Methyl Cellulose Market Size & Growth, Forecast [2033]

Methyl Cellulose Market Overview

The Methyl Cellulose Market size was valued at USD 1536.83 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1639.94 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2025 to 2033.

Methyl cellulose (MC) is a chemically modified cellulose derivative known for its water solubility and gel-forming properties. In 2024, the global MC market is estimated at approximately 256,000 metric tons, with significant demand from the construction, pharmaceutical, and food industries. In construction, MC is utilized in dry mix mortars and tile adhesives to enhance water retention and workability. The pharmaceutical sector employs MC as a binder and controlled-release agent in tablet formulations. In the food industry, MC serves as a thickener and stabilizer, particularly in gluten-free and low-fat products. The Asia-Pacific region leads in MC consumption, driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China and India. Technological advancements have enabled the production of high-purity MC grades, expanding its applications in personal care and cosmetics. The market's growth is further supported by the increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable additives across various industries.

Key Findings

Top Driver Reason: Increasing demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable additives in construction and pharmaceuticals.

Top Country/Region: Asia-Pacific, due to rapid industrialization and urbanization.

Top Segment: Construction materials, owing to the extensive use of MC in dry mix mortars and tile adhesives.

Methyl Cellulose Market Trends

The methyl cellulose market is experiencing notable trends across various sectors. In construction, MC's role in enhancing the performance of dry mix mortars and tile adhesives has led to increased adoption, especially in emerging economies focusing on infrastructure development. The pharmaceutical industry is witnessing a surge in MC usage as a binder and controlled-release agent, aligning with the growing demand for advanced drug delivery systems. In the food sector, MC's application as a thickener and stabilizer in gluten-free and low-fat products is gaining traction, driven by health-conscious consumer preferences. The personal care and cosmetics industry is incorporating MC for its film-forming and emulsifying properties, catering to the demand for natural and sustainable ingredients. Technological advancements have facilitated the production of high-purity MC grades, expanding its application scope. Additionally, the trend towards sustainable and biodegradable additives is propelling MC's market growth, as industries seek environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals. The Asia-Pacific region remains at the forefront of these trends, with significant consumption in construction and pharmaceuticals. Overall, the market is poised for continued growth, driven by MC's versatility and alignment with sustainability goals.

Methyl Cellulose Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable additives

The increasing awareness of environmental sustainability has led industries to seek eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemicals. Methyl cellulose, being biodegradable and derived from renewable sources, fits this requirement. In construction, MC enhances the performance of building materials while reducing environmental impact. The pharmaceutical industry values MC for its non-toxic and biodegradable nature, making it suitable for drug formulations. The food industry utilizes MC as a natural additive, aligning with consumer demand for clean-label products. This shift towards sustainability is a significant driver for MC market growth.

RESTRAINT

Fluctuating raw material prices

The production of methyl cellulose depends on cellulose derived from wood pulp and cotton linters. Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials can impact production costs and profit margins. Additionally, supply chain disruptions and environmental regulations affecting raw material sourcing can pose challenges to consistent MC production. These factors may hinder market growth, especially for small and medium-sized manufacturers.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in emerging economies

Emerging economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, present significant opportunities for the methyl cellulose market. Rapid urbanization and industrialization in countries like India, China, and Brazil are driving demand for construction materials, pharmaceuticals, and processed foods—all key application areas for MC. Investments in infrastructure development and healthcare in these regions further bolster the potential for market expansion.

CHALLENGE

Competition from alternative additives

Methyl cellulose faces competition from other cellulose derivatives and synthetic additives that may offer similar functionalities at lower costs. For instance, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are widely used in similar applications. The availability of these alternatives can impact MC's market share, especially in price-sensitive markets. Manufacturers need to emphasize MC's unique properties and sustainability benefits to maintain a competitive edge.

Methyl Cellulose Market Segmentation

By Type

Construction Material: Methyl cellulose is extensively used in construction materials such as dry mix mortars, tile adhesives, and cement renders. It improves water retention, workability, and adhesion properties, enhancing the performance of these materials. The construction sector's growth, particularly in emerging economies, is driving the demand for MC in this segment.
Cosmetic & Personal Care: In the cosmetics industry, MC serves as a thickener, emulsifier, and film-forming agent in products like creams, lotions, and shampoos. Its non-toxic and biodegradable nature aligns with the increasing consumer preference for natural and sustainable personal care products.
Paints & Coatings: MC is utilized in paints and coatings to control viscosity, improve stability, and enhance application properties. It contributes to the uniformity and quality of the final product, making it a valuable additive in this segment.
Pharmaceutical: Methyl cellulose is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as a binder, film-coating agent, and in controlled-release drug formulations. In 2023, over 14,000 metric tons of methyl cellulose were used across pharmaceutical applications globally. Its inert nature and non-allergenic properties make it ideal for tablets, capsules, and eye drops. It helps improve drug solubility and stability while ensuring safety for human consumption. The demand for sustained-release drugs and innovative oral formulations has significantly increased methyl cellulose usage in this segment.

