Top 10 Companies in the Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Industry (2025): Market Leaders Enabling Multi-Sector Innovation

In Business Insights
June 01, 2025

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The Global Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Market was valued at USD 578.60 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 768.24 million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.20% during the forecast period (2023-2032). This growth is driven by expanding applications in construction, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and oilfield operations, along with increasing demand for sustainable and bio-based polymer solutions.

As industries continue to prioritize performance, safety, and environmental responsibility, HEC has emerged as a critical component in diverse formulations. In this analysis, we examine the Top 10 Companies in the Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Industry—established chemical manufacturers and specialty producers shaping the future of this versatile cellulose ether.


🔟 1. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, and Industrial Grade HEC

Ashland is a global leader in specialty chemicals with a comprehensive portfolio of HEC products under its Natrosol™ brand. The company serves pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial markets with high-purity cellulose ether solutions.

Innovation Highlights:

  • Pioneer in controlled-release pharmaceutical applications
  • Bio-based polymer solutions for sustainable formulations
  • Next-generation rheology modifiers for paints and coatings

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Construction and Industrial Grade HEC

Dow’s cellulose ether products feature prominently in construction materials, offering superior water retention and workability for cement-based applications. The company continues to innovate in sustainable building solutions.

Innovation Highlights:

  • High-performance additives for tile adhesives and renders
  • Advanced formulations for low-VOC paints

8️⃣ 3. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headwards: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Ultra-High Purity HEC for Pharma and Cosmetics

Shin-Etsu is renowned for its stringent quality standards and consistency in HEC production. The company’s products are particularly valued in pharmaceutical and personal care applications where purity is paramount.

Innovation Highlights:

  • Patented manufacturing processes for batch consistency
  • Specialized grades for ophthalmic preparations

7️⃣ 4. Lotte Fine Chemical

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Cost-Competitive HEC for Multiple Industries

Lotte has established itself as a key supplier in Asian markets, offering versatile HEC solutions that balance performance and affordability. The company serves construction, paints, and oilfield sectors across emerging economies.

Innovation Highlights:

  • Fast-dispersing formulations for industrial applications
  • Localized production in strategic Asian markets

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals (Nouryon)

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Industrial-Grade HEC for Paints and Oilfields

Nouryon offers a robust portfolio of cellulose ethers under its Bermocoll™ brand, particularly strong in Europe and North America. The company’s oilfield-grade HEC is widely used in drilling fluid formulations.

Innovation Highlights:

  • High-temperature stable formulations for oil drilling
  • Sustainable production processes reducing environmental impact

5️⃣ 6. Daicel Corporation

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Specialty HEC for Pharma and Food Applications

Daicel focuses on high-value HEC applications, including pharmaceutical excipients and food additives. The company’s expertise lies in ultra-pure, low-pyrogen formulations for sensitive applications.

Innovation Highlights:

  • GMP-certified production facilities
  • Custom molecular weight distributions for specific drug delivery needs

4️⃣ 7. CP Kelco

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Key Offering: Food and Personal Care Grade HEC

CP Kelco is a prominent supplier of HEC for food and beverage applications, where it serves as a thickener and stabilizer. The company also provides cosmetic-grade products for premium skincare formulations.

Innovation Highlights:

  • Clean-label solutions for food applications
  • Synergistic blends with other hydrocolloids

3️⃣ 8. Reliance Cellulose Products Ltd.

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Cost-Effective HEC for Construction

Reliance has established a strong position in India’s growing construction chemical market. The company provides affordable HEC solutions tailored to regional building practices and regulations.

Innovation Highlights:

  • Formulations optimized for tropical climates
  • Localized technical support for construction companies

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


2️⃣ 9. Zhejiang Haishen New Materials Ltd.

Headquarters: Hangzhou, China
Key Offering: Industrial-Grade HEC for Multiple Applications

As one of China’s leading cellulose ether producers, Haishen serves both domestic and international markets. The company has rapidly expanded its production capacity to meet growing demand.

Innovation Highlights:

  • Large-scale production capabilities
  • Competitive pricing for bulk industrial users

1️⃣ 10. Samsung Fine Chemicals

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Specialty HEC for Technical Applications

Samsung Fine Chemicals focuses on high-performance HEC grades for demanding industrial applications. The company has particular strength in the Asian electronics and specialty chemicals sector.

Innovation Highlights:

  • Precision-engineered viscosity profiles
  • Strict quality control for electronics manufacturing

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Market Poised for Sustainable Growth

The HEC market continues to evolve with advancements in bio-based polymers and multi-functional additive technology. While traditional applications dominate current consumption, innovation is driving new opportunities across industries.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerating demand from sustainable construction materials
  • Growing preference for natural ingredients in personal care formulations
  • Pharmaceutical industry adoption of HEC in extended-release drug delivery
  • Oilfield applications driving demand for high-performance rheology modifiers

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not just suppliers—they’re innovation partners enabling advanced material solutions across multiple industries.