Global Coating Grade Cellulose Ether Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Methyl Cellulose (MC), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), Ethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (EHEC), and Others), By Function (Thickening Agent, Rheology Modifier, Water Retention Aid, Stabilizer, and Binder / Film Former), By Application (Architectural Coatings, Industrial Coatings, Protective Coatings, Automotive Coatings, and Others), By End-Use Industry (Construction, Automotive, Industrial Manufacturing, Marine, and Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2025 - 2035

Global Coating Grade Cellulose Ether Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Global Coating Grade Cellulose Ether Market Size Was Estimated at USD 1.34 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.48% from 2025 to 2035
• The Worldwide Coating Grade Cellulose Ether Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 2.41 Billion by 2035
• North America is expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period.

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights and Consulting, The Global Coating Grade Cellulose Ether Market Size was worth around USD 1.34 Billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 2.41 Billion by 2035 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.48% from 2025 to 2035. Growing demand for environmentally friendly coatings, an increase in building activity, the expansion of the paint industry, and developments in sustainable, water-based coating formulations are the main factors propelling the growth of the global coating-grade cellulose ether market.

Market Overview

The global coating grade cellulose ether market refers to polymers produced from cellulose that are utilised as thickeners, binders, and stabilisers in coatings, improving viscosity, film formation, and application performance across multiple sectors. Growing demand from the paint and construction sectors, where these additives improve coating performance, durability, and viscosity, is propelling the global market for coating-grade cellulose ether. High-quality, performance-based building materials are in greater demand due to the expansion of infrastructure development worldwide, particularly in the residential and commercial sectors. As green building trends gain traction, the use of cellulose ethers made from natural cellulose has increased due to the growing emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly methods. While customised formulations for particular applications, including water-based coatings and sealants, are expanding market potential, product quality has increased due to technological advancements in manufacturing.

Furthermore, cellulose ethers' market position has been reinforced by stringent European regulations that support non-toxic and biodegradable materials. Nouryon's Bermocoll EHM MAX Nouryon introduced Bermocoll EHM MAX, a hydrophobically modified cellulose ether, at the European Coatings Show 2025. Its efficiency is up to 10% higher than that of similar rheology modifiers. It seeks to enhance architectural paints' sag resistance, flow and levelling, colour acceptance, and spatter reduction. 

Cellulose ethers lead to better retention of water, formation of films, and ease of application, all of which advance the market as the demand for high-performance coatings is heightened in both industrial and automotive uses. Collectively, these factors are contributing to stable expansion and direction of the cellulose ether business in the coatings grade. Distributions by Brenntag Specialties and Gaomi Silver Hawk Brenntag Specialties and Gaomi Silver Hawk formed a distribution partnership in April 2025 to distribute high-performance cellulose ethers in South Asia.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the coating grade cellulose ether market based on various segments and regions, forecasts revenue growth, and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the coating grade cellulose ether market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, type launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition, have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the coating grade cellulose ether market. 

Driving Factors

The market for coating-grade cellulose ether is rising quickly because of the growth of end-use sectors like personal care, automotive, and construction. Thickening, binding, and film-forming are among its adaptable qualities that improve performance in a variety of applications. Demand is increased by consumers' growing desire for renewable and sustainable materials, especially in green coatings and construction. Cellulose ethers enhance viscosity, stability, and finish quality in paints and coatings. Technological developments are also improving the workability and durability of cement and mortar coatings. Together, these elements propel broad adoption and steady market expansion on a worldwide scale.

Restraining Factors

The coating grade cellulose ether market is limited by factors such as fluctuating raw material prices, which influence manufacturing costs and profit margins.  Stringent environmental regulations and complicated production processes impose limitations on growth.  The prevalence of cheap synthetic alternatives and a lack of awareness in developing countries also limit adoption.  Reliance on cellulose sources and disruption to the supply chain restrict steady growth in the market.

Market Segmentation

The coating grade cellulose ether market share is classified into type, function, application, and end-use industry. 

• The hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) segment dominated the market in 2024, approximately 43.5% and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the type, the coating grade cellulose ether market is divided into methyl cellulose (MC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC), and others. Among these, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. Its superior water retention, thickening, and film-forming qualities, which make it ideal for paints, coatings, and building applications, are the reasons for its domination. Its broad use is further fuelled by its stability, adaptability, and compatibility with environmentally friendly formulations.

