Cellulose Derivatives Market Size

Global Cellulose Derivatives Market size was valued at USD 7.53 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 8.02 billion in 2024 to USD 13.27 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period (2025-2032). 

Growing emphasis on sustainability, innovations in 3D printing materials, and surging adoption of cellulose derivatives in food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas applications are expected to bolster the demand for cellulose derivatives in the future.

Extensive use of cellulose derivatives in the pharmaceutical industry as binders, stabilizers, and controlled-release agents in tablets and capsules is projected to bolster the market development going forward. Evolving consumer preferences and surging demand for plant-based food products are also slated to promote the global cellulose derivatives market growth over the coming years. Cellulose derivatives act as emulsifiers, thickeners, and stabilizers in food products such as dairy, sauces, and baked goods.

Increasing disposable income of people around the world has led to high sales of personal care products and cosmetics. Surging popularity of the clean label movement in the personal care space has led to high demand for plant-based and biodegradable ingredients. Use of cellulose derivatives for thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming properties in products like lotions, shampoos, and creams is slated to offer new opportunities for market players in the long run.

Use of cellulose derivatives to enhance the performance of construction materials such as cement, plaster, and adhesives is anticipated to open up new avenues of business for cellulose derivatives suppliers. High emphasis on sustainability around the world and growing demand for novel 3D printing materials are also forecasted to bolster the sales of cellulose derivatives through 2032. On the contrary, fluctuations in raw material pricing, availability of synthetic substitutes, limited consumer awareness, high costs of production, and environmental concerns in manufacturing are slated to impede the adoption of cellulose derivatives across the study period and beyond.

Key Market Attributes

In December 2024, Kima Chemical, a leading cellulose ether manufacturer from China announced its ability to produce 20,000 Tons of Cellulose Ether annually. Kima is known especially for its manufacturing expertise of cellulose derivatives such as Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (MHEC), Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), and Redispersible Polymer Powder (RDP). The company’s extensive production capacity is aimed at helping other organizations fulfil their surging demand for cellulose and cellulose derivatives as emphasis on sustainability rises globally.

In October 2023, Ashland, a renowned specialty chemicals manufacturer announced the launch of next generation of modified methyl cellulose derivatives. Culminal GAP (Green Aware Performance) is designed to simplify formulations of premium cement adhesives. Growing demand for better performing construction materials around the world is expected to help Ashland boost the sales of its Culminal GAP offerings in the long run.

Launching new cellulose derivatives should be the prime focus of market players to stay competitive in the industry. Investing in the R&D of novel cellulose derivatives and cellulose-based materials can also help companies expand their revenue generation potential across the study period. Cellulose derivative manufacturers are also expected to invest in expansion of production capacities to satisfy the rising demand on the back of growing emphasis on sustainability in all parts of the world.