셀룰로오스 에스테르 시장 : 유형별, 용도별, 지역별 규모, 점유율, 성장, 산업 분석, 인사이트, 예측(2026-2034년)

Growth Factors of cellulose esters Market

The global cellulose esters market was valued at USD 4.63 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 4.87 billion in 2026 to USD 6.89 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 5.10% during the forecast period. Market expansion is supported by the rising demand for bio-based and biodegradable materials, increasing regulatory pressure to reduce petroleum-based plastics, and broad adoption across coatings, textiles, pharmaceuticals, packaging, and specialty films. In 2025, Asia Pacific dominated the market with a 40% share, driven by rapid industrialization and strong demand from China, India, Japan, and South Korea.

Cellulose esters are organic compounds derived from cellulose through esterification with organic acids or anhydrides. Common variants include cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate butyrate, and cellulose acetate propionate. These materials exhibit excellent film-forming ability, high mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and biodegradability, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. Their renewable origin and comparatively low environmental impact have positioned cellulose esters as important materials within the global specialty chemicals industry.

Key players operating in the market include Eastman Chemical Company, AkzoNobel, Borregaard AS, Daicel Corporation, and Celanese Corporation.

Market Trends

A key trend shaping the cellulose esters market is the growing emphasis on sustainability and environmentally responsible materials. As industries seek alternatives to non-biodegradable synthetic polymers, cellulose esters derived from renewable plant-based cellulose are gaining preference. In packaging, cellulose acetate films are increasingly adopted due to their biodegradability, transparency, and mechanical strength. In coatings, cellulose esters enable low-VOC formulations while enhancing surface finish, adhesion, and durability, supporting compliance with tightening environmental regulations.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Expanding applications in pharmaceuticals and healthcare are significantly supporting market growth. Cellulose esters are widely used as excipients, film formers, and controlled-release agents in drug formulations due to their biocompatibility and non-toxic nature. Rising demand for advanced drug delivery systems and sustained-release medications is increasing the adoption of cellulose-based materials. Growth in global pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare infrastructure further strengthens demand for cellulose esters.

Market Restraints

The market faces challenges from raw material price volatility and regulatory complexity. Cellulose esters rely on wood pulp and cotton as primary feedstocks, and fluctuations in forestry output or agricultural yields can impact production costs. Additionally, regulatory frameworks governing chemical processing, emissions, and waste management increase compliance costs. In regions such as Europe, adherence to strict chemical safety and environmental standards can lengthen approval timelines and raise operational expenses.

Market Opportunities

Technological advancements in production and formulation are creating new growth opportunities. Innovations aimed at improving solubility, thermal stability, and mechanical performance are expanding cellulose esters into higher-value applications such as electronics, flexible displays, and specialty medical materials. Modified cellulose acetate formulations are increasingly explored for sustainable electronic substrates and specialty films, offering both performance benefits and environmental advantages.

Market Challenges

Despite strong sustainability credentials, cellulose esters face competition from alternative bio-based polymers and high-performance synthetics. In cost-sensitive applications, competing materials may offer lower prices or simpler processing. Manufacturers must balance cost efficiency with performance and regulatory compliance to maintain competitiveness across diverse end-use sectors.

Segmentation Analysis

By type, cellulose acetate accounted for the largest market share, driven by its extensive use in textiles, cigarette filters, packaging films, and photographic applications. Its high transparency, toughness, and ease of processing make it suitable for both consumer and industrial uses. Cellulose acetate propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate are gaining traction in automotive coatings, eyewear, and high-performance finishes due to superior chemical resistance and weatherability.

By end-use industry, paper & pulp led the market owing to rising demand for premium and specialty papers in packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The textiles segment is expected to grow steadily, supported by consumer preference for eco-friendly fibers. Construction applications are also expanding as cellulose esters are increasingly used in coatings, adhesives, and composites to improve durability and moisture resistance.

