Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market Growth 2024-2028

The microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) market is projected to grow by USD 440.3 billion from 2024 to 2028, at a CAGR of 6.22%. The market's expansion is fueled by rising demand from the pharmaceutical industry, where MCC is widely used as an excipient in tablet formulations. Additionally, MCC’s application in food, personal care, cosmetics, and agriculture supports market growth. However, competition from substitutes like sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and calcium carbonate presents a challenge.

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Market Segmentation

By Application

• Pharmaceutical (Largest Segment)
• Food and Beverage
• Cosmetics and Personal Care
• Others

By Material

• Wood-based
• Non-wood-based

By Geography

• North America (United States)
• Europe (Germany, UK)
• APAC (China, Japan)
• South America
• Middle East and Africa

Regional Market Trends

 North America (31% Market Share Contribution) 

• The United States leads the region’s growth, driven by MCC’s use in food processing (meat, dairy, seafood) and pharmaceutical applications.

 Europe 

•  Countries like Germany and the UK contribute significantly due to high demand from the pharmaceutical and food sectors.

APAC

• China and Japan show increasing demand for MCC in drug development and food applications.

Market Drivers

1. Pharmaceutical Industry Growth

   • MCC is widely used as a binder, disintegrant, and film-forming agent in tablets and capsules.
   • Expansion in pharmaceutical production, especially in China, Brazil, and India, is increasing MCC demand.

2. Versatile Applications Across Industries

   • MCC is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and texturizer in food and beverages.
   • In agriculture, it serves as a soil conditioner and density controller.
   • The rubber industry benefits from MCC as a flowability enhancer and adhesive.

3. Rising Demand for Plant-Based Products

   • MCC is increasingly sourced from non-wood-based materials, supporting eco-friendly production.

Market Trends

1. Growth of Non-Wood-Based MCC

   • Companies are expanding production using cotton, bamboo, corn, banana, and soybean as raw materials.

2. Capacity Expansions by Key Players

   • Asahi Kasei completed its second Ceolus MCC plant in Mizushima, Japan (January 2024), ensuring a steady supply for global distribution.

Market Challenges

1. Availability of Substitutes

   • Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), kappa-carrageenan, and croscarmellose sodium (CCS) are emerging as alternatives.
   • CMC is widely used in pharmaceuticals and food as a stabilizer and binder, reducing the demand for MCC.

Market Research Overview

The microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) market is expanding rapidly due to its diverse applications across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. As a key component of pharmaceutical excipients, MCC plays a crucial role in drug formulation, particularly as MCC binding agents and MCC stabilizers in tablet formulations. The growing demand for food and beverage additives has further accelerated MCC market trends, with manufacturers exploring both wood-based MCC and non-wood-based MCC sources to enhance sustainability. Additionally, the MCC production process is evolving to focus on sustainable MCC sources, reducing environmental impact while maintaining MCC cost efficiency. The increasing need for high-purity cellulose in specialized applications, including cosmetics MCC applications, is driving MCC market growth, with companies investing in research to enhance its functional properties.

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Key Players

• Accent Microcell Pvt. Ltd.
• Amishi Drugs and Chemicals Pvt Ltd
• Asahi Kasei Corp.
• Ashok Chem Pharma International
• Avantor Inc.
• CelluTech Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
• Chemfield Cellulose Pvt. Ltd.
• DuPont de Nemours Inc.
• Foodchem International Corp.
• J Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH & Co KG
• Libraw Pharma Excipients Pvt. Ltd.
• Maple Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
• Mingtai Chemical Co. Ltd
• NB Entrepreneurs
• Pharmatrans Sanaq AG
• Quadra Chemicals Ltd.
• Roquette Frères SA
• Royal FrieslandCampina NV
• Sigachi Industries Ltd.
• SixRing Inc.

This detailed market insight provides businesses with key information to navigate the evolving MCC industry and capitalize on growth opportunities.

Research Analysis Overview

Advancements in MCC regulatory standards are shaping the industry by ensuring quality control and safety across applications. The rising preference for MCC in plant-based foods highlights its role as a stabilizer and texture enhancer in alternative protein products. As industries prioritize eco-friendly materials, the MCC biodegradability factor is gaining attention, making it a viable option for sustainable product formulations. Meanwhile, the MCC supply chain dynamics are evolving due to increasing global demand, leading manufacturers to optimize sourcing strategies and streamline distribution networks. Innovations in the MCC production process continue to enhance its efficiency, supporting cost-effective solutions without compromising performance. These ongoing developments are expected to drive further adoption and expansion of the MCC market across multiple sectors.