Cellulose Sponge Market Research Report By Type (Natural, Synthetic), By Application (Household, Automotive, Cosmetics, Chemicals, Monofilaments, Medical), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific) - Forecast till 2030

Cellulose Sponge Market Overview

The cellulose sponges are sponges that are manufactured from bioplastic materials and naturally derived materials such as hemp fibers, sodium sulfate crystals, and softeners. Although synthetic sponges are economical, light, and possess durability, the demand for cellulose sponges is rising as they cause minimal environmental impact. The developed countries such as Europe and North America are implementing eco-friendly industrial processes. Therefore the demand for eco-friendly products such as cellulose sponges is expected to grow at a higher rate in these countries. 

Additionally, cellulose sponges are intensively used in the automotive industry, marine industry and to reduce oil spills. Such factors are presenting lucrative opportunities for the overall growth of the cellulose sponge industry. The potential benefits of the cellulose sponges help in absorbing the liquid and retaining them for a longer period. The wide end-user applications of the cellulose sponge industry and the increasing demand of these industries are also stimulating the cellulose sponge market growth.

COVID 19 Analysis:

The COVID 19 pandemic has significantly affected several industrial verticals such as automotive, chemical and key business processes across the globe. Therefore the demand for the cellulose sponge among the automotive industries, chemical industries, and marine industries has reduced during the pandemic. However, the demand for the healthcare sector and medical supplies were rising significantly owing to the increasing causalities and emergencies across the globe. The cellulose sponges are intensively used in electrotherapy, eye surgeries, wound care, and bone regeneration processes. Such factors have supported the overall growth of the cellulose sponge industry in recent years. 

Market dynamics:

Market drivers:

The utilization of plastic material in manufacturing the sponges are generating landfills and such landfills tend to remain in the environment for over 52,000 years whereas the cellulose sponges remain in the landfills for nearly a year. Therefore the utilization of natural raw materials in the manufacturing of cellulose sponges is considered as the major driver of cellulose sponge market growth.

The increasing demand across the household application such as cleaning, wiping, and growing inclination towards protecting the cleaner indoor environment and better living spaces are promoting the overall growth of the cellulose sponge industry in recent years.

Market opportunities:

The rise in social media and increasing number of social media influencers are more inclined to present themselves well before the cameras, and the general public. The utilization of makeup and cosmetics are increasing. Such factors are expected to stimulate the overall growth of the cellulose sponge industry during the forecast period.

The sponges are intensively used in automotive and industrial applications. However, when compared to plastic sponges, the demand for cellulose sponges is increasing owing to the increasing demand for carbon footprint and increasing awareness towards reducing the emissions generated by the cellulose sponges manufacturing industries. Since the cellulose sponges are made of natural materials that are derived from plants, they don’t cause any harm to the environment or emit poisonous gases such as CO2 when burnt or buried. Moreover, several countries are imposing stringent regulations on harmful emissions and reducing carbon footprints, which are expected to encourage the cellulose sponge market growth during the forecast period.

Market restraints:

The cellulose sponges, owing to the absorbing capacity tend to absorb food particles and create an environment favorable for the growth of bacteria or hold to dirt and germs when not cleaned properly after usage. Therefore proper maintenance is expected. Such factors are expected to hinder the overall growth of the cellulose sponge industry.

The life span of the cellulose sponges is shorter and requires intensive maintenance and replacement for efficient cleaning. Such factors are expected to restrict the overall growth of the cellulose sponge industry.

Market challenges:

The cheaper availability of cellulose sponges in the market is considered as the major challenge in the cellulose sponge market growth. Especially in the cosmetics industry, the cellulose sponges are replaced with cheaper alternatives which are considered a major challenge for the cellulose sponge market growth.

The manufacturing process of the cellulose sponge involves tedious processes, as the raw materials used in the manufacturing processes are bio-plastics that are derived from plants. Moreover the intensive manufacturing process to make them suitable for the environment demands higher costs than the cheaper plastic alternatives.

