Top 10 Companies in the Methyl Cellulose Industry (2023-2031): Market Leaders Powering Global Construction and Manufacturing

In Business Insights
October 26, 2025

The Global Methyl Cellulose Market was valued at USD 5.72 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 8.41 Billion by 2031, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.3% during the forecast period (2023–2031). This growth is being driven by accelerating construction activities, rising demand from pharmaceutical industries, and the growing adoption of high-purity cellulose ethers across food, personal care, and industrial sectors.

As manufacturing and construction industries evolve toward high-performance materials and sustainable formulations, the spotlight is on the key manufacturers who are driving innovation, quality, and application-specific solutions. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Methyl Cellulose Industry—a mix of chemical giants, specialty producers, and regional leaders shaping the future of global cellulose ether markets.


🔟 1. Ashland

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical Grade, Food Grade, Industrial Grade Methyl Cellulose

Ashland is a global leader in specialty chemicals, with its cellulose ethers division being a major supplier of methyl cellulose worldwide. Their BENECEL™ and AQUALON™ product lines serve critical applications in pharmaceuticals, construction, and food industries, with extensive R&D focused on product purity and performance enhancement.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of ultra-pure pharmaceutical grades

  • Expansion of green chemistry initiatives

  • Focus on bio-based raw material sourcing

Download FREE Sample Report: Methyl Cellulose Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. DowDuPont

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: METHOCEL™ methylcellulose products

DowDuPont maintains a leading position through its comprehensive METHOCEL™ product portfolio, which includes various viscosity grades tailored for specific industrial applications and customer requirements.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Advanced product development for construction applications

  • Global manufacturing footprint with quality consistency


8️⃣ 3. Shin-Etsu

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: METOLOSE® pharmaceutical and industrial grades

Shin-Etsu Chemical is a dominant player in methyl cellulose production, particularly in high-value pharmaceutical applications. The company operates multiple manufacturing facilities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Specialization in controlled-release pharmaceutical formulations

  • Advanced purification technologies for superior product quality


7️⃣ 4. HERCULES

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: KLUCEL™ and other methyl cellulose derivatives

Hercules, now part of Ashland, continues to be recognized for its heritage in cellulose chemistry and innovation in methyl cellulose applications across multiple industries.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Heritage in cellulose ether technology

  • Focus on application-specific solutions

Download FREE Sample Report: Methyl Cellulose Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. BASF

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Pharmaceutical and food grade methyl cellulose

BASF’s chemical division includes methyl cellulose in its portfolio of specialty polymers. The company leverages its global distribution network and technical service capabilities to meet diverse customer needs.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Integration with broader chemical value chain

  • Strong focus on European construction and pharmaceutical markets


5️⃣ 6. LOTTE Chemical

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Various grades of methyl cellulose for industrial applications

LOTTE Chemical has emerged as a significant methyl cellulose producer in Asia, with growing market presence in construction materials and consumer products sectors.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expanding production capacity in Southeast Asia

  • Investments in R&D for improved performance characteristics


4️⃣ 7. Reliance Cellulose Products

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Industrial grade methyl cellulose for construction applications

Reliance Cellulose Products is a key methyl cellulose manufacturer in the Indian subcontinent, serving both domestic and international markets with cost-competitive products.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Focus on cost optimization and market expansion

  • Strategic positioning in high-growth emerging markets


3️⃣ 8. Shandong Guangda

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Various methyl cellulose grades at competitive pricing

Shandong Guangda represents the growing Chinese methyl cellulose manufacturing sector, with significant production capacity focused on industrial and construction applications.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expanding production capabilities to meet domestic demand

  • Cost-effective solutions for price-sensitive markets


2️⃣ 9. Shandong Head

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Industrial grade methyl cellulose for construction materials

Shandong Head is another prominent Chinese manufacturer contributing to the global methyl cellulose supply, particularly in mid-range industrial applications.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Focus on regional market development

  • Competitive manufacturing for export markets


1️⃣ 10. Shandong Yiteng

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Various viscosity grades of methyl cellulose

Shandong Yiteng completes the strong representation of Chinese methyl cellulose manufacturers in the global market, with production primarily serving Asian and Middle Eastern construction markets.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Vertical integration with cellulose raw material sources

  • Expansion into pharmaceutical and food applications

Get Full Report Here: Methyl Cellulose Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Methyl Cellulose Is High-Performance and Application-Specific

The methyl cellulose market is undergoing significant transformation as traditional uses expand into new high-value applications requiring superior performance characteristics and regulatory compliance.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rising demand for pharmaceutical excipients in controlled-release formulations

  • Accelerated construction activities in emerging economies driving industrial grade demand

  • Growing consumer preference for plant-based ingredients in food and personal care products

  • Increasing regulatory standards for pharmaceutical and food-grade purity

  • Expansion of bio-based and sustainable product offerings

Get Full Report Here: Methyl Cellulose Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying critical industrial ingredients—they’re pioneering the performance enhancement of materials across multiple sectors.