HPMC Market Sales to Top USD 8.5 Billion by 2033

Introduction

The Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) market is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years, with its market size estimated to reach USD 8.5 billion by 2033, up from USD 4.7 billion in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing use of HPMC in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and construction.

HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose), a plant-based polymer, plays a key role in several industries. In the pharmaceutical sector, it’s used as a binder and to control the release of drugs in tablets. The rising demand for new medicines and the growth of generic drugs are boosting the need for HPMC in this field. In the construction industry, HPMC improves water retention and workability in materials like cement and plaster, with construction making up over 39% of the HPMC market in 2023. The increasing demand for infrastructure projects worldwide is also driving its use in this area.

In the food industry, HPMC is used as a thickener and stabilizer, especially in gluten-free and vegan products, to meet the growing demand for healthier and alternative dietary options. The expanding market for processed foods and increased awareness of dietary restrictions, like gluten intolerance, further support its use.

Despite these positive drivers, the HPMC market faces challenges, particularly with fluctuating prices of raw materials like cellulose. These fluctuations, often driven by agricultural production changes and geopolitical factors, can disrupt supply chains and raise production costs, especially in cost-sensitive industries like food and pharmaceuticals.

Regionally, the Asia-Pacific market leads in demand, particularly in China’s food and pharmaceutical sectors. The Middle East and Africa are also expected to grow, supported by demand in construction and mining. Major players like Ashland, DuPont, and Shin-Etsu Chemical are investing heavily in research and development to improve their products and stay competitive.

Companies like Celotech are expanding globally, focusing on sustainable products for industries like construction, pharmaceuticals, and food. They are making eco-friendly HPMC products, especially for construction, to enhance water retention and cement workability. Changzhou Guoyu is seeing strong demand in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in China. Chemcolloid, meanwhile, is partnering with major pharmaceutical companies to improve drug formulations and expanding its production to meet the demand for food-grade HPMC in gluten-free and vegan products.

Key Takeaways

• Projected Market Growth: The global HPMC market is projected to grow from USD 4.7 billion in 2023 to USD 8.5 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 6.1%.
• Industrial Grade Dominance: In 2023, the Industrial Grade segment leads with over 44.3% market share, driven by its application in construction and textiles.
• Viscosity Insights: Medium-viscosity HPMC dominates with a 54.3% share in 2023, preferred for its balance of flow and stability in pharmaceuticals and food.
• End-use in Construction: The construction sector, using HPMC to enhance cement and plaster properties, held a 39.4% market share in 2023.
• Asia Pacific Market Share: The Asia Pacific region accounted for 38.2% of the global HPMC market in 2023, driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Statistics

• Effect of HPMC on κ-Carrageenan Films:
  • When 6% HPMC was added to κ-carrageenan, it improved the film’s water resistance.
  • This film, labeled as κCHM-6, had lower water solubility, reduced water vapor permeability, and a higher water contact angle.
  • The structure of the κCHM-6 film became more compact and durable.
• κ-Carrageenan Structure:
  • κ-Carrageenan is a linear sulfated polysaccharide made of alternating D-galactose and 3,6-anhydrogalactose units.
  • These units are connected by α-1,3- and β-1,4-glycosidic linkages.
• HPMC Details:
  • Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC, CAS: 9004-65-3) has a molecular weight of ~22 kDa.
  • The viscosity of a 2% aqueous solution at 20°C is 40-60 cP.
  • The HPMC was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (Shanghai, China).
• Film Preparation Process:
  • The κ-carrageenan solution was stirred at 40°C for 1 hour.
  • HPMC was then added in varying amounts (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) and stirred for 3 more hours at 40°C.
  • The resulting films were labeled as κCHM-0, κCHM-3, κCHM-6, κCHM-9, and κCHM-12 based on the amount of HPMC added.
  • All films were stored at 25°C and 50% relative humidity for at least 48 hours before being tested.
• Testing Conditions:
  • Viscoelastic behavior was recorded with angular frequencies between 0.1 and 100 rad/s, with a fixed strain of 0.1% at 25°C.
  • Viscosity and shear rate were tested by increasing the shear rate from 0.01 to 100 s−1 at 25°C.
  • Oxygen permeability (OP) was measured at 23°C using a gas permeability tester (Labthink Perme VAC-V2) according to Chinese Standard GB/T 1038-2000.
• Influence of HPMC on Gel Properties:
  • HPMC had a strong effect on the viscosity, spreadability, and adhesiveness of the gel.
  • The optimal formula for HPMC gel was 5% HPMC and 1% Tween 80.
• HPMC Composition:
  • HPMC is a hydrocolloid made from natural substances.
  • It consists of 28-30% methoxyl content and 7-12% hydroxypropoxyl content.
• Best Method to Use HPMC:
  • Start by heating about 1/3 of the total water to 167°F (75°C).
  • Add the HPMC into the vortex of the heated and stirred water.
  • Mix until it is fully dispersed.

