Who Leads the Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Industry with Performance and Reliability?

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) has emerged as a primary segment in the global specialty chemicals industry. The product, recognized chemically as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, is extensively used as a thickener, binder, stabilizer, and emulsifier across different end-use sectors. CMC’s rheology-modifying properties make it crucial in paint, adhesive, and ceramic formulations, where viscosity control and stability are vital. Surging need for biodegradable ingredients in industrial and consumer products is favoring its adoption. Increased preference for gluten-free frozen desserts and low-fat foods, growing emphasis on clean label products and natural ingredients, and growing oil drilling activities are fostering market expansion.

As per a report by Fortune Business Insights™, the market for carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) reached USD 3.05 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach a valuation of USD 4.73 billion by 2034 with a CAGR of 5.0%. The market is anticipated to touch USD 3.19 billion in 2026.

Fortune Business Insights™ Profiles Top 10 Key Companies in the Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Market

1. Tate & Lyle

A U.K.-based global agribusiness named Tate & Lyle is a prominent player offers plant-based food and beverage ingredient solutions. It runs 75 plants, offices, and labs across over 120 countries, allowing the business to capture regional growth prospects across North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. The firm acquired CP Kelco in 2024, gaining a competitive advantage in specialty gums and nature-based ingredients. Tate & Lyle fosters sustainability by introducing clean-label formulations and eco-friendly sourcing.

• In November 2025, Tate & Lyle acquired CP Kelco from J.M. Huber and established itself as a spearhead in specialty food ingredients.

2. Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd

Popularly known as a key Japanese paper and chemical producer, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., has expanded into the CMC market through its chemical business. The firm excels in cellulose-based materials and a vertically integrated supply chain, benefits from secure access to raw materials. Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. emphasizes R&D initiatives to offer eco-conscious CMC grades that comply with global clean-label trends. The company focuses on forest conservation efforts and crafting eco-friendly products.

• In May 2025, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. established a novel lithium-ion battery-grade carboxymethyl cellulose manufacturing facility in Hungary.

3. Ashland Group

Founded in 1924, with headquarters in the U.S., Ashland has established itself as a global groundbreaker in specialty chemicals, helping various end-use markets, including pharmaceutical, personal care, food and beverages, energy, construction, and automotive. The company concentrates on sustainability manufacturing, using plant-based cellulose to create eco-friendly CMC products that assist clean-label efforts. The company operates across specialty additives, intermediates, and personal care segments. Ashland’s globally distributed manufacturing footprint across North America, Europe, and Asia supports modernized supply chains.

4. Daicel Corporation

Established in 1919, Daicel Corporation governs a set of 73 companies supplying specialty chemicals, organic compounds, cellulose derivatives, and engineering plastics. Exclusively merging chemical manufacturing with trading functions, Daicel Miraizu Ltd. supplies integrated production and distribution abilities. Its subsidiary, Daicel Miraizu Ltd., offers high-purity CMC used as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications, meeting stringent regulatory norms. Assisted by manufacturing units and sales networks in Asia and Europe, the firm fulfils rising demand for CMS in gluten-free and low-fat food formulations while progressing sustainable innovation through strong R&D investments.

5. Lamberti S.p.A.

Headquartered in Italy and roots dating back to 1958, Lamberti S.p.A. is an established carboxymethyl cellulose producer serving global industries. Lamberti S.p.A. also deploys sustainability into its operations by utilizing renewable resources and energy-efficient production processes. Its CARBOCEL CMC series is highly adopted as a thickening, stabilizing, binding, and film-forming agent across various applications. The business emphasizes R&D to develop high-performance and sustainable solutions, including bio-based CMC grades that assist clean label and eco-friendly trends.

6. DKS Co. Ltd.

Founded in 1935 and situated in Japan, DKS Co. Ltd. is a dedicated chemical enterprise with profound proficiency in cellulose modification technologies. The business synthesizes anionic water-soluble polymers deploying cellulose as the main raw material. Its sodium carboxymethyl cellulose products are planned for versatility by regulating molecular chain length and carboxymethyl substitution levels. Assisting food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors, DKS maintains leadership across Asia Pacific, assisted by production units in Japan and a network of global planned partnerships.

7. Amtex

Since its formation in 1988, Amtex has developed as a crucial player in the global CMC and functional polymers business. Supported by commercial offices in 11 countries, Amtex offers modified technical solutions that accomplish precise customer requirements. Its CMC finds widespread application across food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, assisted by rising demand for processed and low-fat products. The company runs three production facilities across Mexico and Colombia, together manufacturing more than 40,000 metric tons annually.

8. Nouryon

Founded in the Netherlands, Nouryon is a driving force in the specialty chemicals industry. The business comprises 63 manufacturing units, 14 R&D and application centers and assists advancements in production techniques. Nouryon provides specialty polymers, intermediates, surfactants, and oxidizing agents. Its long-standing proficiency in CMC production, dating back to 1944, assists custom-made solutions for various end-use sectors.

• In January 2020, Nouryon reinforced its bio-based polymer range by attaining J.M. Huber’s carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) business, including an R&D facility in Finland, to increase its presence in numerous end-use industries.

Gluten-free Eating Habits Create Tailwinds for Carboxymethyl Cellulose Producers

Increased consumption of gluten products results in different chronic diseases and sometimes makes difficult situation for the body. Hence, nowadays, consumers are choosing gluten-free products due to their intolerance of gluten. Simultaneously, demanding lifestyles, a surge in ready-to-eat food consumption, and rising vegan preferences are driving food producers to depend on versatile and affordable ingredients, such as CMS. Then, carboxymethyl cellulose comes to the risk as it is among the type of ingredients, which are gluten-free and extensively utilized in various food products such bakery, dairy, meat products, and others. Rapid deployment of innovative production procedures, including automation and real-time quality monitoring, is enhancing effectiveness and consistency. CMC offers thickening and moisture retention properties without compromising food integrity. Advancements in extraction and purification procedures are improving product quality and decreasing costs, making CMC more available to producers. Rising consciousness of gluten intolerance and the awareness of gluten-free and low-fat products as healthier choices, is hastening consumer adoption. This is positioning CMC as a top enabler of modernization and sustained growth in the evolving gluten-free food landscape.