The present invention relates to cellulose mixed esters, processes for preparing these and uses of the cellulose mixed esters, for example in coating compositions. The cellulose mixed esters have glass transition temperatures that fall within an appropriate range to allow for film formation to occur at ambient temperatures and have a total degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of about 2.5 to about 3.5; a residual hydroxyl functionality per anhydroglucose unit of 0 to about 0.5; a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit by C2-C6 ester groups of about 0.5 to about 2.8; and a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit by Ievulinyl ester groups of about 0.2 to about 2.6.