Microbial cellulose is produced by the fermentation of culture media rich in glucose and fructose as the main carbon sources. Microbial cellulose has higher tensile strength and water-holding capacity and is biodegradable unlike plant cellulose, which is hard to biodegrade. Bacterial cellulose also has a higher degree of polymerization than plant cellulose, making it highly susceptible to temperature fluctuations, and is free from lignin, hemicellulose, and pectic. Microbial cellulose is gaining immense traction as a biomaterial as it is an eco-friendly alternative to various conventional plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene. It is also being used in the biomedical industry for wound dressing and medical implants. Thus, various applications of microbial cellulose are driving the global microbial cellulose market growth.
In 2021, Asia Pacific held the largest share of the global microbial cellulose market. In recent years, the region witnessed an upsurge in environmental pollution caused by the manufacturing and improper disposal of cosmetics and personal care products made from raw materials containing toxic substances. As per Frontiers Media S.A. report, in Asia Pacific, over 70% of cosmetics and personal care products contain at least one type of microbe as an ingredient. Thus, the demand for microbial cellulose is increasing in the cosmetic industry in the region. Further, the cosmetics industry in Southeast Asia is growing rapidly due to the increasing purchasing power of the population and rising middle-class population. Thus, all these factors are expected to boost the growth of the microbial cellulose market during the forecast period.
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Microbial Cellulose Market: Strategic Insights
Manufacturing industries, including microbial cellulose companies, faced unprecedented challenges after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 due to supply chain constraints caused by nationwide lockdowns, trade bans, and travel restrictions. Supply chain disruptions created a shortage of raw materials, which affected the production and distribution of microbial cellulose, leading to increased prices. Further, a spike in medical waste generation globally led to sustainability concerns among consumers, manufacturers, and governments of various countries. There was a significant demand for disposable face masks made of nonbiodegradable material. Thus, manufacturers started exploring different biodegradable biopolymers to make face masks. This factor opened new opportunities for microbial cellulose manufacturers, as microbial cellulose possesses desirable properties to replace conventional materials used in face masks.
In 2021, various economies resumed operations as their governments announced relaxations in the previously imposed restrictions, which boosted the global marketplace. Further, manufacturers were permitted to operate at full capacities, which helped them overcome the demand and supply gap and other repercussions.
Cosmetic manufacturers are exploring innovative approaches and materials to reduce environmental impact. Microbial cellulose is a natural and sustainable material praised by cosmetic manufacturers owing to its biocompatibility, skin adhesion, and water retention properties. Microbial cellulose is majorly used to make sheet masks used in skincare. These masks have superior moisture retention properties owing to their three-dimensional nanostructure that absorbs active hydrophilic ingredients such as antiageing agents and moisturizers. Bio-cellulosic face masks also have strong skin adhesion properties, which helps in better absorption or penetration of nutrients into the skin. Further, people are seeking products that help them look youthful and fresh. They are willing to spend a tremendous amount on skincare products that make their skin healthy-looking and radiant. Sheet masks are getting immense traction among consumers as they help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and pigmentation; rejuvenate skin; and boost hydration. All these factors are expected to boost the demand for microbial cellulose in the cosmetics industry during the forecast period.
The key players operating in the global microbial cellulose market include ScobyTec GmbH, BOWIL Biotech SP Zoo, Polybion SL, Bacpolyzyme Biyomuhendislik Ltd, Axcelon Biopolymers Corp, Bioweg UG, Cellulose Lab Inc, Bacterial Cellulose Solutions Inc, Ashland Inc, and BIOINSPIRED MATERIALS SL. Market players are focusing on providing high-quality products to fulfill customer demand. They are also focusing on strategies such as investments in research and development activities, partnerships, and expansion.
The regional trends and factors influencing the Microbial Cellulose Market throughout the forecast period have been thoroughly explained by the analysts at Insight Partners. This section also discusses Microbial Cellulose Market segments and geography across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size in 2022 | US$ 20.84 Million |
| Market Size by 2028 | US$ 41.32 Million |
| Global CAGR (2022 - 2028) | 12.1% |
| Historical Data | 2020-2021 |
| Forecast period | 2023-2028 |
| Segments Covered |
By Application
|
| Regions and Countries Covered | North America
|
| Market leaders and key company profiles |
The Microbial Cellulose Market market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing end-user demand due to factors such as evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and greater awareness of the product's benefits. As demand rises, businesses are expanding their offerings, innovating to meet consumer needs, and capitalizing on emerging trends, which further fuels market growth.
Market players density refers to the distribution of firms or companies operating within a particular market or industry. It indicates how many competitors (market players) are present in a given market space relative to its size or total market value.
Major Companies operating in the Microbial Cellulose Market are:
Disclaimer: The companies listed above are not ranked in any particular order.
In February 2023, Bioweg, a German startup engaged in the production of microbial cellulose, and Ginkgo Bioworks, a company that develops cell programming and biosecurity platforms, signed a partnership agreement to optimize the production of microbial cellulose and develop novel cellulose variants that can substitute conventional plastics.
Increasing demand for sustainable, bio-based materials and strategic initiatives taken by key market players are expected to open lucrative growth opportunities in the microbial cellulose market over the forecast period.
The major players operating in the global microbial cellulose market are ScobyTec GmbH, BOWIL Biotech SP Zoo, Polybion SL, Bacpolyzyme Biyomuhendislik Ltd, Axcelon Biopolymers Corp, Bioweg UG, Cellulose Lab Inc, Bacterial Cellulose Solutions Inc, Ashland Inc, and BIOINSPIRED MATERIALS SL. among few others.
Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the global microbial cellulose market due to favorable government policies, the availability of low-cost labor, and the rising demand for microbial cellulose in the food & beverages industry.
Based on the application, the food & beverage segment accounted for the largest revenue share due to changes in customer preferences for packaged food and beverages and high per capita income.
The wide scope of application and increasing demand for microbial cellulose in the healthcare industry are some of the key driving factors for the microbial cellulose market.
Food & beverages, biomedical, cosmetics, packaging, and textile are some of the major application areas of microbial cellulose.