The Global Non-Associated Cellulose Rheology Modifiers Market was valued at USD 191.2 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 268.9 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This growth is primarily driven by the escalating demand for high-performance water-based coatings in the construction and industrial sectors, coupled with stringent environmental regulations favoring low-VOC formulations.

As industries worldwide pivot toward more sustainable and efficient material solutions, the role of specialized additives like non-associated cellulose rheology modifiers has become increasingly critical. These advanced modifiers are essential for controlling the flow, application, and performance characteristics of a wide array of products. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Non-Associated Cellulose Rheology Modifiers Industry—a diverse group of chemical innovators and specialty material suppliers shaping the future of formulation science.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Non-Associated Cellulose Rheology Modifiers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

🔟 1. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Natrosol™, Aquaflow™ NLS rheology modifiers

Ashland is a preeminent global specialty chemicals company and a leading supplier of cellulose-based rheology modifiers. Their portfolio includes highly efficient non-ionic synthetic associative thickeners derived from cellulose, which are widely used in paints, coatings, adhesives, and construction materials to achieve superior sag resistance, leveling, and application properties.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Development of next-generation, bio-based associative thickeners

• Focus on products with low environmental impact and compliance with green building standards

• Extensive technical support and formulation expertise for global customers

---

9️⃣ 2. Nouryon

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

Nouryon is a leading global specialty chemicals leader, renowned for its Bermocoll® brand of cellulose ethers. These high-performance additives serve as efficient rheology modifiers in water-based systems, providing excellent thickening, water retention, and stability for applications in architectural coatings, construction, and personal care.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Investment in sustainable sourcing of raw materials

• Product innovations focused on enhancing performance in low-VOC formulations

---

8️⃣ 3. Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: CELLOSIZE™ Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)

Dow is a major player in the materials science industry, offering a comprehensive range of cellulose ethers under the CELLOSIZE™ brand. Their hydroxyethyl cellulose products are key associative thickeners used to control rheology in aqueous systems, delivering consistent performance in demanding applications from paints to building products.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Commitment to circular economy principles and sustainable product design

• Development of solutions that reduce energy consumption during manufacturing and application

---

7️⃣ 4. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: METOLOSE® cellulose ethers

Shin-Etsu is the world’s leading manufacturer of cellulose derivatives, producing a wide array of high-purity cellulose ethers. Their METOLOSE® products are extensively used as non-associative rheology modifiers, providing precise viscosity control and stability in various industrial and consumer applications.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Continuous R&D to expand the application range of cellulose ethers

• Emphasis on high-quality, consistent products for critical formulations

Download FREE Sample Report:
Non-Associated Cellulose Rheology Modifiers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

6️⃣ 5. CP Kelco

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Key Offering: Specialty hydrocolloids including cellulose-based modifiers

As a prominent producer of nature-based ingredient solutions, CP Kelco offers a range of hydrocolloids that function as effective rheology modifiers. While known for pectins and gellan gum, their expertise in biopolymer chemistry supports the development of specialized cellulose derivatives for tailored rheological control.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Utilization of renewable raw materials

• Focus on clean-label and sustainable solutions for diverse markets

---

5️⃣ 6. J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH (JRS)

Headquarters: Rosenberg, Germany
Key Offering: VIVAPUR® cellulose gums, VIVAPHARM® cellulose ethers

JRS is a leading family-owned company specializing in plant-based raw materials. They provide high-quality cellulose and fiber products, including refined cellulose ethers used as rheology modifiers. Their products are valued for their purity and functionality in pharmaceutical, food, and industrial applications.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Sustainable and traceable sourcing of cellulose fibers

• Customized solutions to meet specific customer formulation needs

---

4️⃣ 7. Daicel Miraizu Ltd. (Formerly Dai-Ichi Kogyo Seiyaku)

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: CELNY® cellulose derivatives

Daicel Miraizu is a significant Japanese chemical company with a strong focus on cellulose-based chemicals. Their CELNY® product line includes various cellulose ethers that act as effective thickeners and stabilizers, catering to the paint, adhesive, and construction industries in Asia and globally.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Development of environmentally friendly chemical processes

• Expansion of product portfolio to serve emerging market demands

---

3️⃣ 8. Lotte Fine Chemical

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)

Lotte Fine Chemical is a major chemical producer in South Korea, manufacturing a range of cellulose ethers. Their products are crucial components as rheology modifiers in water-based systems, serving the robust construction and manufacturing sectors across Asia.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Investment in capacity expansion to meet growing regional demand

• Quality-focused manufacturing for high-performance applications

---

2️⃣ 9. WeiKem Chemical

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: A full range of cellulose ethers for construction and coatings

WeiKem Chemical is a leading Chinese manufacturer specializing in cellulose ethers. The company has a significant market presence, supplying cost-effective and reliable rheology modifiers for the building materials and paint industries, both domestically and through international exports.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Focus on scaling production to achieve economies of scale

• Adapting products to meet international quality and environmental standards

---

1️⃣ 10. Zhejiang Haishen New Materials Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), other cellulose derivatives

Zhejiang Haishen is a prominent producer of cellulose ethers in China, with a strong export-oriented business. Their products are extensively used as key rheology modifiers in dry-mix mortars, tile adhesives, and paints, contributing significantly to the Asia-Pacific market’s growth.

Innovation and Sustainability Focus:

• Continuous improvement of production efficiency and product quality

• Strategic focus on expanding global market reach

Get Full Report Here:
Non-Associated Cellulose Rheology Modifiers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

🌍 Outlook: The Future of Rheology Modifiers is High-Performance and Sustainable

The non-associated cellulose rheology modifiers market is undergoing a significant evolution. While traditional products maintain a strong foothold, the industry is increasingly focused on developing high-efficiency, sustainable, and multi-functional additives that meet the demands of modern, environmentally conscious manufacturing.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rising demand for low-VOC and environmentally friendly formulations in paints and coatings

• Growth in construction activities, particularly in emerging economies, driving demand for advanced building materials

• Technological advancements leading to modifiers with improved shear-thinning and anti-sag properties

• Increasing regulatory pressure promoting the use of bio-based and sustainable raw materials

Get Full Report Here:
Non-Associated Cellulose Rheology Modifiers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential ingredients for countless products—they are at the forefront of innovation, driving the development of smarter, more sustainable formulations across the globe.