Regional Outlook

Asia Pacific led the global market in 2025, supported by strong manufacturing activity, urbanization, and sustainability initiatives. North America shows steady growth driven by pharmaceuticals, coatings, and sustainable packaging. Europe benefits from strict environmental regulations promoting bio-based alternatives, while Latin America and Middle East & Africa experience moderate growth supported by industrial development and increasing environmental awareness.

Conclusion

The cellulose esters market is poised for steady expansion from USD 4.63 billion in 2025 to USD 6.89 billion by 2034, supported by sustainability trends, pharmaceutical growth, and technological innovation. While raw material volatility and regulatory hurdles remain challenges, continued advancements in eco-friendly formulations and diversified applications are expected to sustain long-term market growth.

Segmentation By Type

• Cellulose Acetate
• Cellulose Acetate Propionate
• Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
• Cellulose Nitrate
• Others

By End-Use Industry

• Textiles
• Food
• Chemical Synthesis
• Pharmaceuticals
• Construction
• Paper & Pulp
• Paints & Coatings
• Others

By Region

• North America (By Type, By End-Use Industry, and Country)
  • U.S. (By End-Use Industry)
  • Canada (By End-Use Industry)
• Europe (By Type, By End-Use Industry, and By Country)
  • Germany (By End-Use Industry)
  • U.K. (By End-Use Industry)
  • France (By End-Use Industry)
  • Italy (By End-Use Industry)
  • Spain (By End-Use Industry)
  • Rest of Europe (By End-Use Industry)
• Asia Pacific (By Type, By End-Use Industry, and Country)
  • China (By End-Use Industry)
  • Japan (By End-Use Industry)
  • India (By End-Use Industry)
  • South Korea (By End-Use Industry)
  • Rest of Asia Pacific (By End-Use Industry)
• Latin America (By Type, By End-Use Industry, and Country)
  • Brazil (By End-Use Industry)
  • Mexico (By End-Use Industry)
  • Rest of Latin America (By End-Use Industry)
• Middle East & Africa (By Type, By End-Use Industry, and Country)
  • Saudi Arabia (By End-Use Industry)
  • South Africa (By End-Use Industry)
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa (By End-Use Industry)

Table of Content

1. Introduction

• 1.1. Research Scope
• 1.2. Market Segmentation
• 1.3. Research Methodology
• 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions

2. Executive Summary

3. Market Dynamics

• 3.1. Market Drivers
• 3.2. Market Restraints
• 3.3. Market Opportunities

4. Key Insights

• 4.1. Key Market Trends
• 4.2. Insights on Sustainability
• 4.3. Latest Technological Advancement
• 4.4. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
• 4.5. Insights on the Impact of Tariff on the Market

5. Global Cellulose Esters Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 5.1. Key Findings
• 5.2. By Type
  • 5.2.1. Cellulose Acetate
  • 5.2.2. Cellulose Acetate Propionate
  • 5.2.3. Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
  • 5.2.4. Cellulose Nitrate
  • 5.2.5. Others
• 5.3. By Application
  • 5.3.1. Textiles
  • 5.3.2. Food
  • 5.3.3. Chemical Synthesis
  • 5.3.4. Pharmaceuticals
  • 5.3.5. Construction
  • 5.3.6. Paper & Pulp
  • 5.3.7. Paints & Coatings
  • 5.3.8. Others
• 5.4. By Region
  • 5.4.1. North America
  • 5.4.2. Europe
  • 5.4.3. Asia Pacific
  • 5.4.4. Latin America
  • 5.4.5. Middle East & Africa

