Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market Size & Forecast to 2033

The Carboxymethyl Cellulose Market, estimated at USD 1,359.0 Mn in 2026, is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.3% and reach USD 1,824.8 Mn by 2033.

The market growth is driven by rising demand for innovative and efficient solutions, coupled with evolving consumer preferences and increasing adoption across diverse end-use sectors. Technological advancements, product innovations, and strategic investments are enhancing performance, improving cost efficiency, and expanding application scope. Additionally, supportive regulatory frameworks and sustainability-focused initiatives are further propelling market expansion, creating new opportunities for industry stakeholders.

The global carboxymethyl cellulose market is estimated to account for USD 1,359.0 Mn in terms of value by the end of 2026.

Drivers

Rising demand from oil drilling activities is expected to foster the market growth of carboxymethyl cellulose. Growing demand for crude oil and natural gas around the globe is expected to fuel the demand for oil drilling activities which in turn creates huge demand for carboxymethyl cellulose. Carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a viscosifier in drilling mud, digging, and other activities associated with the oil and gas industry. Thus, the growing demand for carboxymethyl cellulose from oil drilling activities is projected to augment market growth over the foreseeable period.

Increasing adoption in lithium-ion batteries: CMC is gaining use as a water-processable binder and dispersing agent in battery electrodes. For instance, in February 2026, researchers from Tsinghua University and Zaozhuang University identified lithium carboxymethyl cellulose as a renewable, low-cost material evolving beyond a conventional binder into an ion-conducting binder, electrode-interface stabilizer, and solid-polymer-electrolyte additive. This development supports demand for specialized CMC grades in sustainable, high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Market Opportunities

Growing demand for carboxymethyl cellulose from personal care and cosmetic industry is expected to serve major market opportunities in the near future. CMC is used as a binder, thickener, and stabilizer in the personal care industry and is expected to foster the market growth of carboxymethyl cellulose. It is widely used across sanitary napkins, wet tissues, and diapers as a binder with higher water absorption. Thus, the growing demand for carboxymethyl cellulose from the personal care industry is expected to augment the market growth in the near future.

Advanced Lithium-Ion Battery Binders

Specialized CMC can replace solvent-based binders and support water-based electrode manufacturing. A February 2026 study identified lithium CMC as a multifunctional material for ion-conducting binders, electrode-interface stabilization and solid-polymer electrolytes, opening opportunities in electric vehicles and energy storage.

Expansion Across Emerging EMEA Markets

Strengthening local distribution, technical centres and formulation support can improve CMC availability for regional manufacturers. The 2026 Ashland–Univar partnership broadened cellulose-ether access across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, supporting faster product development and regional customer penetration.

Market Restraints

Strict regulations associated with the use of carboxymethyl cellulose across the food &beverage industry is expected to restrict the market growth of carboxymethyl cellulose over the forecast period. According to the standard set by FDA, manufacturers are required to follow certain rules in order to meet stipulations of regulatory bodies.

To know the latest trends and insights prevalent in this market, click the link below:

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/carboxymethyl-cellulose-market-4132

Key Takeaways

Food & Beverage segment dominated the global carboxymethyl cellulose market in 2026, accounting for a 33% share in terms of value, followed by oil drilling fluids and personal care, respectively

Market Trends

Increasing investment by manufacturers in enhancing the production capacity of carboxymethyl cellulose is a growing trend in the market. For instance, in March 2025, Nippon Paper Industries Co. announced the construction of a new facility for the functional cellulose product carboxymethyl cellulose at the Gotsu Mill in Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture of Japan. The company will invest approximately JPY 4.7 billion into this facility.
Growing awareness regarding painting houses is encouraging consumers to spend on renovation of the house is one of the ongoing trends. This is creating demand for high-performance paints and coatings. Carboxymethyl cellulose is widely used as a stabilizer and thicker in the paints. The growth of carboxymethyl cellulose is also attributed to the rapidly growing construction industry due to increasing urbanization and industrialization around the globe. Thus, the growing demand for paints from the construction industry is propelling the market growth of carboxymethyl cellulose over the forecast period.
Growing use in plant-based and specialized food formulations: CMC demand is increasing as a thickener, stabilizer and texture modifier in plant-based meat, vegan beverages and gluten-free bakery products. In January 2026, Univar Solutions and Ashland partnered to expand CMC and other cellulose ethers for these food applications across EMEA.
Performance retention alongside sustainability: Buyers increasingly require renewable CMC grades that do not reduce product effectiveness. Nouryon reported that its 2026 bio-based CMC provides comparable or superior anti-redeposition performance and can be incorporated into existing powdered laundry detergents with minimal reformulation.

Competitive Section

Akzo Nobel N.V.
Ashland Inc.
CP Kelco
Daicel Corporation
The Dow Chemical Company
Lamberti S.p.A
Penn Carbose Inc.
Sichem LLC
SINOCMC Co. Ltd.
Yixing Tongda Chemical Co. Ltd.
Nouryon

Few Recent Developments

In January 2026, Univar Solutions Inc., chemical and ingredients distributor and Ashland formed an exclusive distribution partnership to expand cellulose ether availability for food and beverage manufacturers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Foodology by Univar Solutions will distribute Ashland’s MC, HPMC, CMC, HPC, EC, and PVPP ingredients. The collaboration supports plant-based foods, alternative proteins, gluten-free bakery products, improved texture, stability, processing performance, faster delivery, formulation expertise, and broader regional customer support services worldwide.
In February 2026, Nouryon, specialty chemicals leader launched FinnFix PB MAX, described as the cleaning industry’s first carboxymethylcellulose with a 100% renewable carbon index score. The biodegradable, wood-cellulose-based ingredient helps laundry detergent brands lower product carbon footprints while maintaining cleaning performance. Manufactured using ISCC Plus-certified monochloroacetic acid in the Netherlands, it prevents removed soils from redepositing on fabrics, supporting cleaner garments and more sustainable detergent formulations worldwide across global home-care portfolios and markets. (Source: Nouryon)
In January 2025, Nouryon signed an agreement to acquire JM Huber’s carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) business. This acquisition will add production capabilities of a complete line of CMC grades to Nouryon’s carboxymethyl cellulose product portfolio.