Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Application (Oilfield, Paper & Pulp, Detergents, Mining, Others), By End-Use (Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Textile, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Others), By Grades (Highly Purified, Technical Grade, Industrial Grade), and Regional Analysis, 2024-2031

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market Size

The global Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Sodium Market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.5%, mainly due to its versatile applications across multiple industries. Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Sodium is a water-soluble cellulose derivative that is used primarily in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries as a thickening, suspending, and stabilizing agent. Due to its characteristic surface properties, hydrophilicity, viscosity, and low-cost synthesis, CMC sodium is exceedingly utilized in various end-uses.

A key driver is the growing food and beverage industry. CMC is widely used there as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. With the rising demand for low-fat, gluten-free foods, CMC is in high demand. This trend is clear in dairy alternatives, baked goods, and drinks. CMC helps improve the texture and stability of the aforementioned products, which is expected to drive the Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium market over the forecast period.

The food and beverage industry widely uses CMC. It is a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent especially used in gluten-free and low-fat products. The growing trend of consumers favoring healthier food options is expected to drive CMC sodium demand. The pharmaceutical industry is another major end-user impacting the adoption of CMC sodium. CMC is a key excipient in drug formulations. It binds, stabilizes, and controls drug release. The global pharmaceutical market is growing, especially in emerging economies, therefore, the demand for CMC is expected to rise.

The personal care and cosmetics industry also drives market growth. CMC is a key ingredient in skincare and haircare products. It can form films, retain water, and thicken these formulations. The personal care sector is shifting to natural and organic products. This is especially true in Asia-Pacific and North America, which is driving the market growth.

Also, the oil drilling industry uses CMC as a viscosity modifier and fluid loss reducer. The product is expected to witness steady demand from this end-use industry due to ongoing explorations. The Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market will grow fast as a result of its many uses and rising global industrial demand over the forecast period.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market Trends

The Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market is now affected by key trends. They are shaping the trajectory of its future growth. A notable trend is the rising demand for CMC in the food and beverage industry. It is a key ingredient in gluten-free and low-fat products.

According to Kings Research, the global gluten-free market is projected to reach USD 12.46 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.98% from 2023 to 2030. As consumers become more health-conscious, they seek lower-fat, gluten-free foods. Therefore, manufacturers are turning to CMC as a reliable thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. This trend is particularly pronounced in developed regions, like North America and Europe, where awareness of health and wellness is dictating diet transformations.

Another major trend in the market is the growing use of CMC in the pharmaceutical industry. CMC is widely used in drug formulations as an excipient and is used as a binder, stabilizer, and drug carrier. The growth of the pharma sector in emerging markets is raising the demand for CMC.

According to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Association, North America accounted for 52.3% of world pharmaceutical sales compared with 22.4% for Europe in 2022. Demand for CMC sodium is rising with the growth of new drug delivery systems and CMC's use in making controlled-release drugs.

The third key trend is the growing use of CMC in personal care and cosmetics. As natural and organic personal care products grow in popularity, CMC is being used for its water retention, film-forming, and thickening properties. This trend is strong in the Asia-Pacific, where the demand for skincare and hair care products is skyrocketing. The cosmetics industry's move to eco-friendly ingredients is boosting the demand for CMC as a biodegradable, non-toxic ingredient.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market Growth Factors

Several factors are contributing to the growth of the Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market. One of the primary growth drivers is the expanding food and beverage industry. CMC is widely used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in various bakery items, dairy products, sauces, and beverages. The demand for processed and convenience foods is rising. So is the need for low-fat and gluten-free products. This is driving up the demand for CMC in this industry.

Another major growth factor is the pharmaceutical industry's greater reliance on CMC as an excipient in drug formulations. CMC is valued for its binding, stabilizing, and drug-releasing properties. It is essential in making tablets, capsules, and other dosage forms. The global population is growing and chronic diseases are on the rise. This is increasing the demand for drugs and driving growth in the CMC market. Also, ongoing research in pharmaceuticals is creating new drug formulations, which is boosting the demand for CMC.

