Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Market Report 2025

The hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.61 billion in 2024 to $4.89 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased pharmaceutical industry applications, increase in food and beverage production, surge in cosmetic products, rise in demand for hydrophilic polymers, textile industry utilization, water-based adhesives.

The hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.44 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to focus on sustainable construction materials, growth in ready-to-eat meals industry, demand for low-fat foods, research in tissue engineering, waterborne paints and coatings market. Major trends in the forecast period include innovation in hydrogels and biomaterials, customization of HPMC grades, advancements in drug delivery systems, biodegradable packaging, and quality and purity standards.

The hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market is expected to experience significant growth, propelled by increased spending in the pharmaceutical sector. The pharmaceutical industry, dedicated to the discovery, development, and manufacture of drugs and medications, employs hydroxypropyl methylcellulose to treat dryness and irritability resulting from reduced tear production, preventing eye damage. Notably, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) reported a total pharmaceutical production in Europe of $384.2 billion (€340,000 million) in 2022, marking a 4.95% increase from $366.26 billion (€323,950 million) in 2021. This rise in pharmaceutical sector spending is a key driver behind the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market's growth.

The growth of the construction sector is anticipated to boost the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market in the future. Construction encompasses activities such as altering, building, repairing, planning, acquiring, and designing structures for both private and public buildings. This process involves the assembly and erection of structures utilizing various engineering techniques to enhance buildings and infrastructure. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose serves a vital role in the construction industry as a water-retaining agent and a retarder for cement mortar, making the mortar pumpable. It also helps prevent the mortar slurry from cracking due to rapid drying after application and enhances the overall strength of the structure. For example, in February 2024, Eurostat, a government agency based in Luxembourg, reported that the average annual building production in the EU and the euro area grew by 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively, compared to 2022. Consequently, the expansion of the construction sector is driving the growth of the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market.

The rising demand for personal care products is expected to drive the growth of the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market in the coming years. Personal care products encompass a range of consumer goods intended for personal hygiene and grooming, including skincare, haircare, and oral care items. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is utilized in cosmetics and personal care formulations for skincare, hair care, color cosmetics, creams, lotions, and gels, serving as a viscosity modifier and thickening agent. For instance, in September 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a government agency in the US, reported that the average consumer expenditure on personal care products rose by 12.3 percent, reaching $866 in 2022, up from $771 in 2021. Thus, the increasing demand for personal care products is contributing to the growth of the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market.

Leading companies in the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market are concentrating on creating innovative products, such as PEARLITOL CR-H, to gain a competitive advantage. PEARLITOL CR-H is a patented combination of mannitol and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), specifically formulated for controlled release in drug applications. For example, in November 2022, Roquette, a food company based in France, introduced PEARLITOL CR-H. This product is suitable for direct compression processes and has excipient functional properties for tablet formulation. PEARLITOL CR-H demonstrates resistance to alcohol and pancreatin. Additionally, the co-processed mannitol and HPMC enhance its flowability, improving tablet processability.

In September 2022, Roquette, the France-based food company, acquired Crest Cellulose for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is intended to bolster Roquette's presence in the Asia Pacific pharmaceutical market and to provide high-quality plant-based excipients by fully integrating Crest Cellulose into its operations. Crest Cellulose is an Indian company that produces pharmaceutical excipients and food ingredients, including hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Major companies operating in the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market include Celotech Chemical Co Ltd., Zhejiang Kelain New Materials Co Ltd., Shin-Etsu Chemical Co Ltd, Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc, DuPont de Nemours Inc, Colorcon Inc, Lotte Fine Chemical Co Ltd, Shandong Head Co Ltd, Shijiazhuang Shangdun Cellulose Co Ltd, Fenchem Biotek Ltd, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, Paramount Chemical & Acid Corporation, Madhu Hydrocolloids Pvt. Ltd., Dow Chemical Company, Samsung Fine Chemicals Co. Ltd., Zhejiang Kehong Chemical Co. Ltd., China Ruitai International Holdings Co. Ltd., Kingstone Chemical Holdings Co. Ltd., SE Tylose GmbH & Co. KG, Daicel FineChem Ltd., Anhui Shanhe Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd., Changzhou Guoyu Environmental S&T Co. Ltd., J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH + Co KG, Shanxi Sanwei Group Co. Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose belongs to the class of cellulose ethers, wherein one or more of the three hydroxyl groups in the cellulose ring have been substituted with other hydroxyl groups. It is characterized as odorless and tasteless, appearing white to slightly off-white with fibrous or granular properties. Its wide range of applications includes medicine delivery, dyes and paints, cosmetics, adhesives, coatings, agriculture, and textiles, attributed to its hydrophilic nature, biodegradability, and biocompatibility.

The primary types of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose are pharmaceutical grade and industrial grade. Pharmaceutical-grade products meet the standards set by the FDA (The United States Food and Drug Administration) for use in food for both people and animals, ensuring compliance with strict purity requirements. Sales channels for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose include both direct and indirect sales, catering to various industries such as construction, pharmaceuticals (including cosmetics), and the food industry, among others.

The hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market statistics, including hydroxypropyl methylcellulose industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market share, detailed hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose industry. This hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The hydroxypropyl methylcellulose market consists of sales of hypromellose 2208 (K chemistry or grade) and hypromellose 2910 (E chemistry or grade). Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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