Cellulose Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Derivative Type (Cellulose Pulp, Cellulose Fibers, Cellulose Ethers, Cellulose Esters, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Nanocellulose, Others), By Source (Natural, Crop, Fruit, Treewood, Synthetic), By Modification Type (Modified, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Ethers, Unmodified), By Application (Food, Pharmaceuticals, Paper, Cosmetics, Textiles, Paints and Coatings), and Region

Cellulose market size was value US$ 41,368.2 million in 2023 and is projected to reach value of US$ 87,525.1 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 11.3% from 2024-2030. Cellulose is a molecule that is the main structural component of plant cell walls and the most abundant organic compound on Earth.

Increasing usage of cellulose paper production worldwide, increasing demand for forest-based textile fibers, strong growth indicators in pharmaceutical industry these factors are expected for driving the growth of market. However, Availability of product substitutes, limited availability of raw materials, and competition from synthetic materials are some challenges which restrain the growth of market. Emerging opportunities of market are increasing demand for biodegradable packaging and bio-based chemicals like acetone, bioplastics and ethanol. Growth in nanocellulose applications, rise of sustainable textile fibers are evolving with strong focus on sustainability, innovation as the key trends in market.

Key Players

The leading companies highlighted in the cellulose market report include such as DuPont De Nemours Company provides products of cellulose derivatives such as Methocel, Ethocel ; Akzo Nobel offers cellulose based products like BERMOCOLL, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose and others are Ashland inc., Celanese Corporation, International Paper, Fulida Group Holding Co., Ltd., Nylstar S.L., FiberVisions Corporation, Invista, Sigachi Industries Pvt. Ltd. Also, a comprehensive analysis of industry verticals and market participants that provides a clear overview of the competitive landscape in relation to the sectors served by the company’s products and services, market share, service offerings, financial reports, significant developments, market strategy, competitive position, and geographic reach.

Key Takeaways

• Asia pacific market generated largest market share in 2023.
• The North America market is expected to expand at highest CAGR, from 2024 to 2030.
• Based on derivative type, the cellulose pulp segment is having largest market share in 2023.
• Based on source, the natural segment has captured highest market share in 2023
• Based on modification type, the modified cellulose segment is dominant in the market.
• Based on application, the paper segment is expected to dominate the market in coming forecast years.

Facts & Figures

• Global R&D expenditures for cellulose-based technologies have grown rapidly, above 10% annual growth in the last few years, especially in areas such as nanocellulose and biodegradable polymers.
• In 2020, The pulp and paper industry remains one of the largest consumers of cellulose, in which global production of wood pulp reached approximately 180 million tons.
• In January 2020, Daicel Corporation introduced an environmental-friendly from of cellulose acetate which was expected to solve the problem regarding marine plastic wastes.

Key Developments

• In January 2020, Anhui Guozhen Group and Chemtex entered into a joint venture to construct China's first full-scale commercial cellulosic ethanol manufacturing plant using leftover materials from the agricultural sector. The joint venture now has a licence to use Clariant Speciality Chemicals' sunliquid cellulosic ethanol technology.

Cellulose Market Segmentation

By Derivative Type: Among all the derivative types, the cellulose pulp is leading the market. Cellulose pulp is primarily used in the manufacturing of paper and paperboard. This industry continues to be the biggest user of cellulose pulp, with over 180 million tonnes of wood pulp consumed worldwide in 2020. The packaging sector is another important customer, particularly for recyclable and environmentally friendly packaging materials.

By Source: Among all the sources, the natural sub-segment is leading the market with the largest market share. Natural sources refer to the raw materials from which cellulose is extracted. Natural cellulose sources are vital for sustainable industrial production, with applications spanning from paper, textiles, food additives, to bio-composites and pharmaceuticals. The focus on renewable and eco-friendly resources is driving growth in these markets as industries seek to minimize their environmental footprint.

By Modification Type: Among all the modification types, the modified sub-segment is leading the market. In the market, the modification segment refers to the process of changing the properties of cellulose by adding organic or inorganic compounds to the polymer. Modified cellulose is widely adopted in the food, cosmetic and pharmacy industry, this is due to modifications such as cross-linking, etherification.

By Application: With largest share, the paper sub-segment is leading the market. Paper products made of cellulose are becoming more and more popular as people turn to more environmentally friendly options because they are renewable and biodegradable. The market for paper and packaging made of cellulose has expanded as a result of growing awareness of the problem of plastic pollution. The market for cellulose paper has benefited from the growing need for paper in emerging economies, particularly for packaging, newspapers, and educational products. Demand is being driven in these areas by a transition in paper applications from conventional to more contemporary.