U.S. demand for natural polymers to exceed $5 billion
U.S. demand for natural polymers is forecast to expand at a 4.3% annual pace to $5.1 billion in 2020, reaching 1.9 billion pounds. Growth will be driven by demand for natural ingredients in the large food and beverage industry, which will bolster use of cellulose ethers and starch and fermentation polymers. Most product types will benefit from strong demand from the medical market, as natural polymers are used extensively in pharmaceuticals, wound care and orthopedic injections. These and other trends are presented in "Natural Polymers," a new study from The Freedonia Group (freedonia.com).
Cellulose ethers are the largest product type of natural polymer, representing a third of the market. Methyl cellulose will retain its market-leading spot through the forecast period, but demand for hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) will also be significant. Methyl cellulose’s largest application is construction, where it used in a variety of capacities, including plastering, flooring, grouting, mortaring, tile adhesion, and stucco.