Breathable Films Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Raw Material, By Product (Microporous, Non-porous), By Application (Packaging, Industrial Protective Apparel), And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global breathable films market size was valued at USD 16.1 billion in 2018 and is expected to register a CAGR of 6.0% from 2019 to 2025. Rising building and construction spending, especially in Asia Pacific coupled with high demand from sports and industrial protective apparels is anticipated to drive the growth. Increasing health consciousness and changing consumer trends are expected to further propel the growth. Furthermore, rising concerns pertaining to comfort of garments and growing application of breathable films in jackets, gloves, footwear, and helmet are anticipated to boost the product demand.

Rising requirement for baby disposables, women’s sanitation products, and adult incontinence products is projected to propel the product demand over the forecast period. A substantial portion of the market revenue is expected to be generated through the non-porous segment and this trend is anticipated to continue in the forthcoming years.

Increasing concerns pertaining to hygiene is expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period. Breathable films are widelyused in the hygiene and medical sector for the production of barrier gowns, medical sheets, patient gowns, operating cloth, wound dressing, examination gowns, drapes, under-pads, filtration, operation bed covers, diapers, napkins, wipes, sanitary towels, and incontinence pads. Rising disposable income and healthcare expenditure are anticipated to augment demand for breathable films from 2019 to 2025. Rise in the population of infant and old age population is projected to boost the demand for diapers.

However, emerging countries are expected to experience increasing demand for disposable baby diapers on account of growing disposable income. Asia Pacific is expected to experience a rapid growth in demand for disposable diapers in near future. Growing usage of disposable diapers over cloth diapers, westernization of lifestyle, and rise in the number of working women is expected to contribute to the regional demand for breathable films. Increasing demand for baby care hygienic and convenient products is also gaining significant prominence in the region.

Raw Material Insights

Polyester segment led the breathable films market in 2018 and is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 6.4% in terms of revenue over the forecast period. Growing usage of non-porous breathable films is expected to boost the demand. Extensive usage of polyethylene films in the hygiene and healthcare sector is anticipated to further propel the growth.

Polypropylene segment is also expected to witness a substantial growth over the forecast period. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications, such as packaging and labeling, stationery, plastic parts, reusable containers, and laboratory equipment. Breathable films manufactured by highly filled polypropylene form a part of this segment. Polypropylene used can be conventionally catalyzed PP or metallocene PP.

Product Insights

Non-porous segment held the largest market share in 2018 and is projected to expand at the highest CAGR through 2025. Increasing application in textiles, packaging materials, and medical products are expected to drive the growth. Non-porous films are dense and pinhole-free polymer membranes. These membranes are usually hydrophilic and they absorb water quickly. Non-porous films allow the transmission of water vapor through a process called active diffusion. This type of breathable film is often used in the packaging of clothes, electronic devices, disk drives, and in the logistics industry.

Application Insights

Packaging emerged as the largest application segment in 2018, followed by healthcare and hygiene. Breathable films are used for manufacturing packaging solutions, such as packaging pouches, rolls, and bags, which can be used for packing vegetables and fruits to maintain freshness and hygiene. These films are used in the food, fruit and vegetable packaging industry as they allow seal packaging, smoke permeation, cook-in of food products and keep fruits and vegetables dry, which increases the product shelf life.

Breathable films are also expected to witness a huge adoption in industrial protective apparel. It is used to provide personal protection from hazardous industrial environments, along with comfort and strength. They are used in the production of masks, suits, gloves, cleanroom clothing, footwear, chemical defending garments, radiation protection garments, flame retardant apparel, and other industrial protective apparels.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific was the dominant regional segment occupying almost 37.0% market share in terms of revenue in 2018, followed by Europe and North America. Increase in consumption of packaging materials in food and beverages, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors is a significant driver for the polyamide market in this region. China, Japan, Thailand, and India are projected to witness high growth, followed by other South East Asian countries.

The government of China has been paying more attention to building energy efficiency. Waterproof breathable films are vigorously promoted in China, which has led to the development of waterproof breathable film used in building construction, pressure plate, sandwich panel roof, and exterior building construction. Therefore, growth in construction activities in Asia Pacific is expected to drive the regional product demand. Growing production facilities in Europe is expected to further propel the growth in near future.

Breathable Films Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of various well-established players, such as Argotec, LLC, Arkema, Clopay Plastics, Fatrs, a.s., and Nitto Denko Corporation. The competitive rivalry is expected to remain high over the upcoming years as the key players are extensively investing in expanding geographical presence. For instance, RKW North America, Inc. strengthened its position in the Southeast Asian market with strategic multi-million Euro investments in technology, infrastructure, and workplace safety.

Investments were made in a new printing line for multipack films, expansion of the total building area, and optimization of building technology at the Vietnam facility. RKW has strengthened its expansion in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Laos on the latest production technology for high-quality packaging solutions.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report:

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global breathable films market report on the basis of raw material, product, application, and region:

• Raw Material Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Polyester

  • Polyethylene

  • Polypropylene

  • Others

• Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Microporous

  • Micro void

  • Non-porous

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Hygiene

  • Healthcare

  • Building & Construction

  • Industrial Protective Apparel

  • Packaging

  • Sports Apparel

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Thailand

    • Malaysia

    • Indonesia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia