Cellulose Ether & Derivatives Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2022-2028)

Cellulose ethers are water-soluble polymers derived from cellulose, the most abundant natural polymer. For a long time, these products have played a significant role in a host of applications in various industries such as construction, paints & chemicals, food & beverage, cosmetics, and healthcare. In recent years, the demand for cellulose ether & derivatives has risen dramatically owing to the soaring application of cellulose ether & derivates in the chemical industry as cellulose ether & derivatives help in thickening, emulsifying, water retention, and improved stability, making them ideal additives in the industry. Furthermore, key producers in the chemical industry are planning to invest in expanding their business across new areas to produce more amount of cellulose. For instance, in May 2021, Rayonier Advanced Materials announced a strategic investment in Anomera Inc., which produces the highest quality Cellulose Nanocrystals under the brand names, DextraCel, ChromaPu, and ChromAllur. Anomera represents a new cellulosic technology platform for future growth. This investment is expected to offer a new platform to expand its business to new areas.

The Cellulose Ether & Derivatives Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 6% owing to the wide applications of cellulose ether & derivatives in the pharmaceutical industry followed by the food & beverage, and chemical industries. Further, cellulose ether & derivatives have a high demand in the pharmaceutical industry as they are used for the treatment of chronic diseases as used in inactive substances as carriers for active ingredients in drugs. Thus, growth in the end-user industries is expected to drive the demand for cellulose ether & derivatives globally.

Based on product type, the market is segmented into methylcellulose (MC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxymethyl methylcellulose (HMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CCC) hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), ethyl cellulose (EC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). The methylcellulose category is to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. As methylcellulose is a white, odorless, tasteless powder that is soluble in cold water and forms a gel-like substance when heated. So, methylcellulose can be used as thickeners, emulsifiers, and stabilizers in various industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other industries. Also, it is a safe, and non-toxic ingredient which in turn increases the growth of the cellulose ether & derivatives market.

Based on end-user, the cellulose ether & derivatives market has been classified into foods & beverages, construction, paints & coatings, oilfield applications, pharmaceuticals, and personal care & detergents. The foods & beverages category is to witness the highest adoption of cellulose ether & derivatives during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the use of cellulose ethers and derivatives as thickening agents in various food & beverage products such as sauces, soups, and juices to improve their texture and viscosity. Additionally, it is also used as an emulsifier to improve the stability and homogeneity of emulsions in various food & beverage products such as mayonnaise and salad dressings. Further, cellulose is a naturally occurring polymer derived from plant fibers, making cellulose ethers and derivatives environmentally friendly and renewable, contributing to the sustainability of the food & beverage industry.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the cellulose ether & derivatives industry, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in the countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the increasing consumer concern towards bio-based products coupled with the growing adoption of cellulose ether & derivatives in the construction, pharmaceutical, and others sectors within the region. As, bio-based products produced by cellulose ether & derivatives have many advantages for the environment such as sustainability, renewable sourcing, and reduced environmental impact. That will increase the demand for cellulose ether & derivatives in industries such as construction, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and others. Moreover, major players in the market are working towards launching new products of cellulose in the market to expand their business portfolios. For instance, in April 2022, Nouryon launched its new Bermocoll FLOW cellulose ether. The new product can combine the flow and leveling properties of a synthetic thickener with the stabilizing properties of a cellulose thickener. The product is primarily designed for use in low-volatile organic compound (VOC) paint formulations along with airless spray applications.

Some of the major players operating in the market include: The Dow Chemical Company, Fenchem, LOTTE Fine Chemicals, Shandong Head Co. Ltd, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Lamberti S.p.A., J.M. Huber Corporation, DKS Co. Ltd, and J. RETTENMAIER SOHNE GmbH + Co KG.