The methyl cellulose market size is valued at USD 3.64 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 5.88 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.0%  during the forecast period. The methyl cellulose market has been segmented based on application and region. On the basis of application, the market has been segmented into construction, pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, and personal care. 

The global methyl cellulose market is expanding rapidly due to increased demand in construction, pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, personal care, and industrial applications.  Rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion in the construction sector are increasing the demand for high-performance additives that improve the workability, water retention, and durability of cement mortars, tile adhesives, and plasters, all of which require methyl cellulose.  The pharmaceutical industry is also increasing the usage of methyl cellulose as a safe, effective binder and controlled-release ingredient in tablets and ophthalmic preparations.  Meanwhile, increased consumption of processed and convenience foods is driving the demand for methyl cellulose as a stabilizer, thickener, and texture enhancer.  It is increasingly employed in cosmetics and hygiene products due to its non-toxic, film-forming, and viscosity-modifying qualities. Industries are transitioning toward biodegradable and environmentally friendly substances, which aids acceptance as methyl cellulose is sourced from natural cellulose and has a favorable sustainability profile.  These factors are driving extensive adoption across numerous industries, resulting in strong market growth. 

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Based on application, the construction segment accounted for the largest share of the global methyl cellulose market in 2024. Methyl cellulose plays an important functional role in a wide range of construction materials and advanced building technologies.  It is a necessary addition in cement-based mortars, tile adhesives, plasters, renders, gypsum products, grouts, putties, and self-leveling compounds. Methyl cellulose improves workability, provides adequate water retention, and stabilizes combinations.  In dry-mix mortars, which are increasingly utilized globally for consistent quality and simplicity of application, methyl cellulose helps manage viscosity, prevents component segregation, and increases adhesion, allowing workers to create smooth, uniform finishes.  Methyl cellulose's capacity to reduce water loss is especially significant in hot or dry conditions, where rapid evaporation can degrade cement hydration and cause fissures. As construction standards evolve toward higher performance, better durability, and faster installation, methyl cellulose enables improved open time, slip resistance, sag resistance, and overall application efficiency. 

By region, Asia Pacific is estimated to be the largest methyl cellulose market in 2024, owing to rapid urbanization, large-scale infrastructure development, and increased building activity in major economies such as China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. These countries are seeing a tremendous increase in residential housing, commercial buildings, transit infrastructure, and industrial facilities, all of which necessitate high-performance construction materials with methyl cellulose as an important ingredient. The region's general transition toward dry-mix mortars, advanced tile adhesives, and gypsum-based products drives the demand for methyl cellulose, which serves important functions such as water retention, viscosity control, adhesion improvement, and workability enhancement. Asia Pacific hosts a large and fast-growing pharmaceutical and food processing industry, both of which rely on methyl cellulose as a stabilizer, binder, and functional ingredient. The existence of major cellulose ether manufacturers, cost-effective raw materials, and rising production capacity all contribute to robust regional supply and lower manufacturing costs. Combined with increased disposable incomes, urbanization, and government-led infrastructure spending, Asia Pacific remains the primary driver of methyl cellulose consumption globally. 

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The key players in the methyl cellulose market are Dow Chemical Company (US), Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan), Ashland Global Holdings, Inc. (US), Nouryon Chemicals Holding B.V. (Netherlands), Shandong Head Co., Ltd. (China), and Hubei Jiahua Cellulose Co., Ltd. (China), among others. Companies in the methyl cellulose market are distinguishing themselves by creating high-purity, specialty grades for construction, medicines, food, and personal care applications.  The companies are also investing in cutting-edge production technologies to enhance consistency, thermal gelation performance, and functional efficiency. Prominent companies are increasing regional manufacturing capacity and providing technical assistance to clients to help them optimize formulas and minimize overall material costs.

The Dow Chemical Company (US)

The Dow Chemical Company is a global materials science company that serves industries such as construction, packaging, consumer goods, infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing.  The company offers a diverse range of specialized chemicals, polymers, coatings, and performance materials, backed by cutting-edge R&D and large-scale worldwide manufacturing capabilities.  Dow is a major producer of cellulose ethers, such as methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, under its specialty additives sector.  These compounds are frequently utilized to improve viscosity, water retention, film formation, bonding strength, and workability in a variety of applications, including cement mortars, tile adhesives, paints, coatings, personal care formulations, and food items.  Dow's strong position in the methyl cellulose market is based on its technical competence, high product consistency, global supply network, and ability to create grades to meet unique customer needs. Its long-standing presence in construction chemicals and industrial additives further strengthens its influence in the global cellulose ether supply chain. 

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan)

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. is one of Japan's leading chemical producers and a key global supplier of silicones, semiconductor materials, PVC, rare earths, and specialty chemicals. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. is also one of the world's leading makers of cellulose derivatives, selling methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and other goods under internationally recognized brands. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.'s methyl cellulose portfolio is well-known for its high purity, superior thermal gelation qualities, and consistent performance, making it a popular choice in pharmaceuticals, food stability, construction chemicals, adhesives, and personal care formulations. The company invests extensively in manufacturing technologies and quality control to ensure uniform molecular weight distribution and functional performance. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. strong position in highly regulated markets such as pharma and food has solidified Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. reputation as a premium supplier in the global methyl cellulose market. 

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Ashland Global Holdings, Inc. (US)

Ashland Global Holdings, Inc. is a specialty chemicals firm that produces high-value functional ingredients for the health sciences, personal care, coatings, adhesives, and construction sectors.  Ashland Global Holdings, Inc. is a pioneer in cellulose ethers, providing a diverse range of methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose compounds for application in pharmaceutical tablets, controlled-release systems, food formulations, industrial adhesives, and construction materials.  Ashland Global Holdings, Inc. methyl cellulose technologies are well-known for their high thickening efficiency, film-forming ability, stability under varied pH conditions, and role in improving texture, cohesion, and product performance. The company's extensive experience in pharmaceutical excipients, where purity, batch consistency, and regulatory compliance are crucial, provides it with a significant competitive advantage. Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.'s customer-centric approach, application support laboratories, and focus on high-performance engineered grades ensure its continued leadership in the global methyl cellulose market.