The personal care and cosmetics industry helps grow the CMC market. The rise in demand for skincare and hair care products, especially in emerging markets, is driving the use of CMC. It has moisturizing, film-forming, and thickening properties. Also, the rise of natural, organic personal care products is boosting the demand for CMC as a biodegradable, non-toxic ingredient. The rise in consumer awareness of sustainable, eco-friendly products is boosting the CMC market.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market Regional Analysis

The Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market is split by region into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific has the largest market share, due to high demand in China and India. China is the top producer and consumer of CMC in the Asia-Pacific and hold a large share of the global market.

The region's growth is due to a larger population, higher incomes, and a booming food and beverage industry. China is the second most populated country in the world. It holds around 17.73% of the world's population as estimated by the World Population Review. The demand for processed and convenience foods in Asia-Pacific is rising. This is further boosting the CMC market in the region. Also, the pharmaceutical and personal care industries in Japan and South Korea are boosting the demand for CMC.

North America is the second-largest market for Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium with U.S. as the major contributor. The food and beverage industry has a high demand for CMC. This is especially true for gluten-free and low-fat products, which is driving the market growth in this region. Also, the North American pharmaceutical industry is growing. This boosts the demand for CMC as an excipient in drug formulations.

The market is also boosted by major drug companies and ongoing R&D in the region. Eli Lilly and Co., Pfizer Inc., Merck & Co Inc., and AbbVie Inc. are the major pharma companies in North America which drives R&D and innovation in materials such as Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium.

Europe is a key market for CMC, where Germany, France, and the UK generate the highest demand. The region's strong food and beverage industry is driving the market for CMC. So is the growing demand for natural and organic personal care products. Also, the steady growth of the pharma industry in Europe is raising the demand for CMC in the region.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets for CMC Sodium. The rising food and beverage industry and demand for pharmaceutical solutions are expected to boost the CMC market in these regions. In addition, the growing use of CMC in personal care products is boosting the market in these regions.

Competitive Landscape in Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market

The Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market is very competitive. CP Kelco, Ashland Global Holdings, and Dow Chemical are top CMC producers that dominate this industry. These companies aim to grow their product lines and market share through strategic mergers and acquisitions. Also, they are investing in R&D to improve their CMC products. The rise of regional players is changing the competition. In Asia-Pacific, local manufacturers are offering CMC at low prices. The rising demand for CMC in various industries is pushing companies to adopt new strategies to stay competitive.

List of Key Players in Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market

• Nouryon
• Chongqing Lihong Fine Chemicals Co. Ltd.
• Changshu Wealthy Science and Technology Co. ltd.
• Xuzhou Liyuan cellulose Technology Co. Ltd.
• Ashland Inc
• DKS Co ltd
• CP Kelco U.S. Inc.
• The Dow chemical company

Key Industry Developments

In recent years, the Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market has witnessed several significant developments. In 2023, CP Kelco expanded its CMC production capacity by 15% at its Finnish plant to meet the food and beverage industry's growing demand. This expansion would boost the company's position in the global CMC market.

In 2022, Ashland Global Holdings Inc. introduced a new range of high-purity CMC products for the pharma industry. These products are designed to meet the stringent regulatory requirements of the pharmaceutical sector and are expected to gain significant traction in the market.

In 2021, Dow Chemical Company launched a new CMC product line for the personal care industry. The new products improve water retention and film-forming, while meeting the rising demand for natural, organic personal care items. This will boost CMC use in cosmetics and personal care.

The global Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Market has been segmented:

By Application

• Oilfield
• Paper & Pulp
• Detergents
• Mining
• Others

By End-Use

• Food & Beverage
• Healthcare
• Textile
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Others

By Grades

• Highly Purified
• Technical Grade
• Industrial Grade

By Region

• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• Germany
• UK
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia
• Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
• GCC
• South Africa
• North America
• Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America