The global specialty and high performance films market value was USD 36.92 billion in 2017. Demand for specialty films is expected to witness strong growth on account of increasing hygiene awareness among consumers and consequently the growth of the packaged goods.

Excellent dielectric property along with outstanding temperature and chemical resistance properties make high performance films, an ideal material for laminates of circuit boards, wire wrapping insulation tapes and insulation material for motor coil windings. However, continued volatility in the prices of crude oil affects the prices of its downstream products, and is, therefore, expected to confine the global specialty and high performance films market size during the forecast period. Ongoing research on the development of films that are bio-degradable and soluble in water is also expected to pose lucrative opportunities for the global specialty and high performance films industry on the back of the growing demand for eco-friendly products.

The global Specialty and High Performance Films market worth USD 75.35 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.4%

The application in the packaging industry constituted over 65% revenues of the global specialty and high performance films market share in 2017. The packaging industry is an important sector since it drives technology and innovation growth of any country and consequently adds value to multiple manufacturing sectors such as agriculture and FMCG segments. The growth of the FMCG packaging sector is expected to augment the specialty and high performance films market value. Apart from this, mounting construction activities in various countries such as the US and Japan and particularly in emerging economies such as China and India has led to a growing demand for light control films. Thus, the construction industry is expected to show the fastest growth over the forecast period at a volume CAGR of 5.5% between 2018 and 2025.

World Flexible Packaging Market 2016, by Region

Fluoropolymer films are likely to exhibit the highest potential in the global specialty and high performance polymer films market, rising with a CAGR of 5.9% from 2018 to 2025. Fluoropolymer films are widely utilized for the manufacture of next-generation drug containers and delivery systems such as cap liners, stoppers and cryogenic sample bags used for genetic studies in biotechnology. Their inert nature and broad operational temperature further add to its exceptional properties since it prevents the contamination of the stored media. Also, increasing application scope of fluoropolymer films in consumer goods such as in cookware and bakeware and general industrial uses further augments the specialty and high performance films market share.

In 2017, automobiles segment accounted for market revenue of USD 2.77 billion, growing with a CAGR of 5.0% from 2018 to 2025. Growing demand for the specialty and high performance film product in automotive applications for safety functions such as in sunroofs, side, and rear windows, as well as to mask dashboards is expected to be the key driving factors for the automotive segment growth in the global market. Apart from the automotive industry, these films find increased use in the electronics industry due to its excellent insulating and high thermal resistive properties.

Barrier films are poised to remain the most potential and the revenue generating segment on account of its surging demand in flexible packaging applications along with their better protection properties. This segment is projected to rise with a significant CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. Sustainability concerns, technological innovations and improving purchasing patterns of the emerging economies are the key factors behind the phenomenal growth of the packaging industry in the last two decades. Specialty films are used to protect pressure sensitive products and forms a barrier against the permeation of water vapor and oxygen. For instance, rapid demand for fresh food packaging requires a barrier film with a definitive shelf time and refined moisture and oxygen barrier properties. This trend is expected to drive the need for a tailored barrier for maintaining food quality and safety.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the dominating region in the specialty and high performance films industry accounting for nearly 33% of the revenue share in 2017. Fast-paced growth of the flexible packaging industry in this region, especially in developing countries such as China and India to drive the growth of specialty and high performance films market size in Asia Pacific. China continued to be the major consumer of the flexible packaging throughout 2014-18, while India registered the highest CAGR of approximately 8% in the same period. Surging production and consumption of the soft drinks, bakery & cereals and other food products, with emerging packaging trend within the Chinese food industry, is bound to bolster the growth of specialty and high performance films market value in this region.

Some of the leading players in the global specialty and high performance films market include Bayer AG, Bemis Company Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, Evonik Industries, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, The Dow Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company, Honeywell International, Inc., and The 3M Company.

 Specialty and High Performance Films Market scope

Key segments of the global specialty and high performance films market

Product Overview

• Polyester
• Nylon
• Fluoropolymer
• Polycarbonate
• Others (PI, PP, COC, PEN)

Application Overview

• Barrier
• Safety and security
• Decorative
• Microporous
• Others

End-Use Industry Overview

• Packaging
• Personal care products
• Electrical & electronic
• Automobiles
• Construction
• Others

Regional Overview

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France
  • UK
  • Germany
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • India
  • Japan
  • China
  • Rest of APAC
• Rest of the world