Top 10 Companies in the Spherical Cellulose Bead Industry (2026): Market Leaders Powering Sustainable Innovations

In Business Insights
January 07, 2026


The Global Spherical Cellulose Bead Market was valued at USD 287.5 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 452.8 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.7% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is propelled by the global phase-out of plastic microbeads, escalating demand for natural and biodegradable ingredients in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and significant advancements in material science that enhance the functional properties of cellulose beads.

As industries worldwide pivot towards sustainability and circular economy principles, the focus intensifies on the material innovators providing eco-friendly alternatives. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Spherical Cellulose Bead Industry—a diverse group of chemical giants, specialty manufacturers, and green tech pioneers shaping the future of biodegradable materials.


🔟 1. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Cellulose Beads for Chromatography, Cosmetics, and Drug Delivery

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation is a global leader in advanced materials, offering high-purity spherical cellulose beads under its comprehensive product portfolio. Their beads are renowned for exceptional uniformity and are critical in high-value applications like pharmaceutical purification and premium cosmetic formulations.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of tailored bead sizes for specific separation and controlled-release applications

  • Investment in green chemistry processes to minimize environmental footprint

  • Commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 across its value chain

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


9️⃣ 2. J. RETTENMAIER & SÖHNE (JRS)

Headquarters: Rosenberg, Germany
Key Offering: VIVAPUR® Cellulose Beads (Microcrystalline Cellulose Spheres)

JRS is a world-leading producer of functional fibers and cellulose derivatives. Their VIVAPUR® spherical cellulose beads are widely used as excipients in pharmaceuticals, serving as inert carriers and density modifiers, and as gentle abrasives in natural personal care products.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering natural, wood-based raw material sourcing

  • R&D focused on enhancing bioavailability in pharmaceutical applications


8️⃣ 3. Daito Kasei Kogyo

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Fine Cellulose Particles and Spherical Beads

Daito Kasei Kogyo specializes in fine chemical products, with a strong focus on cellulose-based materials. The company produces spherical cellulose beads with precise control over porosity and surface chemistry, catering to the demanding specifications of the life sciences and electronics industries.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Customization of bead properties for niche industrial applications

  • Implementation of closed-loop water systems in manufacturing


7️⃣ 4. Rengo Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Cellulose NanoFiber (CNF) and Derived Bead Products

Rengo, a major integrated paper and packaging company, leverages its deep expertise in cellulose to develop innovative spherical bead products. Their focus is on utilizing nano-fibrillated cellulose to create high-strength, lightweight beads for composite materials and functional fillers.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Utilization of renewable and sustainably sourced wood pulp

  • Development of beads for enhancing the mechanical properties of bioplastics

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


6️⃣ 5. Anomera Inc.

Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
Key Offering: Carboxylated Cellulose Nanocrystal (CCNC) Beads, DEVIP™ Beads

Anomera is a green chemistry company at the forefront of producing high-purity, functionalized cellulose nanomaterials. Their proprietary DEVIP™ beads, derived from renewable wood pulp, are designed as sustainable replacements for plastic microbeads in cosmetics and personal care.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Patented carboxylation process for enhanced functionality

  • Strategic partnerships with major cosmetic brands for commercial adoption


5️⃣ 6. Naturbeads

Headquarters: Bath, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Biodegradable Cellulose Microbeads

Naturbeads is a spin-out from the University of Bath, specializing in the production of truly biodegradable microbeads made from cellulose. Their technology addresses the critical environmental issue of plastic microplastic pollution, offering a drop-in solution for cosmetics, paints, and coatings.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Scaling up production using a sustainable and scalable manufacturing process

  • Focus on achieving cost-parity with conventional plastic beads


4️⃣ 7. JNC Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: CHITOPEARL® (Chitosan) and Cellulose-based Beads

JNC Corporation is a diversified chemical company with a strong portfolio of high-performance materials. While known for CHITOPEARL®, they also develop sophisticated spherical cellulose beads used as adsorbents and carriers in biotechnology and environmental remediation applications.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Cross-linking technologies to create robust beads for harsh conditions

  • Applications in wastewater treatment for heavy metal ion removal


3️⃣ 8. Omya International AG

Headquarters: Offringen, Switzerland
Key Offering: Functional Minerals and Biomaterials, including Composite Beads

Omya is a leading global producer of industrial minerals. Their expertise extends to creating composite beads that incorporate cellulose with minerals like calcium carbonate, offering unique properties for applications in plastics, paper, and personal care, enhancing both performance and sustainability.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of bio-composites to reduce the plastic content in materials

  • Focus on lightweighting and improving the recyclability of end-products


2️⃣ 9. Cospheric LLC

Headquarters: Santa Barbara, California, USA
Key Offering: Precision Microspheres, including Density-Matched Cellulose Beads

Cospheric specializes in manufacturing highly uniform polymer and composite microspheres for research and industrial applications. They offer custom spherical cellulose beads with specific densities and surface properties, crucial for calibration, R&D, and specialized medical diagnostics.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expertise in creating application-specific beads for scientific research

  • Providing sustainable material options for the R&D community


1️⃣ 10. Daicel Corporation

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Cellulose Acetate and Regenerated Cellulose Beads (Sepabeads)

Daicel is a major chemical company with a strong focus on high-functionality polymers. Their Sepabeads line includes porous spherical beads made from regenerated cellulose, which are extensively used as chromatography media for the purification of biologics like antibodies and vaccines.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Leading supplier of chromatography media to the biopharmaceutical industry

  • Continuous innovation in bead capacity and selectivity for faster, more efficient bioprocessing

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


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Spherical Cellulose Beads Is Functional and Sustainable

The spherical cellulose bead market is experiencing a transformative phase. While traditional applications in chromatography and cosmetics dominate current demand, the industry is rapidly innovating to unlock new functionalities and expand into high-growth sectors.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Regulatory Push: Global bans on plastic microbeads are creating massive substitution demand in personal care and cosmetics.

  • Biopharmaceutical Boom: The expansion of the biologics market drives need for advanced cellulose-based chromatography resins.

  • Material Science Advancements: Functionalization of cellulose beads for targeted drug delivery, 3D printing, and smart textiles.

  • Circular Economy Focus: Increased use of cellulose beads as renewable fillers in bioplastics and composites to enhance sustainability credentials.

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

The companies listed above are not just supplying materials—they are engineering the sustainable building blocks for a greener, cleaner future across multiple industries.