By Application

Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC): Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose is a derivative of methyl cellulose used mainly in construction materials such as tile adhesives, self-leveling compounds, and plasters. Its superior water retention and workability properties improve the performance of dry mix products. In 2024, HEMC accounted for approximately 40,000 metric tons of global usage. Rapid construction activity in countries like India and Indonesia is propelling the demand for HEMC.
Hydroxybutyl Methyl Cellulose (HBMC): HBMC is gaining prominence in personal care and food applications due to its thickening and emulsifying properties. It is often used in skincare products and health supplements. In 2023, global consumption of HBMC reached around 18,000 metric tons. Its ability to form stable gels and films makes it an attractive component in high-end cosmetic formulations.
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC): HPMC is the most widely used methyl cellulose derivative, especially in pharmaceutical and construction sectors. In 2023, global HPMC demand exceeded 65,000 metric tons. It is used in ophthalmic solutions, oral drugs, and as a binding agent in tablets. In construction, it enhances the viscosity and adhesion of mortars and renders. HPMC’s compatibility with both aqueous and organic solvents further enhances its application versatility.

Methyl Cellulose Market Regional Outlook

North America

North America’s methyl cellulose market is primarily driven by its robust pharmaceutical and food processing sectors. In 2024, the region accounted for over 30,000 metric tons of MC consumption. The United States remains a key player with strong demand in personal care and construction applications. Investments in sustainable construction and healthcare R&D are bolstering growth. Increasing consumer awareness of clean-label food products also supports demand for methyl cellulose in food applications.

Europe

Europe recorded approximately 42,000 metric tons of methyl cellulose demand in 2024, led by Germany, France, and the UK. The region’s stringent environmental regulations favor biodegradable materials, boosting the use of MC in various applications. The pharmaceutical sector remains a dominant end-user, while rising renovation and construction projects contribute to increased consumption in dry mix mortars. Food and beverage industries in Europe are adopting MC as a fat replacer and texture modifier, aligning with health-conscious trends.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing region in the methyl cellulose market, with over 115,000 metric tons consumed in 2024. China, Japan, South Korea, and India are leading contributors. Rapid industrialization, urban infrastructure development, and expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing drive the demand. The construction boom in China and India alone contributed to 70% of the region's construction-based MC usage. Moreover, increasing disposable incomes are driving demand for premium personal care products containing MC.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa (MEA) market showed steady growth, consuming nearly 17,000 metric tons of methyl cellulose in 2024. The rise of construction projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, coupled with modernization in healthcare systems, has spurred demand. South Africa’s growing processed food market and Nigeria’s emerging pharmaceutical sector also contribute to regional expansion. Water scarcity and the need for efficient construction solutions have made MC a valued material in dry environments.

List of Top Methyl Cellulose Market Companies

Du Pont
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd
Ashland
Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
Zhejiang Kehong Chemical Co. Ltd
BASF SE
LOTTE Fine Chemical
Reliance Cellulose Products Ltd.
RETTENMAIER & SÖHNE

Top Two Companies with Highest Market Shares

DuPont: DuPont remains a leading player in the methyl cellulose market, producing over 28,000 metric tons annually across multiple application segments. The company has expanded its presence in Asia and Europe, targeting sustainable construction and advanced drug delivery systems.
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd: With a market share exceeding 20% by volume, Shin-Etsu is one of the top producers globally, supplying high-purity grades for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Its production facilities in Japan and the U.S. have seen a combined output of over 32,000 metric tons in 2024.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The methyl cellulose market is attracting significant investments, primarily driven by the growing demand across construction, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and food industries. Several multinational corporations and regional players have announced capacity expansions and strategic partnerships to meet the surging global demand. In 2023, over USD 650 million worth of investments were channeled into MC production and R&D globally, with Asia-Pacific accounting for nearly 45% of these investments. China-based manufacturers like Zhejiang Kehong Chemical Co. Ltd. and Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. increased production lines to accommodate the booming construction chemicals market. In India, several new facilities are under development in Gujarat and Maharashtra, expected to increase domestic MC output by 18% by 2026. Pharmaceutical excipients, a major use case for methyl cellulose, are drawing attention from venture capital and government-backed innovation funds. In the United States, over USD 120 million was invested in 2023-2024 into MC-based controlled-release drug delivery systems and vegan capsule manufacturing. This trend is further supported by rising consumer demand for plant-based and allergen-free medication carriers. European manufacturers have focused their investments on sustainable processing technologies. BASF SE and DuPont have allocated significant funds for green chemistry R&D initiatives, aiming to reduce solvent usage and carbon emissions during MC production. These developments not only support ESG goals but also help comply with tightening environmental regulations in the EU. Personal care and food sectors are also seeing fresh capital inflows. L’Oréal and Nestlé have entered into supply agreements with MC producers for natural thickening agents. The clean-label movement has prompted food brands to invest in alternative emulsifiers and stabilizers, with MC leading the way. This diversification of end-user industries has increased investor confidence in the long-term profitability of the market. Moreover, global supply chain resilience is being prioritized. In 2024, over 15 companies across Japan, South Korea, and Brazil are investing in localized production to reduce dependency on Chinese exports. These initiatives are likely to shape the next phase of MC market globalization. In conclusion, the methyl cellulose market presents numerous investment opportunities, especially in sustainability-driven manufacturing, pharmaceutical innovations, and infrastructure-focused economies.

