Key Market Overview:
Breathable Films Market size was valued at USD 17.34 Billion in 2022, registering a CAGR growth of 5.3% during the forecast period (2023-2030), and the market is projected to be valued at USD 27.62 Billion by 2030.
Breathable films are thin sheets of materials that allow the transfer of moisture vapor and gases while preventing the penetration of liquids and other contaminants. These films are designed to provide a breathable barrier for a variety of applications where maintaining a dry and comfortable environment is critical. Further, these films are commonly used in applications such as hygiene products, medical products, food packaging, and construction. In each of these applications, breathable films provide unique benefits such as reducing the risk of skin irritation and infection, improving product performance, and increasing shelf life.
Many companies invest in research and development for the introduction of new breathable products to cater to the needs of end-use industries. For instance, in February 2020, RKW Group introduced RoofTopGuard breather, synthetic roofing breathable and optionally self-adhesive underlayment. This new breather provides improved permeability and water resistance compared to other breathable products.
Geographically, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the breathable films market owing to the increasing demand for hygiene products, medical products, and food packaging due to the presence of a large population. Moreover, government initiatives to improve hygiene standards and reduce the risk of infection are also expected to drive the demand for breathable films.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
- Increasing focus on personal hygiene and cleanliness led to the growing demand for breathable films for the production of hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence. This growing demand for hygiene products is driving the growth of the breathable film market. Moreover, breathable films help to extend the shelf life of perishable products such as fresh produce, meat, and cheese. Thereby, the food packaging industry is also driving demand for breathable films.
- Growing awareness of the environmental impact of packaging materials led to the increasing use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Breathable films offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials. Hence, this rising awareness of environmental issues is driving the growth of the market.
Restraint:
- There are several alternatives to breathable films, such as non-breathable films and fabrics, which are more cost-effective and suitable for certain applications. Furthermore, the availability of cost-effective alternatives to breathable films limits the demand for breathable films in some markets, particularly in applications where breathability is not a critical requirement.
- The production of breathable films is costly due to the advanced technology and materials required. This limits the adoption of breathable films, particularly in price-sensitive markets. Hence, the market growth is restricted due to high production costs.
Opportunities:
Advancements in technology provide opportunities for companies to develop new and innovative breathable films that offer better performance and cost-effectiveness. For example, there is an increasing focus on developing breathable films using sustainable and biodegradable materials. Further, the use of sustainable materials can reduce the carbon footprint of production and disposal, and biodegradable materials can reduce the amount of waste in landfills.
Breathable Films Report Coverage
| Report Attributes | Report Details |
| Study Timeline | 2017-2030 |
| Market Size in 2030 (USD Billion) | 27.62 Billion |
| CAGR (2023-2030) | 5.3% |
| By Material Type | Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyurethane (PU), and Others |
| By Product Type | Microporous, Micro Void, Non-Porous, and Monolithic |
| By Technology | Blown Film Extrusion, Cast Film Extrusion, and Others |
| By Application | Medical, Hygiene Products (Disposable Baby Diapers, Disposable Adult Diapers, and Others), Apparels (Protective Apparels and Sports Apparels), Packaging (Food and Beverage Packaging and Pharmaceutical Packaging), Building and Construction, and Others |
| By Geography | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa |
| Key Players | Berry Global Group, Inc., RKW SE, Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc., Arkema S.A., Toray Industries, Inc., American Polyfilm, Inc., Trioworld Industries AB, Nitto Denko Corporation, Covestro AG, Rahil Foam Pvt. Ltd., and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. |
Market Segmentation:
By Material Type
The material type segment is categorized into polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), and others. Polyethylene films are the dominant segment with the highest market share as they are used in building and construction, medical, and sports apparel. Further, the advancements in the research and development (R&D) sector and manufacturing technology across the major regions of construction sites are fueling the polyethylene (PE) demand in the breathable films market.
Polypropylene breathable films are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including hygiene products, medical products, food packaging, construction, and textiles. Further, they are commonly used in breathable films due to their good balance of properties, such as flexibility, durability, and breathability. Hence, polypropylene films are expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period.
By Product type
The product type segment is divided into microporous, micro void, non-porous, and monolithic. Non-porous segment that dominated the market with the highest share in 2022. Non-porous films do not have any pores or voids in their structure and are impermeable to moisture and gases. These films are typically used in food packaging, construction, and other applications where moisture or gas barrier properties are required. This factor contributes to the dominance of the market.
The microporous have small pores or voids in their structure that allow moisture vapor to pass through while preventing the passage of liquid water. These films are commonly used in hygiene products, medical products, and protective clothing. Hence, microporous is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period.
By Technology
The technology segment is categorized into blown film extrusion, cast film extrusion, and others. Blown film extrusion dominated with the highest market share as it allows for the production of a wide range of film structures, including microporous and monolithic films, which are commonly used in breathable film applications. Furthermore, blown film extrusion is a cost-effective method of producing large volumes of film, which is important in high-volume applications such as hygiene products and medical products. This factor majorly contributes to segment dominance.
Moreover, cast film extrusion produces highly transparent and glossy films with superior optical properties compared to blown film extrusion. This is important for applications such as food packaging, where visual appeal is important. Hence, cast film extrusion is the fastest-growing segment in the market during the forecast period.
By Application
The application segment is categorized into medical, hygiene products (disposable baby diapers, disposable adult diapers, and others), apparels (protective apparels and sports apparels), packaging (food and beverage packaging and pharmaceutical packaging), building and construction, and others. Hygiene products dominated the market with the highest market share as the demand for disposable hygiene products such as baby diapers, adult diapers, and feminine hygiene products increased globally. These products require breathable films to provide comfort and reduce the risk of skin irritation. Furthermore, breathable films are an important component of hygiene products, providing comfort, breathability, and moisture management. All the above-mentioned factors are driving the growth of the segment.
Moreover, the medical segment includes applications such as surgical drapes, gowns, and covers, as well as wound dressings and transdermal drug delivery systems. The demand for breathable films in medical applications is driven by their ability to provide comfort and reduce the risk of infections. Hence, medical is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the market during the forecast period.
By Region
Based on region, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the breathable films market, with the largest market share in 2022. This is driven by the presence of well-established infrastructure and regulatory frameworks in the region that supports the growth of the breathable films market. Additionally, there is a strong demand for innovative and high-quality products in North America, which is driving the development of new breathable film solutions.
Moreover, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the breathable films market during the forecast period. This is due to a growing demand for hygiene products and medical applications, as well as increasing investments in infrastructure and industrial development.
Breathable Films Market Competitive Landscape:
The breathable films market is highly competitive, with several large players and numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. These companies have strong research and development capabilities and a strong presence in the market through their extensive product portfolios and distribution networks. The market is characterized by intense competition, with companies focusing on expanding their product offerings and increasing their market share through mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. The key players in the market include-
- Berry Global Group, Inc.
- RKW SE
- Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.
- Arkema S.A.
- Toray Industries, Inc.
- American Polyfilm, Inc.
- Trioworld Industries AB
- Nitto Denko Corporation
- Covestro AG
- Rahil Foam Pvt. Ltd.
- Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
Recent Developments:
- In February 2021, Dow signed a MoU with Lucro Plastecycle to develop and launch post-consumer recycled (PCR) based polyethylene (PE) film solutions in India, thereby promoting a circular economy.
- In January 2020, Berry Global Group, Inc. announced the plan to expand its hygiene, healthcare, and specialty film platform in North America. The company’s investment addresses both extrusion and printing capabilities, in support of growing breathable film and sustainable product market demands in North America.
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