Cellulose Sponge Market Expected to Reach $2.6 Billion by 2031—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Cellulose Sponge Market," The cellulose sponge market was valued at $1.6 billion in 2021, and is estimated to reach $2.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5% from 2022 to 2031.

Cellulose sponge is obtained from wood fibers and pulp. It is the most preferred sponge over other synthetic sponge, due to its less toxic manufacturing process and can easily degrade in landfills. It acts as a good absorbing material and hold liquid substances more than 20 times of its own weight, due to which it is the most preferred sponge for cleaning, washing, lubricating, oiling & sealing purposes in automotive, chemical, medical, cosmetics, and many other industries.

The wide applications of cellulose sponges in home appliances, is driving the overall market growth. In response to this, cellulose sponges are generally used in automotive, chemical, industrial sector, and many others for cleaning and washing of car, glasses, absorbing liquid and chemical spills in chemical laboratories. It is also being used widely in household appliances for cleaning of kitchen countertops, bathrooms, windows, and many others. These factors are contributing to the growth of the cellulose sponge market during the forecast period.

However, cellulose sponge is expensive than other synthetic sponges due to which consumers prefer other alternative substitutes over cellulose sponge. In addition, cellulose sponge has good absorbing capacity and tends to absorb food particle and create favorable condition for growth of bacteria. Thus, proper maintains, and cleaning is expected while using such sponges. These may negatively impact the growth of the global cellulose sponge market.

The demand for cellulose sponge is witnessing a boost in the cosmetics industry owing to its good absorbing capacity. It is extensively used for makeup removal, face and body treatment, and application of face creams, and many others. These factors together are projected to create remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the cellulose sponge market in the cosmetics industry.

The cellulose sponge market is segmented on the basis of type, end-use industry, and region. By type, the market is segregated into natural cellulose sponge and synthetic cellulose sponge. The synthetic cellulose sponge segment dominated the global market in terms of revenue in 2021, with 59% of the total share. Synthetic cellulose sponge is made up of plastic polymers and is considered a cheap alternative to expensive natural cellulose sponges. The demand for synthetic sponges is expected to drive during the forecast period owing to their low-cost production and alternative substitute for the expensive natural sponge. Furthermore, the synthetic polyester sponge is a cost-effective, absorbent, strong, durable material that is resistant to harsher cleaning chemicals, oil, and grease. It is widely used in household appliances, industrial, and automotive sectors for washing and cleaning purposes, and others.  

By end-use industry, the global cellulose sponge market is segmented into automotive, chemical, cosmetics, medical, packaging, plastic processing, and others. The automotive end-use industry dominated the global market in terms of revenue in 2021, with 26% of the total share. Cellulose sponges are used in the automotive sector as lubricating, oiling and sealing systems to increase aerodynamics of vehicles. It is also used in washing and cleaning of vehicle. An increase in the transport and logistics activities has led to the growth of the automotive sector where cellulose sponges are widely used for cleaning vehicles interior and exterior, and cleaning accessories. This is projected to drive the growth of the cellulose sponge market. Cellulose sponges are extensively used in automotive applications. However, the demand for cellulose sponges is increasing as compared to plastic sponges owing to increase in demand for carbon footprint and rise in awareness toward reducing the emissions generated by the cellulose sponges manufacturing industries.  

Region-wise, the cellulose sponge market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. The Asia-Pacific cellulose sponge market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This s attributed to the fact that increase in use of cellulose sponge in the medical sector. It is mainly used as a compression bandage and pop-up plasters during blood sampling process. Its absorption ability and compression attributes is escalating the demand for cellulose sponges in the medical sector. The medical industry has accounted for one of the fastest-growing sectors in Japan owing to rise in R&D activities, advancements in technology in medicine, and others.

Key players operating in the global cellulose sponge market include 3M Company Company, Americo Manufacturing, Armaly Sponge Company, Corazzi Fiber S.r.l., Fiama, Industrial Commercial Supply, Kalle GmbH, Marian, Inc., Sponge Technology Corp. LLC, Spontex, Suvic Products Limited, The Indestructible Bruske Brush, UC Sponge Co., Ltd., Vileda, and WITPFoam.

Key findings of the study

• The natural cellulose sponge segment is estimated to display the highest growth rate, in terms of revenue, registering a CAGR of 5.3% from 2022 to 2031.
• The medical end-use industry is estimated to display the highest growth rate, in terms of revenue, registering a CAGR of 6.0% from 2022 to 2031.
• North America garnered the highest share of 34% in 2021, in terms of revenue, growing at a CAGR of 4.7%.