Cumulative growth analysis:

The market value of the cellulose sponge industry was at USD 1.68 billion in the year 2021 and is expected to reach over USD 3.6 billion by the year 2027 while registering a solid CAGR of 4% during the forecast period. The market size estimate is expected to be reached with a healthy growth rate due to the qualities such as absorbent, retaining liquid, and capability in cleaning a wide range of surfaces. Therefore several industrial sectors, automotive and significant other end-users are expected to utilize the cellulose sponges for the key operations. The durability and biodegradable clothes tend to get washed away when involved in harsh industrial processes. However, the sponges are showcase tensile strength, and supreme absorbing nature, where the cellulose sponge can soak up to 20 times of its weight and can hold up to it. As these sponges let out the liquid so easily on wringing and dries up easily, they do not encourage the growth of bacteria. Therefore the nature of these cellulose sponges is promoting the overall growth of the cellulose sponge industry.

Value chain analysis:

Cellulose sponges are used in the marine industry to clean the oil spills, and in the automotive industry, chemical, and significant others. The household segment is expected to grow with a higher growth rate owing to the increasing inclination towards a cleaner environment and increasing awareness among a huge population. Similarly, the regular cleaning routine includes space such as cleaning the bathroom and kitchen spaces which demands regular attention to eradicate rodents and disease-causing insects. Therefore the demand for the cellulose sponge industry is rapidly increasing in the household segment. On the other hand, automotive industries are also showcasing a higher growth rate in the cellulose sponge industry owing to the lubricating, oiling, and sealing processes. The oiling of the vehicles is considered as the key technique to extend the life of their key components of them. 

Moreover, the manufacturers are developing cellulose sponges by utilizing wood, cotton, linen, and other natural materials that emphasize the hypoallergenic factor of these cellulose sponges. The utilization of natural materials helps them in absorbing and retaining fluids and to further distributing the liquids and enhance the exfoliation. Such potential benefits of the cellulose sponges are propelling the potential end-users to utilize them in their key operations. 

Segment overview:

Based on type:

• Synthetic


• Natural

Based on raw materials:

• Hemp fibers


• Sodium sulfate crystals


• Softeners


• Wood pulp


• Flax


• Polyester


• Others

Based on Application:

• Household


• Automotive


• Chemical


• Cosmetics


• Medical


• Monofilaments


• Packaging


• Others

Regional analysis:

The growth of the cellulose sponge industry is highly influenced by the major end-user applications such as automotive, chemical and manufacturing industries. Therefore the countries like North America are showcasing higher growth rates in recent years owing to the increasing number of manufacturing industries, chemical, and cosmetic industries across the region. The cellulose sponges were utilized in the industrial sectors for efficient cleaning and to effectively work on the surface. Additionally, the sponges that are made of wood pulp, due to their eco-friendly and bio-degradable nature, are intensively utilized in developed countries. On the other hand, European regions are also showcasing a higher growth rate in the cellulose sponge industry, owing to the rapid development in the automotive industry. European countries are focusing on developing EVs for commercial and personal purposes. Moreover, the increasing investment in the automotive sector across the region is presenting a favorable environment for the growth of the automotive industry. Therefore the cellulose sponge industry is also booming across the region. 

Asia-pacific region owing to the potential players in the region and increasing industrial development in recent years is showcasing higher potential in the overall development. Additionally, the countries such as India, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and others are developing economically and are presenting lucrative opportunities for the overall development of the cellulose sponge industry.

Competitive landscape:

• Toray Fine chemicals


• ACME sponge company


• Spontex


• Corazzi


• Spongezz


• Sponge Technology Corporation


• Suvic Products Limited


• Bruske


• Kalle GMBH


• Americo Manufacturing company

Recent developments:

One of the leading market players, 3M which is an American-based company has improved a wide range of household and commercial cleaning products with efficient qualities. The sponges with the wet cloth texture and thin structure help in better absorption of the liquid from the surface and the comfortable in cleaning. The unique structure of the sponge helps in a wide range of applications in household cleaning.

One of the leading market players has discovered superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge could help in cleaning the oil spills. The superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge that is manufactured in a single process has the potential to showcase robustness and be utilized in maritime transport, marine oil spills, and the petrochemical industry.  

Report overview:

This report has covered:

• Market overview


• COVID 19 Analysis


• Market dynamics


• Cumulative growth analysis


• Value chain analysis


• Segment overview


• Regional analysis


• Competitive landscape


• Recent developments

Segmentation Table:

Based on type:

• Synthetic


• Natural

Based on raw materials:

• Hemp fibers


• Sodium sulfate crystals


• Softeners


• Wood pulp


• Flax


• Polyester


• Others

Based on Application:

• Household


• Automotive


• Chemical


• Cosmetics


• Medical


• Monofilaments


• Packaging


• Others