6. North America Cellulose Esters Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 6.1. Key Findings
• 6.2. By Type
  • 6.2.1. Cellulose Acetate
  • 6.2.2. Cellulose Acetate Propionate
  • 6.2.3. Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
  • 6.2.4. Cellulose Nitrate
  • 6.2.5. Others
• 6.3. By Application
  • 6.3.1. Textiles
  • 6.3.2. Food
  • 6.3.3. Chemical Synthesis
  • 6.3.4. Pharmaceuticals
  • 6.3.5. Construction
  • 6.3.6. Paper & Pulp
  • 6.3.7. Paints & Coatings
  • 6.3.8. Others
• 6.4. By Country
  • 6.4.1. U.S.
    • 6.4.1.1. By Application
      • 6.4.1.1.1. Textiles
      • 6.4.1.1.2. Food
      • 6.4.1.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 6.4.1.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 6.4.1.1.5. Construction
      • 6.4.1.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 6.4.1.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 6.4.1.1.8. Others
  • 6.4.2. Canada
    • 6.4.2.1. By Application
      • 6.4.2.1.1. Textiles
      • 6.4.2.1.2. Food
      • 6.4.2.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 6.4.2.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 6.4.2.1.5. Construction
      • 6.4.2.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 6.4.2.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 6.4.2.1.8. Others

7. Europe Cellulose Esters Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 7.1. Key Findings
• 7.2. By Type
  • 7.2.1. Cellulose Acetate
  • 7.2.2. Cellulose Acetate Propionate
  • 7.2.3. Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
  • 7.2.4. Cellulose Nitrate
  • 7.2.5. Others
• 7.3. By Application
  • 7.3.1. Textiles
  • 7.3.2. Food
  • 7.3.3. Chemical Synthesis
  • 7.3.4. Pharmaceuticals
  • 7.3.5. Construction
  • 7.3.6. Paper & Pulp
  • 7.3.7. Paints & Coatings
  • 7.3.8. Others
• 7.4. By Country
  • 7.4.1. Germany
    • 7.4.1.1. By Application
      • 7.4.1.1.1. Textiles
      • 7.4.1.1.2. Food
      • 7.4.1.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 7.4.1.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 7.4.1.1.5. Construction
      • 7.4.1.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 7.4.1.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 7.4.1.1.8. Others
  • 7.4.2. U.K.
    • 7.4.2.1. By Application
      • 7.4.2.1.1. Textiles
      • 7.4.2.1.2. Food
      • 7.4.2.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 7.4.2.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 7.4.2.1.5. Construction
      • 7.4.2.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 7.4.2.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 7.4.2.1.8. Others
  • 7.4.3. France
    • 7.4.3.1. By Application
      • 7.4.3.1.1. Textiles
      • 7.4.3.1.2. Food
      • 7.4.3.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 7.4.3.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 7.4.3.1.5. Construction
      • 7.4.3.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 7.4.3.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 7.4.3.1.8. Others
  • 7.4.4. Italy
    • 7.4.4.1. By Application
      • 7.4.4.1.1. Textiles
      • 7.4.4.1.2. Food
      • 7.4.4.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 7.4.4.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 7.4.4.1.5. Construction
      • 7.4.4.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 7.4.4.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 7.4.4.1.8. Others
  • 7.4.5. Spain
    • 7.4.5.1. By Application (Value & Volume)
      • 7.4.5.1.1. Textiles
      • 7.4.5.1.2. Food
      • 7.4.5.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 7.4.5.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 7.4.5.1.5. Construction
      • 7.4.5.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 7.4.5.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 7.4.5.1.8. Others
  • 7.4.6. Rest of Europe
    • 7.4.6.1. By Application
      • 7.4.6.1.1. Textiles
      • 7.4.6.1.2. Food
      • 7.4.6.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 7.4.6.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 7.4.6.1.5. Construction
      • 7.4.6.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 7.4.6.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 7.4.6.1.8. Others

