South Korea Cellulosic Polymers Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Cellulose Ethers and Cellulose Esters), By Application (Flexible Packaging, Paints & Coatings and Skin Care), and South Korea Cellulosic Polymers Market, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Cellulosic Polymers Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Cellulosic Polymers Market Size Was Estimated at USD 525.7 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 6.37% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Cellulosic Polymers Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 1037.0 Million by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, The South Korea Cellulosic Polymers Market Size is anticipated to reach USD 1037.0 Million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.37% from 2025 to 2035. Manufacturers of plastic resin have been compelled to introduce cellulosic polymers for usage in a variety of end-use industries, including food and beverage, building and construction, personal and cosmetic care, and others, due to the growing demand for biopolymers and their shift toward sustainability. In the paint and coatings industry, cellulosic polymers, particularly cellulose ether polymers, are widely utilized as thickening agents for aqueous paints.

Market Overview

The cellulosic polymers market involves the production and use of polymers derived from cellulose, a natural and renewable component found in plants. These bio-based polymers are used in textiles, packaging, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products due to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and sustainability. Key benefits include reduced environmental impact, recyclability, and the ability to replace petroleum-based plastics. Market opportunities are driven by growing demand for eco-friendly materials, advancements in bio-processing technologies, and the shift toward a circular economy. Governments worldwide are supporting this market through funding for green innovation, stricter regulations on plastic waste, and incentives for sustainable manufacturing. Such initiatives aim to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote environmentally responsible industrial practices across various sectors.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for South Korea cellulosic polymers market based on various segments and regions forecasts revenue growth, and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea cellulosic polymers market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and 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 South Korea cellulosic polymers market.

Driving Factors

The rising environmental concerns and increasing demand for sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Growing regulations on single-use plastics and the global shift toward a circular economy further boost market growth. Advancements in green chemistry and processing technologies have enhanced the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cellulosic polymer production.

Restraining Factors

High production costs stemming from complex processing, specialized equipment, and energy-intensive retreatment make them less economically viable compared to traditional plastics. Limited availability and inconsistent quality of cellulose feedstocks, due to agricultural variability and supply chain fragility, further constrain scaling efforts.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea cellulosic polymers market share is classified into type and application.

• The cellulose ethers segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea cellulosic polymers market is segmented by type cellulose ethers and cellulose esters. Among these, the cellulose ethers segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. Water-soluble polymers called cellulose ethers are utilized in a variety of industries, such as medicines, food and beverage, building and construction, and others, as thickeners, stabilizers, and viscosity modifiers. Cellulose esters, which are often produced from natural cellulose via the reaction of anhydrides, organic acids, and acid chlorides, came after the cellulose ethers segment.

• The flexible packaging segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea cellulosic polymers market is segmented by application into flexible packaging, paints & coatings and skin care. Among these, the flexible packaging segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Cellulosic polymers, specifically regenerated cellulose, are primarily utilized in the production of cellophane. Because of its low permeability to water, germs, air, and oils, cellophane is a thin, transparent, biodegradable film that is frequently used in food packaging.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea cellulosic polymers market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborate analysis focusing on the companies' current news and developments, including product 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

• KCC Corporation
• Hyosung Chemical
• Lotte Chemical Corporation
• Lotte Fine Chemical
• Kolon Industries
• Taekwang Industrial
• KBMP Co., Ltd. (Bio Polymer Co.)
• Samsung Fine Chemicals
• HNB Bio Co., Ltd.
• BISON Medical (Seoul)
• Laseroptek
• ASTERA Systems (Asterasys)
• Lutronic Vision
• Others

Key Target Audience

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

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at South Korea, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the South Korea cellulosic polymers market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Cellulosic Polymers Market, By Type

• Cellulose Ethers
• Cellulose Esters

South Korea Cellulosic Polymers Market, By Application

• Paints & Coatings
• Skin Care