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

The microcrystalline cellulose market is estimated at USD 1.33 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.88 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.1%. The demand for non-wood based microcrystalline cellulose is increasing rapidly due to its unique combination of properties. Non-wood sources such as agricultural residues (e.g., maize stems, sorghum stalks, almond shells) are widely available, renewable, and often considered waste products. Utilizing these materials for microcrystalline cellulose production not only reduces environmental waste but also provides a cost-effective and sustainable feedstock. Leveraging agricultural waste for microcrystalline cellulose production aligns with circular economy principles by turning waste into valuable products and reducing reliance on virgin wood resources. Increasing regulatory focus on sustainability, especially in Europe and other regions, is encouraging manufacturers to adopt greener, non-wood sources for excipients like microcrystalline cellulose.

The industrial demand for microcrystalline cellulose has raised concerns about deforestation and the environmental impact of continuously sourcing wood as a raw material. This has created a strong impetus to explore and utilize alternative, more sustainable sources such as agricultural by-products and non-wood plant fibers.

“The food & beverage application is projected to be the second fastest-growing application in the forecast period.”

Food & beverage application is expected to register the fastest growth rate in the microcrystalline cellulose market, driven by a unique combination of functional and physicochemical properties. Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used as a stabilizer, thickening agent, binder, viscosity modifier, and fat-reducing agent. It acts as a fat substitute in aqueous condition, which contributes to mouthfeel, body, and consistency to food products. Hence, it is used in bakeries, dairy products, frozen desserts, and so on. Additionally, microcrystalline cellulose is useful in increasing volume of baked food. The growing demand for low-fat foods and ready-to-consume fried foods is the major factor positively impacting the microcrystalline cellulose market growth. Microcrystalline cellulose maintains stability at high temperatures, making it suitable for processed and frozen foods where it prevents ice crystal formation and ensures a smooth, soft texture.

“Asia Pacific is projected to register the highest growth rate in the microcrystalline cellulose market during the forecast period.”

Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region in the microcrystalline cellulose market during the forecast period. Continuous growth in local demand and an increase in exports is driving the microcrystalline cellulose market in the region. The increase in demand for end-use products has led to innovations and developments in the application industries, making them the key microcrystalline cellulose hubs globally. The high growth of the pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and cosmetics & personal care applications in this region has led to an increase in the demand for microcrystalline cellulose. International and domestic players are focusing on the growing Asia Pacific market to open new microcrystalline cellulose production facilities and expand the existing ones in the developing economies due to the availability of low-cost labor and raw material.

This study has been validated through primary interviews with industry experts globally. The primary sources have been divided into the following three categories:

• By Company Type: Tier 1 - 40%, Tier 2 - 33%, and Tier 3 - 27%
• By Designation: C-level - 50%, Director-level - 30%, and Managers - 20%
• By Region: North America - 15%, Europe - 50%, Asia Pacific - 20%, the Middle East & Africa - 10%, and Latin America - 5%

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the following companies:

Prominent companies in this market include Asahi Kasei Corporation (Japan), Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM, US), Sigachi Industries (India), DFE Pharma (Germany), International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (New York), Accent Microcell Ltd. (India), Mingtai Chemical Co., Ltd. (China), Chemfield Cellulose (India), Anhui Sunhere Pharmaceutical Excipients Co., Ltd. (China), Roquette Freres (France), J. Rettenmaier & Sohne GmbH + Co. Kg (JRS Pharma, Germany), RanQ (India), and Huzhou City Linghu Xinwang Chemical Co., Ltd. (China).

Research coverage

This research report categorizes the microcrystalline cellulose market by source (wood based, non-wood based), by application (food & beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics & personal care, and other applications), by region. The scope of the report includes detailed information about the major factors influencing the growth of the microcrystalline cellulose market, such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. A thorough examination of the key industry players has been conducted to provide insights into their business overview, solutions and services, key strategies, and recent developments in the microcrystalline cellulose market are all covered. This report includes a competitive analysis of upcoming startups in the microcrystalline cellulose market ecosystem.

Reasons to buy this report:

The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall microcrystalline cellulose market and the subsegments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.

The report provides insights on the following points:

• Analysis of key drivers (growing use of microcrystalline cellulose in the pharmaceutical industry and increasing use of microcrystalline cellulose in the processed food industry), restraints (availability of substitutes for specific food & beverage and pharmaceutical applications and strict compliance requirements), opportunities (increasing demand from emerging economies and growth in manufacturing of non-wood based microcrystalline cellulose), and challenges (production of low-cost microcrystalline cellulose and pricing pressure) influencing the growth of the microcrystalline cellulose market.
• Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and service launches in the microcrystalline cellulose market.
• Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets – the report analyses the microcrystalline cellulose market across varied regions.
• Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the microcrystalline cellulose market.
• Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players like Asahi Kasei Corporation (Japan), Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM, US), Sigachi Industries (India), DFE Pharma (Germany), International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (New York), Accent Microcell Ltd. (India), Mingtai Chemical Co., Ltd. (China), Chemfield Cellulose (India), Anhui Sunhere Pharmaceutical Excipients Co., Ltd. (China), Roquette Freres (France), J. Rettenmaier & Sohne GmbH + Co. Kg (JRS Pharma, Germany), RanQ (India), and Huzhou City Linghu Xinwang Chemical Co., Ltd. (China) in the microcrystalline cellulose market