• The thickening agent segment accounted for the largest share in 2024, approximately 38% and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the function, the coating grade cellulose ether market is divided into thickening agent, rheology modifier, water retention aid, stabilizer, and binder/film former. Among these, the thickening agent segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The significant expected rise during the forecast time frame is primarily triggered by its broad acceptance in paints, coatings, and construction materials to provide viscosity, consistency, and ease of application, in addition to the growing need for high-performance formulations.

• The architectural coatings segment accounted for the highest market revenue in 2024, approximately 46% and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the application, the coating grade cellulose ether market is divided into architectural coatings, industrial coatings, protective coatings, automotive coatings, and others. Among these, the architectural coatings segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is because cellulose ethers are frequently used in paints and ornamental coatings to improve their viscosity, spreadability, and finish quality in both residential and commercial settings.

• The construction segment accounted for the largest share in 2024, approximately 53% and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the end-use industry, the coating grade cellulose ether market is divided into construction, automotive, industrial manufacturing, marine, and others. Among these, the construction segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to the widespread usage of cellulose ethers in architectural paints, cement, and mortar, which improve workability, durability, and water retention in building applications.

Regional Segment Analysis of the Coating Grade Cellulose Ether Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share with approximately 46% of the Coating Grade Cellulose Ether market over the predicted timeframe.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share of the coating grade cellulose ether market over the predicted timeframe. This growth is primarily driven by rapid urbanisation, the expansion of the construction and paint and coatings privy, and growing infrastructure development in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asia. The cellulose ether products market is also growing, driven by the increasing demand for eco-friendly, sustainable, and high-performance coatings. Over the forecast period, the region's market leadership will be further bolstered by favourable governmental policies and increasing industrialization.

North America is expected to grow the fastest market share with approximately 28% at a rapid CAGR in the coating grade cellulose ether market during the forecast period. The increasing need for high-performance coatings in industrial, automotive, and construction applications is what is causing this increase. Further driving market expansion are technological developments in cellulose ether formulations, rising consumer demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products, and encouraging regulatory environments.

Europe is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR in the coating grade cellulose ether market during the forecast period. Well-established paint and building industries, strict environmental laws encouraging environmentally acceptable and sustainable products, and growing use of sophisticated cellulose ether formulations are the main drivers of growth. Regional market expansion is further supported by the growing demand for high-performance coatings.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the coating grade cellulose ether market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes type development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Ashland
• Dow Chemical Company
• Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
• CP Kelco
• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• Nouryon
• Chongqing Lihong
• Shandong Yiteng New Material
• Wealthy
• Shandong Head
• Quimica Amtex
• Tianpu Chemicals
• Weifang Lude Chemical
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs) 

Recent Development

• In May 2025, to enhance supply chain efficiency and better serve the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical cellulose ether sectors, Univar Solutions and Shandong Head Co., Ltd. expanded their collaboration into Europe.

• In March 2025, Bermocoll® EHM MAX, a hydrophobically modified cellulose ether introduced by Nouryon, provides an efficiency boost of up to 10% above similar rheology modifiers. It seeks to enhance architectural paints' sag resistance, flow and levelling, colour acceptance, and spatter reduction.

• In January 2022, A major participant in the cellulose ether market, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., supplies speciality chemicals to the building, personal care and pharmaceutical industries. The business has a strong emphasis on sustainability and offers a wide range of products to meet the needs of the market.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the coating grade cellulose ether market based on the below-mentioned segments: 

Global Coating Grade Cellulose Ether Market, By Type

• Methyl Cellulose (MC)
• Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)
• Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)
• Ethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (EHEC)
• Others

Global Coating Grade Cellulose Ether Market, By Function

• Thickening Agent
• Rheology Modifier
• Water Retention Aid
• Stabilizer
• Binder / Film Former

Global Coating Grade Cellulose Ether Market, By Application

• Architectural Coatings
• Industrial Coatings
• Protective Coatings
• Automotive Coatings
• Others

Global Coating Grade Cellulose Ether Market, By End-Use Industry

• Construction
• Automotive
• Industrial Manufacturing
• Marine
• Others

Global Coating Grade Cellulose Ether Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa