The Korea powdered cellulose market is poised to exhibit USD 11.2 million in 2025. The industry is slated to depict 10.6% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, witnessing USD 31.6 million by 2035.
The industry is expanding rapidly as a result of a fusion of consumer culture, industrial needs, and sustainability objectives. As an organic plant-derived element, the product is gaining popularity in food applications. Natural and clean-label tendencies are a definite shift with a heightened sense of health awareness among Korean consumers.
The product is a good thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in low-fat foods, gluten-free foods, and processed foods. Dietary trends are driving demand with consumers looking for healthier substitutes free from artificial preservatives and additives. Powdered cellulose, being a vegetarian product, aligns ideally with the increased demand for products that meet clean, natural consumption.
Other than food, the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries are also playing an important role in adding value to the growth of the industry. In the pharmaceutical industry, the product serves as a filler and a binder in capsules and tablets.
The fact that it helps add stability and improve the physical characteristics of pills makes it an essential component of drug products. Likewise, in cosmetics, the product is used as a thickener in creams, lotions, and personal care products. The growing demand for natural, effective, and safe cosmetics generated a higher demand for cellulose derivatives.
The other major industry driver is the trend towards sustainability in South Korea. The product, being a renewable plant-based and biodegradable product, is highly poised to support the nation's environmental objectives. The increasing need for green packaging, especially in the packaging and paper sectors, has also contributed to the increase in the use of the product as a main material. Since South Korea continues to support sustainable practices and green alternatives, the industry will grow as it is adaptable and supports current consumer culture.
| Metrics | Values |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 11.2 million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 31.6 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 10.6% |
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End-use trends in the Korean powdered cellulose market mirror increased demand for green, natural ingredients in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In food markets, consumers prefer clean labels and healthy ingredients and are increasingly adopting the product as a natural ingredient to thicken and stabilize low-fat and gluten-free food products.
In the pharmaceutical industry, natural binders in tableting are becoming more popular with the clean-label trend. In cosmetics, the product is also appreciated for its natural texture and thickening effects. Purchase specifications in such markets are directed toward product purity, safety, and sustainability with environmentally friendly material preferences, particularly for packaging and cosmetic applications. Competitive pricing and high standards of quality are the deciding criteria in purchasing decisions across all segments.
In the Korea powdered cellulose market, from 2020 to 2024, demand was fueled by growing consumer interest in natural ingredients and sustainability in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Clean-label and green trends prompted manufacturers to add more cellulose-containing ingredients to their products, especially in gluten-free and low-fat foods.
With greater emphasis on sustainability, the product was also used more widely to create biodegradable packaging. Over the period of the next decade 2025 to 2035, the sector will experience even more innovation with advancements in the cellulose processing that will permit even more wide-ranging applications, including the production of high-performance new types of biodegradable plastics.
Additionally, as consumer demand for nature and plant-source foodstuffs and cosmetics rises further, the product will be used more and more in product formulas across many diverse industries.
Comparative Industry Shift Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)
| Trends (2020 to 2024) | Trends (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Growing demand for the product in clean-label and sustainable products, especially in gluten-free and low-fat foods. | Advances in cellulose processing technology to facilitate broader applications, such as biodegradable plastics. |
| The demand was majorly driven by sustainability concerns. | Creation of new biodegradable packaging methods with cellulose, thus emerging as a central material for packaging innovations. |
| Expansion in the pharmaceutical sector, with the product being used as a natural binder and filler in tablet and capsule formulations. | Further adoption in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, with a focus on natural, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials. |
| Rising consumer demand for natural, plant-based ingredients in personal care and food products. | The product is now a mainstay ingredient in natural and plant-based products throughout the beauty, wellness, and food industries. |
The Korea powdered cellulose market is also vulnerable to several risks related to supply chain disruptions, raw material price volatility, and increased competition. The most significant among these risks is raw material price volatility, such as wood and other plant fibers that are utilized to manufacture cellulose. Any discontinuation in supply of these raw materials due to geopolitical disputes or climate shifts will lead to the rise of prices or availability gaps in supply.
The industry is also subject to regulatory risk, since tightening of environmental regulations or food and cosmetic ingredient regulations may limit the use of the product in some applications. Moreover, the dependence on particular industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals exposes the industry to a decline in any one of them.
For example, a sudden decline in demand for processed food or personal care products would influence the overall industry demand for the product. Lastly, while sustainability continues to be a main driver, companies that fail to innovate or get aligned with green initiatives can lose industry share to more agile, sustainable players.
The most significant end application of the product in South Korea is the food and beverages industry. Its usage as an ingredient has been growing, primarily due to the fact that it is versatile and functional. Particularly, the product is used in bakery and confectionery products, where it is being used as a source of dietary fiber and as a fat replacement, and also assists in formulating healthier food products.
Its texture improvement and shelf-life-extending capacity makes it the go-to in the processed food use, where consumers more and more desire cleaner labels and all-natural ingredients. The product is also common in meat and poultry uses, where it improves the texture and moisture retention as well as functioning as a fat replacer in low-fat systems.
Another significant application in the food and beverage industry is in milk products, where the product is employed as a stabilizer and thickener in such items as cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. It is applied in beverages too, particularly low-calorie beverages and smoothies, where it enhances viscosity and acts as a source of fiber in the diet. The growing customer demand for healthful, functional, and clean-label foods has made the product a favorable option in the industry.
The major function of the product in South Korea is as a stabilizer and thickener for the food and beverage industry. The product finds extensive application in this capacity since it can enhance the texture and consistency of products.
Powdered cellulose, when used as a thickener, is added to various food items such as sauces, dressings, soups, and beverages, where it adds viscosity without significantly altering the flavor. It is hence a good choice for low-fat and low-calorie foods because it helps deliver the desired mouthfeel and texture that could otherwise be compromised by the lack of fats.
Apart from functioning as a thickener, the product also serves as a stabilizer. It maintains the quality and consistency of food products, particularly in emulsions and suspensions where the ingredients would separate over time.
The industry in South Korea is observing steady growth with its extensive applications in a number of industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and textiles. The companies are working continuously to come up with novel products in order to meet the growing demand for healthier, greener, and functional products. South Korean consumers increasingly favor clean-label products, and powdered cellulose fits nicely into the trend due to its natural, plant-based origin and extensive list of beneficial attributes.
The marketplace is dominated by local as well as international players who offer products of varied grades to cater to diverse needs ranging from thickening and stabilizing to taking care of dietary fiber needs. As demand for natural and functional ingredients increases, competition increases, with companies focusing on R&D, product differentiation, and creating strong distribution networks to extend reach to different consumer segments. E-commerce and online platforms are growing more important as primary selling channels for powdered cellulose, propelling innovation and the development of value-added products.
Industry Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Industry Share (%) |
|---|---|
| HNB BIO CO., LTD | 8-12% |
| J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH + Co KG | 12-15% |
| CFF GmbH & Co. KG | 10-13% |
| Jelu-Werk J. Heeler GmbH & Co KG | 8-10% |
| InterFiber Sp. Z.O.O | 5-8% |
| Ankit Pulps and Boards PVT. LTD | 4-6% |
| Accent Microcell Pvt. Ltd. | 3-5% |
| NB Entrepreneurs | 3-5% |
| Mikro-Technik GmbH & Co KG | 2-4% |
| Central Drug House (P) Ltd | 2-4% |
| Natural Fiber Solutions | 2-3% |
| Parnacell Chemical Pvt. Ltd. | 2-3% |
| AROMATICS. | 1-2% |
| Maple Biotech Pvt. Ltd | 1-2% |
| FineCell Sweden AB | 1-2% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| HNB BIO CO., LTD | Manufactures products made from natural plant fibers for sustainable food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic applications. |
| J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH + Co KG | Provides quality cellulose fibers applied in food, drinks, and pharmaceuticals. Renowned for its product innovation, such as cellulose derivatives and novel processing techniques. |
| CFF GmbH & Co. KG | Specializes in high-purity products for various applications, such as functional food ingredients, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Renowned for manufacturing environmentally friendly products. |
| Jelu-Werk J. Heeler GmbH & Co KG | Provides a variety of cellulose products, such as powdered cellulose for application in food, health supplements, and medical use. Emphasizes high-quality production and sustainable sourcing. |
| InterFiber Sp. Z.O.O | Offers products with emphasis on utilization in the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial industries, with emphasis on product purity and sustainability. |
| Ankit Pulps and Boards PVT. LTD | Offers natural products for application in food, beverage, and paper industries. Their products emphasize function and quality, with more emphasis on sustainability. |
| Accent Microcell Pvt. Ltd. | Provides products to be used in food and cosmetics industries, with a focus on high purity and natural sources of fiber. Has the major focus as organic certifications. |
