Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Industrial Films
The industrial films market is experiencing a period of change, characterized by the fast development of new technology, the evolution of the regulatory framework and the increased demand for performance and sustainability. The leading players in the market, the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the special film manufacturers and the innovating newcomers, are competing with the help of advanced technology such as data analysis, automation and IoT. These new differentiators not only improve the operational efficiency of the companies but also offer a tailor-made solution to meet the industry's different needs. The competition is shifting from the traditional to the new, and the new players are threatening the traditional business models. In terms of geography, the market is expected to grow significantly in Asia-Pacific and North America. In the next five to seven years, strategic deployment of advanced technology will reshape the market. In this context, the industry leaders should pay attention to these trends and keep up with the times to ensure their competitiveness in the market.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
These vendors offer comprehensive solutions across various segments of the industrial films market, integrating multiple technologies and services.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| DuPont de Nemours Inc. (US) |
Innovative materials science expertise |
Advanced polymer films |
Global |
| Mondi (Austria) |
Sustainable packaging solutions |
Flexible and industrial films |
Europe, Asia |
| FUJIFILM Corporation (Japan) |
Diverse imaging and industrial solutions |
Specialty films and coatings |
Global |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These vendors focus on niche technologies and innovative solutions tailored for specific applications within the industrial films market.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| TEKRA (US) |
Expertise in custom film solutions |
Specialty films for various applications |
North America |
| Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello.Inc. (Japan) |
High-performance polymer technology |
Advanced industrial films |
Asia, Global |
| TAGHLEEF INDUSTRIES GROUP (Dubai) |
Strong focus on innovation and quality |
BOPP films and packaging solutions |
Middle East, Africa |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These vendors supply the necessary equipment and infrastructure to support the production and application of industrial films.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Pely-plastic GmbH & Co. (Germany) |
Robust manufacturing capabilities |
Plastic films and related equipment |
Europe |
| LINTEC EUROPE (UK) |
Advanced adhesive technologies |
Labeling and industrial films |
Europe |
Regional Players
These vendors primarily serve specific regional markets, offering tailored solutions to meet local demands.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| TOYOBO Co. Ltd (Japan) |
Strong local market presence |
Textile and industrial films |
Japan, Asia |
| HiFi Industrial Films Limited (UK) |
Focus on high-quality film products |
Industrial films for various sectors |
UK, Europe |
| Bogucki Folie (Lithuania) |
Cost-effective film solutions |
Packaging films |
Baltic region, Europe |
| Supreme mill stores (India) |
Local sourcing and distribution |
Industrial films and packaging |
India |
| Transcendia (US) |
Diverse product offerings |
Custom films and packaging solutions |
North America |
| MURAPLAST d.o.o. (Croatia) |
Regional manufacturing expertise |
Plastic films and packaging |
Central and Eastern Europe |
| UNITIKA Ltd (Japan) |
Innovative polymer solutions |
Industrial and specialty films |
Japan, Asia |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- Avery Dennison (USA): Specializes in pressure-sensitive films and labels, recently secured a contract with a major automotive manufacturer for sustainable film solutions, challenging established vendors by focusing on eco-friendly materials.
- Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc., Japan: Offers high-performance polyester films for various industrial applications. Has recently expanded its production capacity to meet rising demand in the electronics sector. Complements established companies by providing them with new film-related technology.
- Toray Industries (Japan): Known for advanced polymer films, recently launched a new line of films for medical applications, positioning itself as a challenger to traditional medical film suppliers with its focus on biocompatibility and performance.
- Kuraray (Japan): Focuses on specialty films for packaging and industrial applications, recently entered a partnership with a leading food packaging company to develop biodegradable films, enhancing its competitive edge against established vendors.
- SABIC (Saudi Arabia): Provides a range of industrial films with a focus on sustainability, recently implemented a project to supply films for solar panel applications, complementing traditional suppliers by emphasizing renewable energy solutions.
Regional Trends: In 2022, the use of biodegradable and sustainable films increased considerably, especially in North America and Asia-Pacific. Companies have become more and more specialized in the production of high-tech films for specific industries, such as automobiles, electronics, and medical technology. The trend towards eco-friendly solutions has led to an innovation and competition boom, with new players taking advantage of advanced technology to distinguish themselves from established players.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- Eastman Chemical Company and BASF SE entered into a partnership to develop sustainable film solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste in packaging applications, enhancing their competitive positioning in the eco-friendly materials segment.
- Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation acquired the specialty films division of DuPont, aiming to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its market share in high-performance industrial films.
- Toray Industries and 3M collaborated to innovate in the field of advanced barrier films, focusing on improving moisture resistance and durability for food packaging, thereby enhancing their competitive edge in the packaging industry.
Competitive Summary Table
| Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
|---|
| Sustainability |
DuPont, BASF |
DuPont has implemented bio-based polymers in their films, reducing carbon footprint. BASF's commitment to circular economy practices has led to innovative recycling solutions for industrial films. |
| Product Versatility |
3M, Toray Industries |
3M offers a wide range of films suitable for various applications, including protective and decorative films. Toray Industries has developed multi-functional films that cater to diverse industrial needs, enhancing their market adaptability. |
| Advanced Barrier Properties |
Amcor, Sealed Air |
Amcor's films are known for their superior barrier properties, extending shelf life for food products. Sealed Air has introduced films that provide enhanced protection against moisture and oxygen, crucial for packaging applications. |
| Customization and Innovation |
Mitsubishi Chemical, SABIC |
Mitsubishi Chemical focuses on tailored solutions for specific customer needs, showcasing their innovation in specialty films. SABIC's R&D efforts have led to the development of high-performance films that meet unique industrial requirements. |
| Cost Efficiency |
Berry Global, Inteplast Group |
Production costs are lowered by a process of cost-reduction that maintains the quality of the finished product. Inteplast’s economies of scale ensure that its industrial films are priced at a level that makes them the first choice for price-sensitive applications. |
Conclusion: Navigating the Industrial Films Landscape
Industrial films, by 2022, will be characterized by a highly fragmented, intensely competitive market, where established and new players will vie for market share. Regional trends will continue to focus on automation and sustainable production, driving suppliers to adjust their strategies accordingly. These include utilizing the distribution networks established by incumbents, and relying on brand loyalty to differentiate themselves. Newer entrants are focusing on deploying artificial intelligence and flexible production. The market’s evolution will be driven by the ability to integrate advanced technology and sustainable production. Suppliers should therefore prioritise investment in these areas to enhance their operational efficiency and meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions, while also positioning themselves strategically for future success.
