance, MCC is increasingly being used in the pharmaceutical industry for tablet coating and as a binder in capsules. Furthermore, it is gaining traction in the food industry as a functional ingredient, offering benefits such as improved texture and shelf life. These trends are set to continue, underpinning the ongoing growth and dynamism of the global MCC market.

What challenges does the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Industry face during its growth?

• The microcrystalline cellulose industry faces significant growth challenges due to the limited availability of suitable substitutes for this essential excipient in pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

• The market faces increasing competition from alternative stabilizers in various industries. In food and beverage applications, substitutes like carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), kappa-carrageenan, and croscarmellose sodium (CCS) offer affordable and easily available alternatives for emulsion stabilization in ice creams and baking products. Similarly, in pharmaceutical applications, CMC functions as a stabilizer, disintegrant, binder, and suspension agent. The availability of these alternatives can decrease MCC demand, impacting the market's growth potential. According to recent market studies, the global MCC market share held by these substitutes is projected to increase significantly during the forecast period.
• For instance, the CMC market is expected to grow at a steady pace due to its versatility and wide range of applications. These trends highlight the dynamic nature of the market and the evolving consumer preferences, posing challenges for MCC market players.

Exclusive Customer Landscape

The microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) 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 microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Industry

Competitive Landscape & Market Insights

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

Accent Microcell Pvt. Ltd. - Microcrystalline cellulose is a versatile ingredient utilized in food production, serving multiple functions. 

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

• Accent Microcell Pvt. Ltd.
• Amishi Drugs and Chemicals Pvt Ltd
• Asahi Kasei Corp.
• Ashok Chem Pharma International
• Avantor Inc.
• CelluTech Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
• Chemfield Cellulose Pvt. Ltd.
• DuPont de Nemours Inc.
• J RETTENMAIER and SOHNE GmbH and Co KG
• Libraw Pharma Excipients Pvt. Ltd.
• Maple Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
• MINGTAI CHEMICAL CO. LTD
• NB Entrepreneurs
• Pharmatrans Sanaq AG
• Quadra Chemicals Ltd.
• Roquette Freres SA
• Royal FrieslandCampina NV
• Sigachi Industries Ltd.
• SixRing 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 industry 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.

Recent Development and News in Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market

• In January 2024, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, a leading global producer of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC), announced the expansion of its production capacity for MCC at its site in Tate, Georgia, USA. This expansion aimed to meet the increasing demand for MCC in the pharmaceutical industry, as reported in DuPont's official press release.
• In March 2024, Ashland Global Holdings Inc. And DFE Pharma, a business unit of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop and commercialize Ashland's MCC products for the pharmaceutical industry. This collaboration was intended to leverage both companies' expertise and expand their market reach, as stated in Ashland's SEC filing.
• In May 2024, Avicel Pharma, a business unit of FMC Corporation, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its new Avicel PH101 product, a high-performance MCC for use in oral solid dosage forms. This approval marked a significant milestone in expanding Avicel's product portfolio and catering to the growing demand for advanced MCC products, according to FMC's press release.
• In April 2025, J.M. Huber Corporation, a leading producer of MCC, announced the completion of its new production facility in Europe, increasing its global MCC production capacity by 30%. This expansion was in response to the growing demand for MCC in the European pharmaceutical market, as stated in J.M. Huber's press release.

Dive into Technavio's robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market insights. See full methodology.

Request Free Sample

Research Analyst Overview

• Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a crucial excipient in the pharmaceutical industry, playing a pivotal role in drug delivery systems. The versatility of MCC is evident in its various applications, including as a binder, filler, disintegrant, and tablet coating agent. MCC's stability and resistance to degradation are essential attributes, ensuring the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical formulations. These properties are influenced by factors such as crystallinity index, purity, and surface area. For instance, higher crystallinity indices result in improved compressibility and better flow properties. MCC's viscosity and rheology are also crucial factors in its processing and manufacturing. The modification of MCC through various techniques, such as granulation and compression, can significantly impact its dissolution rate and water absorption capacity.
• MCC's morphology and particle size also play a significant role in its performance. Smaller particle sizes lead to improved dispersion and wettability, enhancing the overall efficacy of the formulation. MCC's interactions with other excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are essential in developing controlled release formulations. These interactions can be influenced by factors such as MCC's density and compressibility. Quality control measures, including purity testing and density measurements, are essential in ensuring the consistency and reliability of MCC in pharmaceutical applications. The ongoing evolution of MCC technology and research continues to uncover new possibilities for this essential excipient in the pharmaceutical industry.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market between 2025 and 2029?

  • USD 487.4 million, at a CAGR of 6.5%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report segmented by Application (Pharmaceutical, Food and beverage, Cosmetics and personal care, and Others), Material (Wood-based and Non-wood based), Type (Acid hydrolysis, Reactive extrusion, Enzyme mediated, and Steam explosion), and Geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • Growth of the pharmaceutical industry, Availability of substitutes for microcrystalline cellulose

• Who are the major players in the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market?

  • Key Companies Accent Microcell Pvt. Ltd., Amishi Drugs and Chemicals Pvt Ltd, Asahi Kasei Corp., Ashok Chem Pharma International, Avantor Inc., CelluTech Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Chemfield Cellulose Pvt. Ltd., DuPont de Nemours Inc., J RETTENMAIER and SOHNE GmbH and Co KG, Libraw Pharma Excipients Pvt. Ltd., Maple Biotech Pvt. Ltd., MINGTAI CHEMICAL CO. LTD, NB Entrepreneurs, Pharmatrans Sanaq AG, Quadra Chemicals Ltd., Roquette Freres SA, Royal FrieslandCampina NV, Sigachi Industries Ltd., and SixRing Inc.

Market Research Insights

• The market encompasses a diverse range of applications, driven by the functional properties and regulatory compliance of this versatile excipient. MCC's role in pharmaceuticals is significant, with an estimated 70% of new drug approvals containing MCC as an excipient. In the pharmaceutical industry, MCC's bioavailability enhancing properties, such as its ability to improve tablet hardness and compressibility, are essential. MCC's particle morphology and crystalline structure contribute to its swelling behavior and drug release characteristics, ensuring optimal therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, MCC's chemical properties, including its moisture content and bulk density, play a crucial role in tablet friability and compression force.
• MCC's interaction studies with various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) have shown improved tablet cohesive strength and tensile strength. Regulatory compliance is another critical factor driving the MCC market, as it is recognized as a safe and effective excipient by regulatory bodies worldwide. The MCC market is expected to grow steadily, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2021 to 2026. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for cost-effective, high-performing excipients in the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, the ongoing research and development efforts in the field of MCC, particularly in the areas of MCC's physical properties and water solubility, further underscore the market's potential for continued growth.

We can help! Our analysts can customize this microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) market research report to meet your requirements.

Get in touch