Home > Polymers & Advanced Materials > Specialty Plastic Films Market
Specialty Plastic Films Market size will see noticeable growth over 2023-2032, due to the increasing use of specialty packaging films across a range of industries, including FMCG and biopharma. Likewise, the adoption of fluoropolymer films in medical applications, such as fluid bags, drug containment, and medical liners, to maintain a high level of sanitation will also augment industry growth.
Specialty plastic films refer to thin continuous polymeric materials, which are widely used to hold items, separate areas or volumes, and act as barriers or printable surfaces. In addition, these high-strength films are also deployed in construction and other heavy-duty usage, as well as downgauging of existing applications.
Rapid entry of key specialty film manufacturers into the FMCG business and the emergence of e-Commerce as a key channel for FMCG are the major trends impelling the specialty plastic films market trends.
These factors could boost the demand for specialty plastic films, as they can provide good sealing and prevent product contamination, among other advantages. Moreover, the high investment interest towards the expansion of BOPP film production lines will also contribute to the rising market share over the foreseeable future.
Considering end-user, the food & beverage segment will depict a strong growth rate through 2032. This is due to the favorable attributes of plastic films, including lightweight and resistance to heat, oil, and contamination, which make them an ideal raw material for use in food-safe packaging. A considerable rise in consumption of ready-to-eat and processed foods, particularly during the pandemic, is likely to further bolster the demand for specialty films across the food and beverages industry.
Asia Pacific specialty plastic films market is projected to account for a commendable share of the global market by 2032, given the steady increase in the number of biopharma companies in countries like China. In addition, the significant expansion of e-Commerce and the rise of industries such as personal care, beauty, and wellness, will drive the regional statistics. As per IBEF, the e-commerce industry in India is anticipated to reach over USD 200 billion by 2026.
The competitive landscape of the global specialty plastic films market consists of companies such as Amcor, Jindal Poly, RPC, Sealed Air, Toray Plastics, Covestro, Honeywell, AEP Industries (Berry Global Group), DuPont Teijin Films, SABIC (Saudi Aramco), and AkzoNobel, among others. These companies are focusing on new product launches and business expansions to expand their footprint across the global market.
This strategic move helped the company broaden its flexible packaging product line and manufacture highly engineered mono-material films.
The Russia-Ukraine war had a negative influence on specialty plastic films industry as the war led to disruptions in plastic manufacturing. Both countries are major suppliers of PVC, a raw material used for manufacturing specialty plastic films. The disrupted trade resulted in a shortage of raw materials for production of films. The war also hindered operations of electronics sector, which is a major end-user of such films. However, increasing efforts by governments across the globe are anticipated to bring some relief to the industry.