Global Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC) Market

Market Outlook:

The global microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) market was valued at USD 4,184.6 million in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 17,212.5 million by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 23.0% during the forecast period. Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is obtained from the fibrillation process of cellulose fibers. Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) consists of naturally occurring cellulose in which the external layer of the fibers has been stripped away by mechanical shearing. MFC has high viscosity & yield stress. MFC comprises of thin and long fibers that form a three-dimensional network. Most of the microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is a natural material made up of cellulose fibrils that is produced by co-grinding standard chemical pulp with minerals such as kaolin, calcium carbonate, and other.

Market Dynamics

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is evolving as a promising versatile material with applications across diverse areas. The multiple benefits associated with the use of MFC is driving the market growth across

the globe. Moreover, the industries including paper, packaging, food, paints & coatings, and personal care are increasingly focusing on the adoption of this fiber material. For instance, in water-based paints, MFC can be used to prevent sedimentation, distribution, and yield of pigments.

The MFC material is a 100% biodegradable packaging material that is sourced from a renewable resource. This factor is contributing to the growth of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) market. Moreover, factors such as the increasing focus of organizations on environmental protection and rising pollution issues due to plastic waste management are expected to create a new opportunity for MFC materials thereby, augmenting the market growth.

MFC films act as an alternative to aluminum films as it aids to reduce the carbon footprint. Hence, the adoption of microfibrillated cellulose is expected to increase during the forecast period. However, strict government regulations coupled with the increasing need for sustainable products have stimulated the industry players to look for alternatives. Moreover, the heterogeneous nature of microfibrillated cellulose is expected to hinder the market growth during the forecast period.

Segmental Outlook

On the basis of types, the microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) market is segmented into mechanical method, chemical method, and biological method. The chemical method segment held a substantial market share in 2019 and is anticipated to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the growing focus of government organizations towards chemical method over the other methods. A chemical method exhibits cellulose polymers to form a building block unit that is D-glucopyranose (glucose) molecules which are connected by glucosidic bonds.

Based on the applications, the microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) market is segmented into paper, packaging, food, paints & coatings, personal care, and others. The packaging segment held considerable market share in 2019 and is anticipated to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is attributed to the increasing use of microfibrillated cellulose as a material in renewable packaging. For instance, Stora Enso, a provider of renewable solutions in packaging, has launched paperboard enhanced with MFC commercially, in milk cartons for the dairy industry. MFC added in the folding boxboard increases bonding strength. MFC assists in making a stronger board thereby, reducing the total weight of the package.

Regional Outlook

In terms of regions, the global microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Europe is expected to hold considerable market share during the forecast period. The large share is attributed to the strong presence of market players providing microfibrillated cellulose. Moreover, American Process introduced a technology namely GreenBox++ technology that is used for the production of chemical-free corrugating medium. The institute completed the installation of a pilot demonstration plant of around 0.5 tons of cellulose nanofibrils per day at its Georgia bio-refinery. Furthermore, API collaborated with various containerboard mills in Canada, Malaysia and the U.S. Thus, the market in Russia is expected to offer a variety of opportunities in paper and paperboard applications. Additionally, the developing phase of the MFC industry and the focus of market players towards commercialization is anticipated to propel the market growth during the forecast period.

Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders

• In-depth Analysis of the Global Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC) Market
• Historical, Current and Projected Market Size in terms of Value (USD Million)
• Potential & Niche Segments and Regions Exhibiting Promising Growth Covered
• Industry Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Covered in the Study
• Recent Industry Trends and Developments
• Competitive Landscape & Strategies of Key Players
• Neutral Perspective on Global Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC) Market Performance

Segments

By Types

• Mechanical Method
• Chemical Method
• Biological Method

By Applications

• Paper
• Packaging
• Food
• Paints & Coatings
• Personal Care
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • U.K.
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of the Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of MEA

Key Market Players Profiled in the Report

• FiberLean Technologies
• Borregaard
• Stora Enso
• Daicel FineChem
• Norkse Skog
• Zelfo Technology
• CelluComp
• SAPPI
• Nippon Paper Group
• InoFib
• Rettenmaier&Sohne GmbH
• Fibria (Suzano Brazil)
• Weidmann Fiber Technology

Competitive Landscape

• Key players in the market include FiberLean Technologies, Borregaard, Stora Enso, Daicel FineChem, and Norkse Skog among others. These companies are considered as key manufacturers of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) based on their revenue, research & development (R&D) activities, regional presence, and supply chain management system.
• The players are adopting key strategies such as merger, acquisition, and geographical expansion in order to strengthen their market position.
• For instance, in August 2019, BASF and Zelfo Technology signed a contract for the transfer of IP rights of the Zelfo processing technology for the proficient and cost-effective manufacture of micro fibrillated cellulose.
• In October 2018, Oceanwood Capital Management Limited completed the acquisition of 100% of shares in Norske Skog AS. Norske Skog is one of the key producers of publication paper having strong market positions in Australasia and Europe.
• In February 2018, SAPPI completed all conditions precedent relating to the acquisition of Cham Paper Group Holding AG’s specialty paper business. This acquisition increased SAPPI’s relevance in specialties and packaging papers.