Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End Use (Paper, Food Packaging, Construction, Electronics), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global polyvinyl alcohol market size was estimated at USD 714.5 million in 2016, registering a CAGR of 6.1% from 2017 - 2025. Increasing need for bio-based PVA products is expected to be a key factor driving the global market over the forecast period.

PVA, a synthetic water-soluble polymer, has been the key ingredient in formulation processes in various end-use industries including food packaging, construction, electronics, coatings, printing, textile, cosmetics, and paper. Demand for the same is mainly driven by the food packaging industry, as it is a material with excellent water solubility and biodegradable properties.

Sustainable packaging of products is in high demand, owing to stringent regulations for its disposal and declining landfill availability. Demand for packaging in various applications is fueled by several factors such as expansion of consumer base, increase in cost per package, and sustainability in major markets such as U.S., China, and India.

Development of various biodegradable packaging materials has garnered much attention in the recent past. Renewable natural polymers have been tested to enhance the biodegradation potential of PVA-based end-use products. Among the different biodegradable synthetic polymers, PVA material is extensively used owing to its biodegradability in various microbial environments.

Polyvinyl alcohol has different applications such as ceramic, textile, coatings, paper, and wood. The various grades are useful for different end-use industries. In addition, similar grades of the product can also be used for various end-uses. This ability has helped in augmenting demand for PVA over the last few years. There are lesser known product substitutes available on account of its properties including ethanol, water solubility, and resistance to grease and oil.

However, stringent regulations have hindered the usage of polyvinyl alcohol in various application segments. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has described several preventive measures after exposure to PVA and environmental safety. Generation of solid waste can affect human health, especially children, who are more susceptible to these hazardous pollutants. This could act as a deterrent to the growth of the PVA market.

End-use Insights

Food packaging has emerged as the leading end-use segment and accounted for 31.4% of the global volume in 2016. Increasing need for biocompatible and nontoxic packaging solutions in the food and beverage industry is expected to drive the segment. Thin and water-resistant food-grade polyvinyl alcohol films are being developed, which prevent moisture formation. Advantageous properties such as good crosslinking density and moisture resistance are expected to further fuel segment growth.

PVA is also extensively used in the construction industry on account of its various properties such as better water solubility and particle size, adsorption capacity, cement pore solution viscosity, and static filtration of cement slurries. Construction is a diverse industry that is expected to experience robust growth due to growing infrastructural development in Asia Pacific, especially in China, India, and Japan.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific led the PVA market in terms of volume in 2016 and this trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. It is also anticipated to emerge as the fastest growing regional market. Increasing product demand from various end-use sectors, mainly paper, is expected to propel market growth through 2025.

Asia Pacific was followed by North America in terms of volume and the region is expected to register a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecast period. Rising solid waste volumes in this region is projected to fuel demand for polyvinyl alcohol in packaging applications. In addition, rising innovation in packaging and growing consumer demand for properties such as safety, convenience, technology, and sustainability are expected to fuel product demand over the forecast period.

PVA Market Share Insights

Key players in the global market includeE. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co., Eastman Chemical Company, Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd., Kuraray Co. Ltd., Sinopec Sichuan Vinylon, and Anhui Wanwei Group Co., Ltd. These and other companies have been emphasizing on new product development, partnerships, and acquisitions with key players to increase their market share and strengthen their foothold in the industry.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis on 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 polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) market report on the basis of end use and region:

• End-use Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Paper

  • Food Packaging

  • Construction

  • Electronics

  • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • Russia

    • CIS

    • Armenia

    • Kazakhstan

    • Ukraine

    • Belarus

    • Rest of CIS

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa