Carboxymethyl Cellulose is a thickener, binder and stabilizer in a variety of foods. It is considered a fibre source and as such is used in over-the-counter laxatives. Cellulose is the carbohydrate that makes up the woody parts and cell walls of plants. CMC is a thickening agent made by reacting cellulose (wood pulp, cotton lint) with a derivative of acetic acid.

This is a highly effective additive for improving product and processing characteristics in various fields, including food, technical applications and pharmaceuticals. It is also a constituent of many non-food products, such as toothpaste, laxatives, diet pills, water-based paints, detergents, textile sizing, and various paper products.