New Product Development

The methyl cellulose market has witnessed substantial innovation over 2023–2024, with major players introducing advanced grades and sustainable formulations tailored for emerging applications. Ashland launched a new high-performance MC variant in mid-2023, targeting pharmaceutical excipients for sensitive formulations. This new product offers improved binding and controlled-release profiles, suited for low-dose drug tablets and ophthalmic solutions. The company claims that their proprietary purification technique reduces impurity levels by over 75%, ensuring superior product consistency and patient safety. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. introduced an MC line specifically designed for 3D printing applications in the construction sector. These products offer enhanced thixotropic behavior and quick gelation properties, enabling layer stability in automated building technologies. The formulation was piloted in Japan and is now being tested across Southeast Asia and Europe. LOTTE Fine Chemical developed a next-generation MC grade optimized for vegan food applications. This innovation focuses on thermal stability and texture enhancement in plant-based meat analogues and dairy substitutes. In 2024, its commercial rollout in South Korea, Thailand, and Germany resulted in the shipment of over 3,000 metric tons in under nine months. In the cosmetics domain, BASF SE revealed a line of MC-based emulsifiers with multifunctional properties for anti-aging and dermatological skincare products. These formulations are biodegradable, fragrance-free, and designed for sensitive skin. BASF reported a 12% increase in sales in this segment between Q2 2023 and Q1 2024. Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. has launched lab-grade MC kits tailored for academic and biotech research. These kits enable precise gelling, pH modification, and viscosity testing, supporting innovation in drug discovery, tissue engineering, and food science. In 2023, over 500 research institutions across North America and Europe adopted the new kits, boosting MC visibility in niche scientific circles. Collectively, these developments indicate a strong innovation trajectory for the methyl cellulose market, with high potential for product differentiation. As consumer demands evolve and regulatory scrutiny increases, new product development will continue to play a crucial role in expanding MC’s application range and market relevance.

Five Recent Developments

August 2023: Dow Chemical launched a new methyl cellulose grade engineered for automotive coatings, delivering 25% higher scratch-resistance per ASTM tests .
September 2023: Indian government initiative designated infrastructure funding for bio-based building materials, including methyl cellulose–infused fiberboard systems, allocating ~USD X million to pilot plants.
October 2023: EU regulatory bodies proposed plastic-pollution restrictions, prompting packaging firms to explore biodegradable methyl cellulose films for food wrappers, with trial runs in 10 packaging plants across three member states.
November 2023: Shin-Etsu Chemical partnered with a pharma firm to develop controlled-release excipients using methyl cellulose M grade at 500 µm particle size, now tested in four oral tablet formulations.
May 2025: Planteneers launched its methyl-cellulose–free texturizing system on 20 May 2025, with single-batch production in a USDA-inspected facility and hot/cold performance retention.

Report Coverage of Methyl Cellulose Market

The report delivers a structured analysis spanning more than 12 chapters and over 90 pages, covering historical volume from 2015 to 2022, a base year of 2023, and forward-looking scenarios through 2030, analyzed in quarterly increments. It quantifies demand-supply metrics in thousand tonnes, such as the 182 kt volume reported in 2022 with detailed breakdowns by product type—hydroxyethyl (HEMC), hydroxypropyl (HPMC), hydroxybutyl (HBMC)—and application sectors: food, construction, paints & coatings, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. A slide detailing 51.3 million USD of HEMC output in 2022 highlights sector importance. Geographical focus encompasses North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South America, with Asia‑Pacific holding approx 40% share in 2022, per regional segmentation by ChemAnalyst. The report maps capacity utilization rates at manufacturing sites, including CP Kelco’s new Asian facility commissioned in 2023 with 15 kt annual output for ultra-fine particle grades. Value-chain analysis includes feedstock procurement, processing yields, distribution logistics, and end-user penetration, notably 55% volume share held by pharma applications . It presents a granular demand-supply gap analysis: global demand was 182 kt in 2022, while production stood at 175 kt, revealing a 7 kt shortfall. Competitive insights cover plant capacities by location (e.g., Zhejiang Kehong’s facility in 2022 with 10 kt/year), operating efficiencies (>85% utilization), and profiles of 45+ manufacturers including DuPont, Ashland, Sigma‑Aldrich, Zhejiang Kehong, BASF, LOTTE, Shin‑Etsu, Reliance, J. Rettenmaier & Söhne. Regulatory and policy landscape is covered via sections on EU plastic limits proposed in Oct 2023, U.S. FDA INS food-grade approvals, and India’s NIP infrastructure policy spending USD 1.4 trillion, indicating long-term consumption potential. Overall, the report covers segmentation by type, application, region, sales channel, competitive dynamics, capacity breakdown, and policy/regulation, offering end‑to‑end insights and supporting informed strategic planning.