Emerging Trends

• Vegan and Gluten-Free Food Products: There’s a growing demand for HPMC in the food industry as more consumers seek vegan and gluten-free options. HPMC is a plant-based ingredient that acts as a stabilizer and thickener, replacing gluten in baked goods and animal-based gelatin in vegan products. This trend is fueled by increasing health awareness and ethical eating choices. Consumers also want clean-label products, and HPMC helps improve texture and shelf stability without the need for synthetic additives.
• Sustainability and Bio-Based Materials: Companies are shifting toward sustainable and eco-friendly methods for producing HPMC. Manufacturers are focusing on using renewable materials like wood pulp and plant cellulose to reduce the environmental impact. HPMC is also gaining attention as a biodegradable alternative in industries like construction and packaging, aligning with the global effort to reduce plastic waste and embrace environmentally friendly practices.
• Increased Use in Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, HPMC is becoming more important in the production of controlled-release drugs. Its ability to release active ingredients over time makes it crucial for medications that need to work throughout the day. With the rising demand for affordable generic medicines, HPMC is essential because it’s cost-effective and works well as a binder in drug formulations.
• Use in Construction for Water Retention: HPMC is increasingly used in the construction industry for its water retention properties and its ability to improve the workability of materials like cement and plaster. This helps enhance the quality and durability of construction materials, especially in large-scale projects. HPMC is also being explored for its potential in improving insulation materials, which is important for energy-efficient construction practices.
• Technological Advancements in Production: Manufacturers are investing in new technologies to make HPMC production more efficient and sustainable. This includes improving raw material processing, reducing waste, and minimizing reliance on non-renewable resources. There is also a trend toward developing customized HPMC grades with different viscosities to meet specific needs in industries like pharmaceuticals and construction.

Use Cases

• Pharmaceutical Industry: HPMC is widely used in the pharmaceutical sector as both a binder in tablet formulations and a controlled-release agent. It ensures that medications dissolve gradually, providing consistent and long-lasting effects. For example, in extended-release drugs, HPMC’s gel-forming properties help in the slow release of active ingredients over time. With the pharmaceutical market growing at a CAGR of 6-7%, the demand for HPMC in drug formulations is rising. Additionally, as more consumers seek plant-based options, HPMC is becoming a popular alternative to gelatin in vegetarian capsules, meeting the growing preference for vegan and vegetarian supplements.
• Food Industry: In the gluten-free and vegan food market, HPMC plays a key role, especially in gluten-free baking. It replicates gluten’s binding properties, helping improve the texture and moisture retention in products like bread, pastries, and other baked goods. With the global gluten-free food market expected to reach USD 6.47 billion by 2027, the use of HPMC in food products is growing. It’s also used in ice creams, sauces, and dressings as a thickener and stabilizer, ensuring smooth textures and preventing separation. As the processed food sector expands at a CAGR of 4.3%, HPMC will continue to be essential for maintaining product quality.
• Construction Industry: In the construction industry, HPMC is heavily used in cement, plaster, and mortars. It enhances water retention, workability, and strength, making it crucial in infrastructure projects. With the construction industry growing at an estimated rate of 3.5% annually, HPMC is also critical for improving tile adhesion, making it a key ingredient in tile cement and wall putty formulations.
• Personal Care and Cosmetics: In the personal care industry, HPMC is commonly used as a thickening and emulsifying agent in lotions, creams, and shampoos. It ensures product stability, preventing ingredient separation. With the personal care industry valued at over USD 500 billion, demand for stabilizers like HPMC is rising. It is also used in hair gels and sprays, as it forms transparent films that provide hold without flaking or stiffness, meeting consumer demand for non-toxic, plant-based formulations.
• Paints and Coatings: HPMC is a valuable additive in paints and coatings, acting as a thickening and stabilizing agent. It improves the viscosity of water-based paints, ensuring smooth application. As the global paints and coatings market grows at an annual rate of 5.4%, HPMC’s role in this sector is expanding. Additionally, HPMC is used in decorative plasters and adhesives, enhancing workability and texture in construction materials.

