The global cellulose acetate market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 3.6 per cent between 2016 and 2021. Cellulose acetate is a non-flammable thermoplastic polymer produced by acetylation of cellulose with acetic acid by using sulfuric acid. Cellulose acetate is available in various forms such as granules of fiber, powder, and granules. It is also obtained from wood pulp.

Cellulose acetate is widely used in the photography industry as a film base and is also used in the manufacturing of eyeglasses as a frame material. Cigarette filters, textile and apparel, photographic films, tapes and labels, and extrusion and molding are the application areas in which cellulose acetate is used.

Increase in disposable income and changes in the lifestyle of consumers in developing countries such as China, Brazil and India are predicted to boost demand for cellulose acetate in cigarettes, textiles and plastics.

Cigarette filter was the largest application segment in 2015 and it accounted for over 80 per cent of the market share in the same year. It is estimated to increase its market share over the next few years. Moreover textiles and apparel accounted for the second largest share of the global cellulose acetate market in 2015.