Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a term for refined wood pulp and is used as a texturizer, an anti-caking agent, a fat substitute, an emulsifier, an extender, and a bulking agent in food production.

The microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) market size was estimated at USD 885.1 million in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 1,241.4 million by 2023, registering a CAGR of 7.0% from 2018 to 2023. The growth of the MCC market is primarily triggered by the increasing demand for processed food and growing production of pharmaceutical and cosmetic & personal care products.

The MCC market has been segmented based on application, source type, and region. On the basis of application, the MCC market has been classified into food & beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics & personal care, and others. Pharmaceutical is one of the major applications of MCC and is estimated to dominate the overall MCC market in 2018. MCC is increasingly being used in quick release tablets & liquid dosage forms, sustained-release multiparticulates & matrix tablets dosage forms, topical formulations, and chewable & effervescent tablets.

On the basis of source type, the MCC market has been classified into wood-based and non-wood-based. The wood-based type segment is estimated to dominate the overall MCC market, in terms of value both and volume, in 2018. The chemical properties of MCC produced from different wood sources vary because of the difference in the composition of alpha-cellulose in different kinds of wood available. Commercially available MCC is primarily produced from wood-based sources.

Europe is estimated to be the largest market for MCC in 2018 in terms of value. The overall market growth of the European region is primarily driven by increasing investments in drug development and the continuous efforts of pharmaceutical companies to offer superior-quality products. In addition, economic recovery and the increase in employment rate are the growth factors for the processed food industry in the region, which, in turn, supports the growth of the MCC market in the food & beverage application