Major Challenges

• Raw Material Price Volatility: HPMC is made from plant-based cellulose, mainly sourced from wood pulp and cotton. The prices of these raw materials can fluctuate a lot due to factors like changes in agricultural production, weather conditions, and geopolitical events. These fluctuations make it difficult for manufacturers to maintain consistent pricing for HPMC products. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in the global supply chain caused raw material prices to rise, which squeezed profit margins for HPMC producers.
• High Production Costs: Producing HPMC is expensive because the process involves several chemical treatments and purification steps, which are energy-intensive. On top of that, complying with environmental regulations adds to the costs. Smaller manufacturers, in particular, struggle to compete with larger companies that benefit from economies of scale.
• Environmental Impact: While HPMC is biodegradable, the production process itself raises environmental concerns. It relies on chemical processing and consumes a lot of water, which is not ideal as industries shift toward more eco-friendly production methods. Pressure from environmental groups and governments could lead to stricter regulations, further increasing production costs for HPMC manufacturers.
• Competition from Alternatives: HPMC faces competition from other, often more cost-effective, alternatives. For example, in food production, thickeners like guar gum and xanthan gum can be used as substitutes. This growing competition may affect HPMC’s market share, particularly as industries look for cheaper or more sustainable options.

Market Growth Opportunities

• Rising Demand for Vegan and Gluten-Free Foods: The shift towards plant-based and gluten-free products is gaining momentum as more people become health-conscious and adopt new lifestyles. HPMC, a plant-based alternative to ingredients like gelatin, plays an important role in creating vegan and gluten-free foods, especially in baked goods and processed foods. With the global gluten-free food market expected to grow by over 9% annually, there are great opportunities for HPMC to be included in new product formulations.
• Increased Use of Sustainable Construction Materials: As the construction industry moves toward more sustainable building practices, HPMC is increasingly used in cement, mortar, and plaster because it improves water retention, workability, and durability. With infrastructure development on the rise, particularly in fast-growing markets like Asia-Pacific, the demand for HPMC in construction materials is expected to grow steadily. The focus on energy-efficient and eco-friendly building materials is also driving the use of HPMC in construction.
• Growth in Pharmaceutical Applications: The pharmaceutical industry is a major market for HPMC, where it’s used in tablets as a binder and for controlled-release formulations. As the global demand for affordable generic drugs increases, HPMC becomes even more important in ensuring drug stability and controlled release. The pharmaceutical market, projected to grow by 6-7% annually, offers a strong platform for HPMC’s continued use in drug delivery systems.

Key Player Analysis

Celotech Chemicals Co., Ltd. is a key player in the HPMC sector, primarily focusing on producing high-quality cellulose ether products, including Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC). The company serves various industries such as construction, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. In 2023, Celotech expanded its production capacity to meet growing demand, especially from the construction and pharmaceutical sectors. The company has a production base in Shandong, China, with a capacity of 15,000 MT of HPMC annually. In May 2024, the company announced a price increase for its HPMC products due to rising raw material costs. Celotech also actively engages in research and development to enhance product performance, particularly in applications like dry mix mortar and tile adhesives, which are crucial for construction​.

Changzhou Guoyu Environmental S&T Co., Ltd., founded in 1984, specializes in producing Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), alongside other cellulose derivatives like Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC). The company has established a strong reputation, particularly in the construction, food, and pharmaceutical sectors, where its HPMC products are widely used for their thickening, stabilizing, and binding properties.

Chemcolloid Limited, founded in 1990, is a well-established supplier of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and other hydrocolloids, catering primarily to the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. In 2023, the company focused on enhancing its HPMC product offerings, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where demand for plant-based and stable binding agents has been growing. Throughout March 2024, Chemcolloid introduced improved formulations of HPMC, aimed at providing better emulsification and stability in vegan and gluten-free food products. Additionally, they upgraded their production capacity in July 2023 to meet the increasing demand from global markets. Chemcolloid continues to work closely with its partners to innovate and create tailored solutions, particularly for emerging health and sustainable food markets​.

