Microcrystalline Cellulose Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Source Type (Wood-based and Non-wood-based), Form, Process, Application, End User and By Geography

Microcrystalline Cellulose Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Source Type (Wood-based and Non-wood-based), Form, Process, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Microcrystalline Cellulose Market is accounted for $0.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a refined form of cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. It is produced by hydrolyzing cellulose from wood pulp or cotton, breaking it down into smaller crystalline particles. These particles are processed into a fine white powder, used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. MCC has unique properties like moisture absorption, high surface area, and stability under heat and pressure. It is used as a bulking agent, binder, and stabilizer in food products, as well as in pharmaceuticals for tablet disintegration and in cosmetics for thickening and texturizing effects.

According to the Government of India, the Indian pharma industry's market size is expected to reach USD 130 billion by 2030. India has also sent pharmaceutical products to more than 200 countries, and it may do so again in the future.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing demand in pharmaceuticals & food and beverage industry

Microcrystalline cellulose is a crucial component in the pharmaceutical industry, used as a binder, disintegrant, and filler in tablet formulations. With the global demand for pharmaceuticals increasing due to an aging population and chronic diseases, MCC demand is also increasing. It is crucial in tablets and capsules for stability, ease of swallowing, and controlled release. Moreover as the focus shifts to advanced drug delivery systems, MCC is being incorporated into formulations to improve bioavailability and control drug release.

Restraint:

Availability of substitutes

The availability of substitutes for monoclonal cellulose (MCC) has led to increased price competition, with many products being offered at lower prices or with better cost-benefit ratios. This pressure on profit margins can lead manufacturers to shift to cheaper alternatives, reducing supplier profit margins and potentially reducing the attractiveness of MCC, especially in cost-sensitive markets. Additionally, the availability of cheaper alternatives could threaten the market share of small- and medium-sized producers of MCC, as they may struggle to compete with more affordable substitutes.

Opportunity:

Rising demand for natural and organic products

Microcrystalline cellulose, a natural, plant-derived product, is gaining popularity due to its non-toxic, biodegradable nature. It is derived from wood pulp or cotton, aligning with the growing preference for natural ingredients. MCC is perceived as a safe, natural ingredient, making it a popular choice for plant-based products. Its appeal is particularly strong in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where natural formulations are preferred encouraging the market growth.

Threat:

Potential health concerns

Microcrystalline Cellulose, or metal-coated carbonate, can cause gastrointestinal distress in some individuals, leading to a perception of digestive issues. This can cause consumers to avoid MCC-containing products. Despite being inert, its presence in food, medications, and cosmetics can raise concerns among health-conscious consumers who prefer products made from digestible or absorbable substances. This could reduce consumer trust in MCC, especially in the context of clean-label and natural product trends.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) market, affecting production, supply chains, and demand. Pharmaceutical and food industries saw fluctuating demand for MCC as production slowed and consumer behaviour shifted toward essential products. However, the rise in health-focused products, such as dietary supplements and immune-boosting foods, boosted demand for MCC in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Additionally, supply chain challenges led to sourcing issues, but recovery is underway as manufacturing resumes, and demand stabilizes with growing interest in natural and organic ingredients.

The wood-based segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The wood-based is expected to be the largest during the forecast period owing to the driving demand for organic, clean-label, and eco-friendly products. However, concerns about the environmental impact of sourcing wood for microcrystalline cellulose production, such as deforestation and overharvesting, may pose a challenge, driving demand for alternative sources of microcrystalline cellulose using less impactful or more sustainable raw materials.

The reactive extrusion segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The reactive extrusion segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period as it improves the viscosity and flow properties of MCC, making it more versatile in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This makes MCC more effective in thickening agents, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. Modified particle size and shape can also enhance its dispersion in various matrices, such as tablets or pharmaceutical coatings. Finer or more uniform particle sizes can enhance performance in controlled drug release and food products, leading to increased demand in these sectors.

Region with largest share:

North America is anticipated to hold the largest market share during the forecast period due to its role in treating chronic diseases, aging populations, and rising healthcare costs. Regulatory agencies like the FDA and Health Canada ensure its safety, making it a preferred excipient for formulators. The growth in generic drug production, which often requires high-quality excipients like microcrystalline cellulose further, boosts demand in the region.

Region with highest CAGR:

Asia Pacific is expected to hold the highest CAGR over the forecast period driven by health-conscious consumers. MCC, a naturally derived ingredient, is used in low-fat dairy, gluten-free baked goods, beverages, and processed foods to enhance texture and reduce calorie content without compromising quality. The growing preference for functional foods with health benefits beyond basic nutrition is a key driver of the microcrystalline cellulose market in APAC.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Microcrystalline Cellulose market include Accent Microcell, Ankit Pulps, Apollo Scientific Ltd, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Blanver, Chemfield Cellulose, DFE Pharma, DuPont, Fengchen Group Co., Ltd., Foodchem International Corporation, Godavari Biorefineries LTD, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc, JRS PHARMA, Roquette Frères, SEPPIC and VWR International, LLC

Key Developments:

In December 2024, Asahi Kasei has received governmental support for the expansion of its manufacturing capacity for cell frames and membranes of alkaline water electrolyzers for the production of green hydrogen at its plant site in Kawasaki, Japan.

In November 2024, Chiome Bioscience Inc. and Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation announced that they have entered into an exclusive license agreement to develop and commercialize Chiome’s humanized anti-CX3CR1 antibody (hereinafter referred to “PFKR” as Chiome’s project code), currently in the preclinical stage.

In November 2024, DuPont announced the launch of Tyvek® with Renewable Attribution (RA), an extension of the existing portfolio of Tyvek® products for healthcare packaging that offers a significantly reduced carbon footprint, helping to enable more sustainable healthcare packaging.

Source Types Covered:
• Wood-based
• Non-wood-based

Forms Covered:
• Powder
• Liquid

Processes Covered:
• Reactive Extrusion
• Enzyme-mediated
• Steam Explosion
• Acid Hydrolysis
• Other Processes

Applications Covered:
• Tablet Binder
• Filler & Disintegrant
• Direct Compression Excipient
• Texture Modifier
• Stabilizer & Thickening Agent
• Fat Replacer & Absorbent
• Film-Forming Agent
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:
• Pharmaceutical
• Food & Beverage
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Industrial
• Medical & Textile Industry
• Paper & Packaging
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements