Global Crystalline Nanocellulose (CNC) Market Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Market Size is Growing at a Substantial CAGR from 2023 to 2033.
• The Worldwide Crystalline Nanocellulose (CNC) Market Size is Expected to Reach a Significant Share by 2033.
• Europe is Expected to Grow the fastest during the forecast period.

The Crystalline Nanocellulose (CNC) Market Size is Anticipated to Reach a Significant Share by 2033, Growing at a Substantial CAGR from 2023 to 2033.

CRYSTALLINE NANOCELLULOSE (CNC) MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW

Cellulose nanocrystals, also known as nanocrystalline cellulose, are nanosized (10^-9 m) particles derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. They are one of several distinct forms of nanocellulose. Cellulose nanocrystals are used extensively in a variety of sectors owing to their distinct potentials, which contain high strength, toughness, biodegradability, and low toxicity. Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), also recognized as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), is a sustainable nanomaterial that has received a lot of consideration for its application as a biomedical material due to its noteworthy physical and biological properties, such as surface properties, nontoxicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. CNCs can be applied in a variety of applications because of their exclusive properties, including nano paper, barrier films, and pH sensors, as well as the stabilization of oil/water interfaces and the fabrication of highly steady emulsions.

In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for commercial packaging from industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Although CNC research is still in its early phases, industrial commercialization is gradually approaching due to expanding applications in the papermaking, polymeric, culinary, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as catalytic supports. CNC applications were absorbed on optical films, semiconductors, composite materials, and other fields due to a variety of desirable properties such as strength, light transmission, and gas barrier.

Furthermore, CelluForce produces nanocrystalline cellulose using a method known as acid hydrolysis, which entails breaking down the more accessible component of the cellulose to disclose the crystalline structures. The acid applied in the hydrolysis process creates chemical moieties and charges on the surface of the particles, making them chemically responsive and adaptable for a variety of uses.  For instance, the sulfuric acid utilized at CelluForce produces an acidic cellulose sulfate half-ester group. For instance, in May 2022, CelluForce quantified that it had accomplished the BSI (British Standards Institution) certificate of conformance to the international quality standard ISO9001:2015 for the production of its cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and customer service.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market based on various segments and regions forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) 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 of the crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market.

DRIVING FACTORS:

“Environmental Benefits of Cellulose Nanocrystals in Industrial Applications”

The increasing use of renewable nanomaterials for packaging and industrial applications is one of the factors driving market revenue growth. Cellulose nanocrystals, which are formed mostly from naturally occurring cellulose fibers, are biodegradable and renewable, making them a sustainable and environmentally friendly material for the vast majority of applications. Nanotechnology advances involving renewable nanomaterials, such as CNC, are intended to produce products with superior technology that are not harmful to the environment.

“Versatile Applications of Crystalline Nanocellulose Across Industries”

Crystalline nanocellulose is used in a range of industries other than packaging, which is boosting overall market growth. It is prized in a range of industries, including electronics, food and beverage, medicine, and biomedicine, due to its unique properties such as high strength, low weight, and biocompatibility. Crystalline nanocellulose is being studied in the medical field for applications such as wound dressings and medicine delivery systems. Similarly, the electronics industry is exploring its use in transparent and lightweight conductive films. This wide range of applications creates a viable market for crystalline nanocellulose.

RESTRAINING FACTORS:

“Navigating Challenges in Nanomaterial Integration into Polymer Composites”

Some of the major constraints impeding market revenue growth include a lack of large-scale use due to processing issues and the high costs of such nanomaterials. Despite their outstanding properties, their difficult processing and surface characteristics limit their broad use. Thus, ensuring adequate dispersion and attaining high interfacial bonding between the polymer matrix and CNC are the two major challenges to developing hydrophobic polymer nanocomposites reinforced by CNC.

Market Segmentation

The global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market share is classified into type, source, and application.

Which segment is expected to hold the largest share of the global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market during the forecast period?

“The cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) segment is expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period”

Based on the type, the global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market is classified into cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). The cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) segment is expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period. CNCs have distinguishing characteristics such as high strength, stiffness, biocompatibility, and low weight. These properties make them appealing for a variety of high-performance applications where traditional materials might not provide the same set of characteristics. Furthermore, CNCs are known for their superior mechanical properties. They have a high modulus of elasticity and tensile strength, making them stronger and stiffer than many other natural and synthetic materials, weight for weight. This makes CNCs an excellent choice for improving the mechanical properties of various materials when used as additives.

Which distribution channel can lead the global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market?

“Wood-based sources are expected to hold the highest market share during the forecast period”  

Based on the source, the global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market is classified into wood-based, non-wood-based, and bacterial. Among these, wood-based are expected to hold the highest market share during the forecast period. Wood is one of the world's most abundant biomass resources. It is readily available from sustainable forestry practices and can also be obtained from waste streams in the wood processing industry. This ensures a consistent and ample supply of raw materials for CNC manufacturing. Furthermore, wood-derived CNCs typically have excellent mechanical properties, such as high strength, stiffness, and toughness. These properties make them ideal for improving the performance of various materials and products in industries like automotive, packaging, and construction.

Why is the composites and packaging segment anticipated to drive the global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market during the forecast period?

“High demand for sustainable packaging solutions fuels growth in crystalline nanocellulose applications”

Based on the application, the global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market is classified into composites and packaging, paper and pulp, textiles, pharmaceutical and biomedical, food and beverages, cosmetics and personal care, and electronics. The composites and packaging segment is expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period. Academic and industrial research has accelerated the development of environmentally friendly and bio-based nanocomposites, such as nanocrystalline cellulose, as alternatives to current packaging materials, which are primarily made of petroleum-based synthetic polymers. Biodegradable nanocrystalline cellulose-based composite films with exceptional properties can be used in the food and medical packaging industries, where low permeability to moisture, gases, aromas, and oils is critical.

Which segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market during the forecast period?

“The automotive segment is expected to grow at the greatest pace in the market growth over the forecast period”

Based on the end user, the global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market is classified into automotive, construction, aerospace, and consumer goods. Automakers are increasingly focusing on vehicle weight reduction to increase fuel efficiency and pollution. Crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) is a lightweight, robust, and renewable material capable of replacing heavier materials such as metals and plastics in-vehicle components. This adds to increased fuel efficiency and a reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, since the automotive industry strives for sustainability, CNC is an appealing option because it is made from renewable materials (such as wood pulp or agricultural waste) and is biodegradable. This is consistent with global trends of lowering carbon footprints and using eco-friendly products.

Regional Segment Analysis of the Global Crystalline Nanocellulose (CNC) Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Which region is expected to hold the largest share of the crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market over the forecast period?

“North America region is holding the highest share of the global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market during the forecast period”

This is due to an increase in strategic initiatives and partnerships among major market participants for the development of sustainable nanomaterials for packaging purposes, as well as increased investments by various public and private entities in the region. For example, in February 2019, the federal and provincial governments of Canada announced a USD 6.4 million investment in CelluForce's cellulose nanocrystal facility, which will be the world's only full commercial demonstration-scale plant of its sort. With the financing, the cutting-edge plant will be able to produce 300 tons of nanocrystals each year, double its present output. Nanocrystals derived from wood fiber can be used in a variety of applications, including cosmetics, electronics, paper, paint, and adhesives.

Why Europe is growing at the fastest CAGR in the global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) market?

Europe is expected to grow fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to increased investments by major market players as well as increased government initiatives for research and development (R&D) operations for cellulose nanocrystals or nanocrystalline cellulose in the region. For instance, on February 18, 2022, Norske Skog Saugbrugs and its research and industry partners received USD 61 million in research funding from the Research Council of Norway and Innovation Norway through the Green Platform Program. The proposed product range aims to eliminate or drastically reduce the use of harmful compounds and petroleum-derived raw materials, as well as to enhance plastic recycling. Norske Skog will connect strong professional R&D environments to generate unique, sustainable nanocellulose and biocomposite products in high demand around the world.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) 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 elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes 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

• Cellu Force
• Fiber Lean
• NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
• Kruger INC
• Borregaard AS
• CelluComp
• Melodea Ltd
• Blue Goose Refineries
• GranBio Technologies
• Stor Enso Biomaterials
• American Process Inc.
• FPInnovations
• Rise Innventia
• Others

Key Market Developments

• In August 2020, Stora Enso will build a prototype facility to create cellulose foam, a lightweight, fiber-based foam material used for protective packaging and cushioning.

 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 global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the global Crystalline Nanocellulose (CNC) market based on the below-mentioned segments: 

Crystalline Nanocellulose (CNC) Market, By Type

• Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC)
• Cellulose Nanofibrils (CNF)
• Bacterial Nanocellulose (BNC)

Crystalline Nanocellulose (CNC) Market, By Source

• Wood-Based
• Non-Wood-Based
• Bacterial

Crystalline Nanocellulose (CNC) Market, By Application

• Composites and Packaging
• Paper and Pulp
• Textiles
• Pharmaceutical and Biomedical
• Food and Beverages
• Cosmetics and Personal Care
• Electronics

Crystalline Nanocellulose (CNC) Market, By End User

• Automotive
• Construction
• Aerospace
• Consumer Goods

Crystalline Nanocellulose (CNC) Market, By Regional

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa