Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market

The microcrystalline cellulose market is projected to grow from USD 1.33 billion in 2025 to USD 1.88 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. Microcrystalline cellulose is a partially depolymerized alpha cellulose derived from purified pulp, which comes from wood or non-wood cellulose-rich natural resource. It is a white, odorless, chemically inert, tasteless, free-flowing powder that is insoluble in water. Because it is chemically inert and not absorbed by the human body, it is widely used in pharmaceutical and food & beverage applications as a thickener, stabilizer, binder, dispersant, and bulking & anti-caking agent.

Microcrystalline Cellulose Companies

Microcrystalline cellulose has a high water-holding capacity, helping retain moisture in breads, cakes, cookies, sauces, and dressings, thereby extending shelf life and improving product quality. It controls syneresis (water separation) in gels and reduces stickiness in candies and chocolates. Microcrystalline cellulose functions as an emulsion stabilizer in beverages, preventing separation and ensuring a consistent texture.

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Microcrystalline cellulose is also widely used as an exfoliant and texturizer in the cosmetics & personal care industry. Derived from plant cellulose, it appears as a fine powder. In skincare, it acts as a gentle physical exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother skin texture. Its small particle size makes it suitable for delicate areas. Microcrystalline cellulose is also used as a bulking agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations, contributing to product texture and stability consistency.

Asahi Kasei Corporation (Japan)

Asahi Kasei Corporation is involved in manufacturing organic and inorganic industrial chemicals, polymers, performance materials, petrochemicals, and other consumer products. The company operates through three main segments: material, homes, and healthcare. Asahi supplies microcrystalline cellulose through its healthcare segment. The company's operating bases are strategically located around the world to ensure efficient supply of products and services in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (US)

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) is a leading global company that specializes in manufacturing and distributing flavors, fragrances, and ingredients for various industries, including food, beverages, health, biosciences, and pharmaceuticals. The company has four reportable segments: Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Scent, and Pharma Solutions. International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. offers microcrystalline cellulose through its Pharma Solutions segment.

The group operates in 65 countries, with a diverse presence across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, North America, and South America. IFF maintains over 100 research & development centres globally, supporting innovation and customer collaboration.

Roquette Freres (France)

Roquette Freres is a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a top provider of pharmaceutical excipients. Working with its customers and partners, the group tackles current and future societal challenges by harnessing nature's potential to deliver the best ingredients for food, nutrition, and health markets. The company conducts its business through two main reportable segments: Pharma Solutions and Key Ingredients, with microcrystalline cellulose products marketed under the pharma solutions division segment.

Microcrystalline Cellulose Market: Market Ranking

The microcrystalline cellulose market is competitive, with the top five players accounting for 36.0–38.8% of the market share. This shows that many companies operate in this emerging market. Asahi Kasei Corporation leads the position in this market, which can be attributed to its technological innovation, strong research & development, extensive production capacity, and strategic partnerships across various industries. As one of the pioneers in microcrystalline cellulose manufacturing, the company opened a second plant for Ceolus microcrystalline cellulose in Okayama, Japan, in 2023. This new facility highlights its commitment to meeting the significantly increasing demand for its microcrystalline cellulose.

Other prominent players in the microcrystalline cellulose market include International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Rayonier Advanced Materials, and Roquette Freres. These companies have made significant progress in offering competitive products and solutions to meet various microcrystalline cellulose applications and needs. Companies such as DFE Pharma and Sigachi Industries are helping diversify the microcrystalline cellulose market as they are pioneering advanced technologies and increasing their manufacturing capacity, which will also support the growth of the overall microcrystalline cellulose sector.

Related Reports:

Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Market by Source (Wood based, non-wood based), by Application (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics & Personal Care), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) - Global Forecast to 2030