Top 10 Companies in the Methyl Cellulose Derivatives Market (2025): Key Players Driving Innovation Across Industries

In Business Insights
November 16, 2025


The Global Methyl Cellulose Derivatives Market was valued at USD 3.6 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 5.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by increasing demand from the pharmaceutical, construction, and personal care sectors, alongside advancements in green chemistry and the trend towards bio-based additives.

As industries worldwide push for higher performance, sustainability, and improved product functionality, the role of methyl cellulose derivatives as versatile thickeners, binders, and stabilizers has become increasingly critical. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Methyl Cellulose Derivatives Industry—a diverse group of chemical giants and specialty manufacturers shaping the future of this essential market.


🔟 1. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Benecel™ Methylcellulose, Walocel™ CRT

Ashland is a leading global supplier of pharmaceutical and industrial-grade cellulose ethers. Its Benecel™ product line is widely recognized for high purity and consistent performance in controlled-release drug formulations and food applications.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of low-viscosity and tailored-release profiles for pharmaceuticals
  • Investment in sustainable sourcing and manufacturing processes
  • Focus on bio-based and biodegradable product solutions

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


9️⃣ 2. DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Methocel™ Cellulose Ethers

DuPont’s Methocel™ brand is a cornerstone in the methyl cellulose derivatives market, offering a wide range of products for construction, personal care, and food industries. The company is known for its extensive R&D capabilities and technical support.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Advanced polymer technology for water retention in construction materials
  • Solutions for clean-label and natural product formulations
  • Commitment to reducing environmental footprint across the value chain

8️⃣ 3. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Metolose® Methylcellulose and Hypromellose

Shin-Etsu is one of the world’s largest producers of cellulose derivatives, with Metolose® being a premier brand for pharmaceutical (hypromellose) and industrial applications. The company maintains a strong focus on high-purity products for critical uses.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Leading market share in pharmaceutical-grade HPMC
  • Continuous capacity expansions to meet global demand
  • R&D focused on new application development and process efficiency

7️⃣ 4. LotTE FINE CHEMICAL

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Pharmacoat®, Metolose® (under license)

LOTTE FINE CHEMICAL is a major player in Asia, producing high-quality cellulose ethers for the pharmaceutical and food industries. The company has a significant market presence and is expanding its global footprint.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Strategic partnerships for technology and market access
  • Focus on expanding pharmaceutical excipient portfolio
  • Investment in eco-friendly manufacturing technologies

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


6️⃣ 5. China RuiTai International Holdings Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), Methyl Cellulose (MC)

As one of China’s leading manufacturers, RuiTai has a massive production capacity for cellulose ethers, serving the global construction, ceramics, and pharmaceutical markets with cost-competitive products.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Large-scale vertical integration from raw materials to finished products
  • Focus on product quality improvement to meet international standards
  • Expansion into high-value specialty cellulose ethers

5️⃣ 6. CP Kelco

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Key Offering: Specialty biopolymers including cellulose derivatives

CP Kelco is a leading producer of nature-based ingredient solutions, with a portfolio that includes specialized cellulose ethers for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications, emphasizing texture and stability.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expertise in creating customized texture solutions for food and drinks
  • Strong focus on clean-label and natural ingredient trends
  • Sustainable sourcing of raw materials

4️⃣ 7. Nouryon

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Bermocoll® cellulose ethers

Nouryon’s Bermocoll® products are essential additives in the construction industry, particularly in cement-based tile adhesives, renders, and plasters, where they provide excellent water retention and workability.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of eco-premium solutions for sustainable construction
  • Products that contribute to energy efficiency in buildings
  • Investment in bio-innovation and circular economy principles

3️⃣ 8. SE Tylose GmbH & Co. KG

Headquarters: Wiesbaden, Germany
Key Offering: Tylose® MH and MB grades (Methylcellulose, HPMC)

SE Tylose is a specialist manufacturer of methyl cellulose and its derivatives, with a strong reputation in Europe for quality and reliability. Its products are critical in construction, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • High-purity grades for pharmaceutical film coating and controlled release
  • Tailored solutions for dry-mix construction applications
  • Commitment to responsible manufacturing practices

2️⃣ 9. Henan Botai Chemical Building Materials Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Henan, China
Key Offering: HPMC, CMC, Redispersible Polymer Powder

Henan Botai is a significant Chinese producer focusing on cellulose ethers for the construction industry. The company offers a wide range of products that enhance the performance of building materials.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Cost-effective solutions for booming construction markets in Asia and Africa
  • Expanding product portfolio to include more specialty chemicals
  • Improving production efficiency and environmental compliance

1️⃣ 10. Brenntag AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Distribution of methyl cellulose derivatives from various producers

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, plays a crucial role in the methyl cellulose derivatives supply chain. It provides seamless logistics, technical support, and market access for manufacturers and end-users worldwide.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Extensive global distribution network ensuring supply chain resilience
  • Value-added services including blending and formulation support
  • Focus on sustainable sourcing and safe handling of chemicals

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


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Methyl Cellulose Derivatives Is Functional and Sustainable

The methyl cellulose derivatives market is evolving beyond traditional applications. While construction and pharmaceuticals remain the core drivers, the industry is investing heavily in high-performance specialties, green chemistry, and bio-based innovations.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rising demand for pharmaceutical-grade HPMC due to increased generic drug production
  • Green building codes fueling demand for advanced additives in construction materials
  • Growth in clean-label and natural personal care products requiring plant-derived thickeners
  • Technological advancements in modified cellulose for niche industrial applications

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

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential ingredients—they’re driving the innovation and sustainability agenda across multiple global industries.