August 18, 2025
Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC), also known as MHEC, is an essential additive in the building industry, enhancing water retention, workability, adhesion, and consistency in applications such as dry-mix mortars, tile adhesives, renders, skim coats, self-leveling compounds, and gypsum-based plasters. As the demand for high-performance construction materials grows in 2025, selecting reliable HEMC suppliers becomes crucial for manufacturers seeking quality and innovation. This guide explores the top HEMC suppliers, focusing on their strengths, product offerings, and global reach to help you make informed decisions.
HEMC is a non-ionic cellulose ether derived from natural polymers, widely used to improve the properties of cementitious and gypsum-based products. According to industry reports, the global hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose market is projected to grow significantly, driven by advancements in sustainable building practices. Leading HEMC suppliers are innovating to meet these needs, offering grades that enhance sag resistance, open time, and environmental compatibility.
To provide a clear overview, we’ve compiled a comparison table of the leading HEMC suppliers based on their key brands, strengths in construction applications, and global support. This selection is informed by recent market analyses and manufacturer data.
| Supplier | Key Brand / Product Line | Strengths in Construction Applications | Global Reach / Support | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland | Culminal™ MHEC/HEMC | Superior water retention, open time, and sag resistance; ideal for tile adhesives, renders, and gypsum systems with low impact on cement hydration for sustainable formulations. | Extensive R&D and distribution across Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Latin America, and North America; strong technical services. | www.ashland.com |
| SE Tylose (Shin-Etsu) | Tylose MH / MHS | Proven expertise in stable quality for mortars, ETICS, and joint fillers; enhances consistency and adhesion in dry-mix applications. | Global sales network with application labs in Europe and Asia. | www.setylose.com |
| Lotte Fine Chemical | Mecellose (HEMC/HPMC) | High production capacity with consistent viscosity; effective for water retention in adhesives and mortars. | Active in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East; formulation optimization support. | www.lottefinechem.com |
| Dow | METHOCEL™ / Walocel | Specialized grades for adhesives, EIFS/ETICS, and putties; excellent thickening and durability in coatings. | Worldwide R&D network; robust supply chains in major markets. | www.dow.com |
| Nouryon | Bermocoll MEHEC / MHEC | Broad viscosity range for improved workability and sag resistance in mortars and coatings. | Strong presence in Europe and Asia; customized solutions via application labs. | www.nouryon.com |
| Shandong Head (Head Group) | HEMC/HPMC/HEC Portfolio | Customizable viscosity for dry-mix mortars; cost-effective with strong adhesion properties. | Worldwide exports; large production capacity and technical assistance. | www.sdhead.com |
| Kima Chemical | KimaCell® HEMC | Tailored for tile adhesives, grouts, and skim coats; good cost-performance balance with thickening efficiency. | Growing exports to Asia, Middle East, and Africa; 20,000 tons annual capacity. | www.kimachemical.com |
| MIKEM Chemical (MelaColl) | MelaColl HEMC/MHEC Grades | Application-specific for gypsum, coatings, and mortars; improves tensile strength and crack resistance. | Offices in China and USA; serves India, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America with technical support. | mikem.com |
| Shandong Landu | Landercoll® HEMC | Designed for tile adhesives, putties, grouts, and self-leveling; bundled with additives like RDP for integrated solutions; higher gelation temperature for better performance. | Supplies over 60 countries; 75,000 tons capacity, R&D center, and customization support. | landu-china.com |
For further reading, consider linking internally to our guide on HPMC vs. HEMC in Building Materials or externally to the SNS Insider HEMC Market Report for in-depth market insights.
In summary, the top HEMC suppliers in the building industry for 2025, including Ashland, Dow, and Shandong Landu, offer high-quality products that drive efficiency and sustainability in construction. By partnering with these leading HEMC suppliers, manufacturers can ensure superior performance in their projects. Explore these options today to elevate your building materials—contact a supplier or share this guide for more insights.
LANDU is on standby here to help you find the right solution for your needs. Whether you need free consultation, technical guidance, product samples, or logistical support, our team is ready to assist!
Torres brings over 10 years of experience in the chemical and cellulose ether industry, specializing in HPMC applications across the construction, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and food sectors. With a deep understanding of market needs and regulatory standards, he is dedicated to helping customers in Europe find the right HPMC solutions for their unique requirements.
Cynthia combines technical precision with a problem-solving mindset, helping clients resolve challenges and optimize HPMC for their specific needs. She is responsible for quality control, performance testing, and failure analysis of HPMC across multiple industries. Whether you’re testing a new formulation or diagnosing inconsistencies, Cynthia provides data-driven insights for reliable results.
Our team ensures high standard!and flexible solutions for various
customer needs.