CP Kelco U.S., Inc., a global leader in nature-based ingredient solutions, has been actively expanding its HPMC and other hydrocolloid offerings. In 2023, the company focused on leveraging its existing hydrocolloid portfolio, including HPMC, which is used across various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. By April 2024, CP Kelco had completed a $60 million expansion of its citrus fiber product line, including Nutrava® Citrus Fiber and Kelcosens™, further strengthening its position in natural ingredients for clean-label applications​.

In 2023, Dow Chemical continued to expand its focus on Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), particularly through its CELLOSIZE™ Texture K100M product line. This water-soluble HPMC polymer, widely used in industries like construction, pharmaceuticals, and personal care, has gained traction for its film-forming, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Dow’s HPMC applications are critical in enhancing the texture and stability of products ranging from paints to body washes. By July 2024, Dow emphasized the role of sustainable, eco-friendly polymers like HPMC in its product offerings, aligning with global trends toward more sustainable and high-performance materials across sectors​​.

In 2023 and 2024, DuPont de Nemours, Inc. has continued to develop its Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) sector with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation. The company integrates HPMC into several industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and construction. DuPont’s HPMC products, which offer thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming properties, are critical in these sectors, especially as demand for sustainable materials rises globally. By March 2024, DuPont strengthened its focus on sustainable chemical solutions, ensuring that HPMC products align with its 2030 sustainability goals. Additionally, DuPont’s advancements in eco-friendly production methods and ongoing R&D efforts in high-performance materials are set to expand the market for HPMC in various applications​.

Gomez Chemical plays an active role in the HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) market, focusing on supplying industrial-grade HPMC for various applications, particularly in the construction and pharmaceutical sectors. In 2023, the company saw increased demand for its HPMC products, driven by global infrastructure development and the growing need for improved building materials. Gomez Chemical’s HPMC offerings are widely used in cement and mortar formulations for their water retention and workability-enhancing properties​.

Hebei Yibang Building Materials Co., Ltd. specializes in the production of high-quality Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), primarily serving the construction industry. In 2023, the company expanded its HPMC product line, focusing on applications like cement mortars and tile adhesives. By June 2024, Yibang plans to further enhance its production capacity to meet the growing demand for water retention and adhesion-enhancing additives in construction materials. Their HPMC is widely recognized for improving workability, water retention, and overall performance in construction applications​.

Henan Tiansheng Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. is actively engaged in the production of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), primarily catering to the construction, pharmaceutical, and food sectors. In 2023, the company focused on expanding its HPMC offerings, which are valued for their thickening, water retention, and stabilizing properties in cement mortars and tile adhesives. By June 2024, Henan Tiansheng plans to increase its production capacity to meet rising market demand, especially in infrastructure projects and industrial applications​.

Hercules-Tianpu Chemicals, a joint venture, specializes in the production of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), catering to industries such as construction, coatings, and pharmaceuticals. In 2023, the company increased its focus on expanding production capacity at its facilities in China, producing over 24,000 tons annually. By July 2024, Hercules-Tianpu plans to further enhance its HPMC offerings, particularly targeting the growing demand in the construction sector, where HPMC’s water retention and adhesive properties are essential for cement and mortar formulations​.

Hopetop Pharmaceutical is a significant player in the Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) market, focusing on its use in pharmaceutical applications. Their HPMC products are used as thickening agents, film formers, and stabilizers, particularly in tablet formulations and controlled-release medications. In 2023, Hopetop expanded its HPMC offerings, improving its grades for pharmaceutical use, emphasizing high viscosity and enhanced solubility. By May 2024, the company plans further expansion to meet growing demand in the global pharmaceutical industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) market is poised for strong growth across key industries like pharmaceuticals, construction, and food. HPMC is highly valued for its ability to thicken, stabilize, and retain water, making it a crucial ingredient in many modern products. The rising demand for sustainable, plant-based solutions, especially in food and pharmaceutical sectors, is fueling this growth. As industries continue to innovate and invest in production and technology, the global HPMC market is expected to see steady and sustained expansion.

Sources

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9563755/
• https://journals.innovareacademics.in/index.php/ijcpr/article/download/36340/21186
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• https://lotioncrafter.com/products/hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose-hpmc
• https://www.celotech.com/
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• https://www.cpkelco.com/cp-kelco-completes-60-million-citrus-fiber-capacity-expansion-project
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