| NB Entrepreneurs | Specializes in the sale of products to food and beverage industries, offering functional ingredients that aid in texture, stability, and dietary fiber content. |
| Mikro-Technik GmbH & Co KG | Provides cellulose products for a range of applications, including food and pharmaceuticals, focusing on high-precision processing methods to ensure product quality. |
| Central Drug House (P) Ltd | Supplies products for pharmaceutical applications, especially in tablet binding and as a filler in capsules. Focuses on meeting the high standards of the pharmaceutical industry. |
| Natural Fiber Solutions | Has a focus on sustainable, natural fiber-derived cellulose products for food and health supplements, with a commitment to environmentally friendly sourcing and production practices. |
| Parnacell Chemical Pvt. Ltd. | Is dedicated to powdered cellulose for pharmaceutical and food industries, with a focus on the functional benefits of cellulose in dietetics and health. |
| AROMATICS. | Supplies cellulose ingredients for food special applications, with an emphasis on clean-label products and natural fibers as dietary fiber boosters. |
| Maple Biotech Pvt. Ltd | Supplies cellulose products for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications, with a concentration on premium cellulose fibers and custom solutions. |
| FineCell Sweden AB | Has expertise in novel cellulose solutions for food and health products, with an emphasis on providing natural, clean-label ingredients that improve product stability and texture. |
Strategic Outlook
HNB BIO CO., LTD (8-12%)
HNB BIO is making inroads in the South Korean powdered cellulose market through its portfolio of high-quality, natural cellulose products. The company's emphasis on clean-label products and sustainable sourcing resonates with increasing consumer demand for natural, functional ingredients. With increasing demand for natural fibers in food and pharmaceutical applications, HNB BIO's dedication to purity and quality will ensure it remains a strong competitor.
J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH + Co KG (12-15%)
J. Rettenmaier & Söhne is a market leader with a broad portfolio of products that focus on high quality and innovation. The company's commitment to sustainable, environmentally friendly production processes and its experience in delivering customized solutions for different applications establish it as an industry leader in Korea. With increasing consumer demand for clean-label products, J. Rettenmaier & Söhne is poised to address the changing needs of the industry.
CFF GmbH & Co. KG (10-13%)
CFF GmbH specializes in high-purity powdered cellulose that serves multiple industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The focus of the company on sustainable and functional products resonates with the growing trend towards natural ingredients in South Korea. As a company with a strong focus on quality and sustainability, CFF GmbH is poised to maintain its growth within the competitive industry.
Jelu-Werk J. Heeler GmbH & Co KG (8-10%)
Jelu-Werk has a reputation for producing high-quality products utilized in food, pharmaceuticals, and medical industries. Its emphasis on innovation, purity of product, and environmentally friendly production methods ensures that it is competitive in the South Korean industry. As demand for natural and functional ingredients rises, the products of Jelu-Werk will continue to make inroads.
Other Companies (30-40% Combined)
Other players like InterFiber, Ankit Pulps and Boards, Accent Microcell, Mikro-Technik, and Natural Fiber Solutions have a combined industry share of 30-40%. These players specialize in offering high-quality, sustainable, and specialized products for specific industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. By concentrating on niche applications and highlighting product functionality and natural origin, these players are key drivers of innovation in the South Korean powdered cellulose industry.
The industry is expected to reach USD 11.2 million in 2025.
The market is projected to witness USD 31.6 million by 2035.
The food & beverages industry uses it the most.
Leading companies include HNB BIO CO., LTD, J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH + Co KG, CFF GmbH & Co. KG, Jelu-Werk J. Heeler GmbH & Co KG, InterFiber Sp. Z.O.O, Ankit Pulps and Boards PVT. LTD, Accent Microcell Pvt. Ltd., NB Entrepreneurs, Mikro-Technik GmbH & Co KG, Central Drug House (P) Ltd, Natural Fiber Solutions, Parnacell Chemical Pvt. Ltd., AROMATICS., Maple Biotech Pvt. Ltd, and FineCell Sweden AB.
In terms of source, the industry is classified into soft & hard wood pulp, cotton linter pulp, bamboo, wheat straw pulp, and others.
With respect to end-use, the industry is divided into food & beverage industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, construction industry, chemical industry, leather industry, textile industry, and paper industry.
In terms of functionality, the industry is divided into thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, gelling, coating agent, and others.
Regionally, the industry is divided into South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, Jeju, and the rest of Korea.
Korea Powdered Cellulose Market
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