Plastic Films Market

Rising demand for bi-axially oriented films to boost market growth

The demand for plastic films has grown in recent years due to its demand in the agriculture sector. Greenhouses are constructed with the use of plastic films. Plastic films are also used in the making of the covers of the low tunnels. It is also used in the construction of walk-in tunnels. Plastic films which have multiple holes and rows are used in the agricultural sector for the better development and growth of plants. These plastic films are waterproof, durable, and lightweight and the market is expected to grow during the forecast period.

In recent years there have been changes in the consumption pattern and the demand for different types of processed foods will drive market growth for plastic films in the coming years.

Additionally, Bi-axially oriented films have unique properties which allows it to stretch in two distinctive directions. Orientation creates various changes in the property of the film such as high stiffness, lower elongation, and lustrousness. BOPP films are used in electrical & electronics, packaging, imaging, graphics, and industrial specialty applications. The rising demand of bi-axially oriented films encouraged a number of plastic film manufacturers to divert their manufacturing efforts and invest in bi-axially oriented film. Food packaging is the largest application of these films.

Thus, with the growth of the food packaging industry in the developing countries, the demand for bi- axially oriented films has increased. It is the most preferred material for food packaging as it is non-toxic and acts as a barrier to aroma. Bi-axial films are stretched in both machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) to design it with better mechanical, optical, and barrier properties has enhanced the plastic films market CAGR across the globe in the recent years.

However, technological advancements associated with plastics and rising investments in R&D have been observed. Increasing environmental awareness and concerns regarding packaging waste has resulted in modified buying habits of consumers. Brands are also introducing sustainable packaging solutions and biodegradable & water-soluble films to address environmental concerns is another factor driving the growth of the plastic films market revenue.

The Global Plastic Films Market Industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a market value of 97.1 USD Billion in 2024 and an anticipated increase to 166.1 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory reflects a compound annual growth rate of 5.0% from 2025 to 2035. The increasing demand for plastic films across various sectors, coupled with technological advancements and sustainability initiatives, contributes to this optimistic outlook. As industries adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes, the market is likely to witness continued expansion, driven by innovation and diversification in product offerings.

The Global Plastic Films Market Industry experiences a notable surge in demand for flexible packaging solutions. This trend is driven by the increasing preference for lightweight, durable, and cost-effective packaging options across various sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Flexible plastic films offer enhanced shelf life and protection against moisture and contaminants, which is particularly crucial in the food industry. As a result, the market is projected to reach 97.1 USD Billion in 2024, with expectations of further growth as sustainability initiatives encourage the adoption of recyclable and biodegradable materials.

The versatility of plastic films across various industries is a key driver of the Global Plastic Films Market Industry. These films find applications in packaging, agriculture, construction, and electronics, among others. In the packaging sector, plastic films are utilized for food preservation, while in agriculture, they serve as protective covers for crops. The construction industry employs plastic films for moisture barriers and insulation. This wide range of applications not only enhances market resilience but also fosters innovation as manufacturers explore new uses for plastic films. As industries continue to evolve, the demand for specialized plastic films is expected to grow, further solidifying the market's position.

The expansion of e-commerce and retail sectors plays a pivotal role in shaping the Global Plastic Films Market Industry. With the increasing volume of online shopping, there is a heightened demand for effective packaging solutions that ensure product safety during transit. Plastic films are widely utilized for wrapping and protecting goods, making them essential in logistics and supply chain management. This trend is expected to bolster the market, as businesses seek reliable packaging options to enhance customer satisfaction. The anticipated growth trajectory suggests that the market could reach 166.1 USD Billion by 2035, underscoring the importance of plastic films in modern retail.

Sustainability initiatives and regulatory frameworks significantly impact the Global Plastic Films Market Industry. Governments and organizations worldwide are increasingly advocating for the reduction of plastic waste and promoting the use of environmentally friendly materials. This shift encourages manufacturers to innovate and develop biodegradable and recyclable plastic films, aligning with global sustainability goals. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable packaging solutions is likely to rise. Consequently, this trend may drive market growth, as companies adapt to meet regulatory requirements and consumer preferences, fostering a more sustainable future for the plastic films sector.

Technological innovations in film production processes significantly influence the Global Plastic Films Market Industry. Advanced manufacturing techniques, such as blown film extrusion and cast film processes, enhance the quality and performance of plastic films. These advancements enable the production of films with superior barrier properties, clarity, and strength, catering to diverse applications. Moreover, the integration of automation and smart technologies in production lines improves efficiency and reduces waste. As the industry evolves, these technological enhancements are likely to contribute to a compound annual growth rate of 5.0% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting the ongoing commitment to innovation.

By Region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. Asia-Pacific plastic films market accounted for USD 33.63 billion in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR growth during the study period. This is due to the growth of the food and beverages industry and the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in the region the demand for plastic films is expected to grow in the coming years.

Moreover, China plastic films market held the largest market share, and the India plastic films market was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are: The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 3: PLASTIC FILMS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Europe plastic films market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the increasing R&D expenditure on the pharmaceutical industry in Europe is expected to indirectly fuel product demand. Further, the Germany plastic films market held the largest market share, and the UK plastic films market was the fastest growing market in the European region

The North America plastic films market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. This is due to the growing population and disposable income of the various consumers in the region have led to the development of the plastic films in this region. Moreover, China plastic films market held the largest market share, and the India plastic films market was the fastest growing market in the North America region

Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the plastic films market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the plastic films industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.

One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the plastic films industry to benefit clients and expand the market sector is to manufacture locally to reduce operating costs. The plastic films market major player such as Toray Industries, Inc. (US), DuPont (US), Amcor plc (Switzerland), and others are working to expand the market demand by investing in research and development activities.

Sukano is a plastic company. It develops and produces additive and color masterbatches and compounds for polyester and specialty resins. The company's products are used bottles, containers, thin plastic films and coatings, plastic films, and other applications. Sukano Polymers serves customers in the State of South Carolina. In October 2022, Sukano partnered with chemicals manufacturer Emery Oleochemicals to develop a transparent PET antifogging compound for food contact PET packaging, aiming to combat the necessity of extra antifogging coatings.

Designed for rigid and oriented Coex films, the material contains Sukano’s co-polyester compound in one cap layer of a film extrusion line A/B structure and PET as a core layer.

Also, Innovia Films Limited provides packaging and labelling solutions. The Company manufactures clear, white, cavitated, and metallised films for tobacco, beer, wine, bakery, confectionery, cosmetics, household, personal care, food packaging, and pharmaceutical markets. Innovia Films serves clients worldwide. In June 2022, Innovia Films has launched RayoWrap CMS transparent BOPP film for shrink, wraparound label applications. Produced at its UK production facility, CMS30 provides high shrinkage. The technical performance of CMS30 means it performs at every stage of the value chain, from the ease of printing, through high-speed roll-fed wraparound labeling, to the all-important end-of-life and recycling of the packaging.