8. Asia Pacific Cellulose Esters Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 8.1. Key Findings
• 8.2. By Type
  • 8.2.1. Cellulose Acetate
  • 8.2.2. Cellulose Acetate Propionate
  • 8.2.3. Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
  • 8.2.4. Cellulose Nitrate
  • 8.2.5. Others
• 8.3. By Application
  • 8.3.1. Textiles
  • 8.3.2. Food
  • 8.3.3. Chemical Synthesis
  • 8.3.4. Pharmaceuticals
  • 8.3.5. Construction
  • 8.3.6. Paper & Pulp
  • 8.3.7. Paints & Coatings
  • 8.3.8. Others
• 8.4. By Country
  • 8.4.1. China
    • 8.4.1.1. By Application
      • 8.4.1.1.1. Textiles
      • 8.4.1.1.2. Food
      • 8.4.1.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 8.4.1.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 8.4.1.1.5. Construction
      • 8.4.1.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 8.4.1.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 8.4.1.1.8. Others
  • 8.4.2. Japan
    • 8.4.2.1. By Application
      • 8.4.2.1.1. Textiles
      • 8.4.2.1.2. Food
      • 8.4.2.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 8.4.2.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 8.4.2.1.5. Construction
      • 8.4.2.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 8.4.2.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 8.4.2.1.8. Others
  • 8.4.3. India
    • 8.4.3.1. By Application
      • 8.4.3.1.1. Textiles
      • 8.4.3.1.2. Food
      • 8.4.3.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 8.4.3.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 8.4.3.1.5. Construction
      • 8.4.3.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 8.4.3.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 8.4.3.1.8. Others
  • 8.4.4. South Korea
    • 8.4.4.1. By Application
      • 8.4.4.1.1. Textiles
      • 8.4.4.1.2. Food
      • 8.4.4.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 8.4.4.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 8.4.4.1.5. Construction
      • 8.4.4.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 8.4.4.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 8.4.4.1.8. Others
  • 8.4.5. Rest of Asia Pacific
    • 8.4.5.1. By Application
      • 8.4.5.1.1. Textiles
      • 8.4.5.1.2. Food
      • 8.4.5.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 8.4.5.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 8.4.5.1.5. Construction
      • 8.4.5.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 8.4.5.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 8.4.5.1.8. Others

9. Latin America Cellulose Esters Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 9.1. Key Findings
• 9.2. By Type
  • 9.2.1. Cellulose Acetate
  • 9.2.2. Cellulose Acetate Propionate
  • 9.2.3. Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
  • 9.2.4. Cellulose Nitrate
  • 9.2.5. Others
• 9.3. By Application
  • 9.3.1. Textiles
  • 9.3.2. Food
  • 9.3.3. Chemical Synthesis
  • 9.3.4. Pharmaceuticals
  • 9.3.5. Construction
  • 9.3.6. Paper & Pulp
  • 9.3.7. Paints & Coatings
  • 9.3.8. Others
• 9.4. By Country
  • 9.4.1. Brazil
    • 9.4.1.1. By Application
      • 9.4.1.1.1. Textiles
      • 9.4.1.1.2. Food
      • 9.4.1.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 9.4.1.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 9.4.1.1.5. Construction
      • 9.4.1.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 9.4.1.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 9.4.1.1.8. Others
  • 9.4.2. Mexico
    • 9.4.2.1. By Application
      • 9.4.2.1.1. Textiles
      • 9.4.2.1.2. Food
      • 9.4.2.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 9.4.2.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 9.4.2.1.5. Construction
      • 9.4.2.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 9.4.2.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 9.4.2.1.8. Others
  • 9.4.3. Rest of Latin America
    • 9.4.3.1. By Application
      • 9.4.3.1.1. Textiles
      • 9.4.3.1.2. Food
      • 9.4.3.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 9.4.3.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 9.4.3.1.5. Construction
      • 9.4.3.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 9.4.3.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 9.4.3.1.8. Others

