BREATHABLE FILMS MARKET ANALYSIS

Breathable films are produced by the combination of mineral fillers (calcium carbonate and silica) and polymers. Calcium carbonate is the commonly used filler due to its low cost and easy availability. The polymers that are used in breathable films include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane. The films have a micro-porous structure, which allows water vapor to pass but are resistant to water penetration. Breathable films are used in various industries such as building and construction, healthcare, food packaging, pharmaceutical, personal care and hygiene.

These films are used in the food packaging industry as they keep the product fresh, and increase shelf-life of the product. They are also used in the healthcare sector in the manufacture of disposable medical products such as surgical gowns and gloves. In the hygiene and personal care sector, breathable films are used for manufacturing baby diapers and adult diapers. In the construction industry, breathable films are used to prevent the building structure from moisture and offers wind resistance.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Adoption of breathable films in various industries such as food packaging, pharmaceuticals, hygiene, and construction is expected to drive growth of the breathable films market. Growth in per capita income and changing lifestyle patterns globally, has increased demand for packaged food products which is expected to drive growth of the breathable films market. For instance, according to the World Bank Group, the per capita income in Asia Pacific was US$ 10,368 in 2017, which increased by 3.85% from 2016.

The breathable films market is growing due to rising awareness about health and hygiene among people, which is expected to drive demand for personal care and hygiene products. There is growth in the diapers market, owing to high birth rate and aging population. For instance, according to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), the hygiene market in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~ 20% till 2020.

The films are non-biodegradable in nature, which raises environmental concerns. This has led to introduction of biodegradable polymers. For instance, Plastiroll (Finland based manufacturer of biodegradable materials for packaging industry) offers Bioska biodegradable packaging films which are breathable and watertight, and finds application in hygiene products.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Among regions, Asia Pacific is expected to witness highest growth rate in the market over the forecast period, owing to growth of the packaged food industry and pharmaceutical packaging market. Growth in the per capita income, urbanization, increasing working woman population, and changing lifestyle patterns are expected to fuel demand for convenience or ready to eat food products. For instance, according to the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Canada, China’s dairy products industry was valued at US$ 83.7 billion in 2017, which represented 34.7% of total packaged food sales. Dairy products market showed an annual growth of 6.6% from 2013-2017, and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.9% from 2018-2022.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Major players operating in the breathable films market include The RKW Group, Arkema S.A., Mitsui Chemicals, Inc, Fatra A.S., Nitto Denko Corporation, Berry Global Group, Inc., Covestro AG, Torray Industries, Inc., and Trioplast Industrier AB.

Companies are focusing on new product launches, in order to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in January 2019, Avgol Ltd. launched its new range of breathable films ‘enhanceFIT Breathe’. The product is developed to meet the demand for lighter weight fabrics that offer improved elasticity, barrier, and breathable performance properties.

MARKET TAXONOMY

On the basis of Raw Material Type the Breathable Films Market is segmented into:

• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Polyurethane
• Others (co-polyester)

On the basis of Product Type, the Breathable Films Market is segmented into:

• Micro-porous
• Non-porous

On basis of End-Use Industry, the Breathable Films Market is segmented into:

• Packaging (Food and Pharmaceutical)
• Building and Construction
• Apparel
• Healthcare
• Hygiene

On the basis of Region, the Breathable Films Market is segmented into:

• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • ASEAN
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of the Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East
  • GCC
  • Israel
  • Rest of Middle East
• Africa
  • North Africa
  • Central Africa
  • South Africa