10. Middle East & Africa Cellulose Esters Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2021-2034

• 10.1. Key Findings
• 10.2. By Type
  • 10.2.1. Cellulose Acetate
  • 10.2.2. Cellulose Acetate Propionate
  • 10.2.3. Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
  • 10.2.4. Cellulose Nitrate
  • 10.2.5. Others
• 10.3. By Application
  • 10.3.1. Textiles
  • 10.3.2. Food
  • 10.3.3. Chemical Synthesis
  • 10.3.4. Pharmaceuticals
  • 10.3.5. Construction
  • 10.3.6. Paper & Pulp
  • 10.3.7. Paints & Coatings
  • 10.3.8. Others
• 10.4. By Country
  • 10.4.1. Saudi Arabia
    • 10.4.1.1. By Application
      • 10.4.1.1.1. Textiles
      • 10.4.1.1.2. Food
      • 10.4.1.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 10.4.1.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 10.4.1.1.5. Construction
      • 10.4.1.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 10.4.1.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 10.4.1.1.8. Others
  • 10.4.2. South Africa
    • 10.4.2.1. By Application
      • 10.4.2.1.1. Textiles
      • 10.4.2.1.2. Food
      • 10.4.2.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 10.4.2.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 10.4.2.1.5. Construction
      • 10.4.2.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 10.4.2.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 10.4.2.1.8. Others
  • 10.4.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa
    • 10.4.3.1. By Application
      • 10.4.3.1.1. Textiles
      • 10.4.3.1.2. Food
      • 10.4.3.1.3. Chemical Synthesis
      • 10.4.3.1.4. Pharmaceuticals
      • 10.4.3.1.5. Construction
      • 10.4.3.1.6. Paper & Pulp
      • 10.4.3.1.7. Paints & Coatings
      • 10.4.3.1.8. Others

11. Competitive Analysis

• 11.1. Company Market Ranking Analysis, By Key Players, 2025
• 11.2. Company Profiles
  • 11.2.1. Eastman Chemical Company
    • 11.2.1.1. Overview
    • 11.2.1.2. Products & Portfolio
    • 11.2.1.3. Recent Developments
    • 11.2.1.4. Strategies
    • 11.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
  • 11.2.2. AkzoNobel
    • 11.2.2.1. Overview
    • 11.2.2.2. Products & Portfolio
    • 11.2.2.3. Recent Developments
    • 11.2.2.4. Strategies
    • 11.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
  • 11.2.3. Borregaard AS
    • 11.2.3.1. Overview
    • 11.2.3.2. Products & Portfolio
    • 11.2.3.3. Recent Developments
    • 11.2.3.4. Strategies
    • 11.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
  • 11.2.4. Daicel Corporation
    • 11.2.4.1. Overview
    • 11.2.4.2. Products & Portfolio
    • 11.2.4.3. Recent Developments
    • 11.2.4.4. Strategies
    • 11.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
  • 11.2.5. Sichuan Push Acetati Co.,Ltd.
    • 11.2.5.1. Overview
    • 11.2.5.2. Products & Portfolio
    • 11.2.5.3. Recent Developments
    • 11.2.5.4. Strategies
    • 11.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
  • 11.2.6. Celanese Corporation
    • 11.2.6.1. Overview
    • 11.2.6.2. Products & Portfolio
    • 11.2.6.3. Recent Developments
    • 11.2.6.4. Strategies
    • 11.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
  • 11.2.7. Alpha Chemika
    • 11.2.7.1. Overview
    • 11.2.7.2. Products & Portfolio
    • 11.2.7.3. Recent Developments
    • 11.2.7.4. Strategies
    • 11.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
  • 11.2.8. Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
    • 11.2.8.1. Overview
    • 11.2.8.2. Products & Portfolio
    • 11.2.8.3. Recent Developments
    • 11.2.8.4. Strategies
    • 11.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
  • 11.2.9. RYAM
    • 11.2.9.1. Overview
    • 11.2.9.2. Products & Portfolio
    • 11.2.9.3. Recent Developments
    • 11.2.9.4. Strategies
    • 11.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
  • 11.2.10. Georgia-Pacific
    • 11.2.10.1. Overview
    • 11.2.10.2. Products & Portfolio
    • 11.2.10.3. Recent Developments
    • 11.2.10.4. Strategies
    • 11.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)

12. Strategic Recommendations