U.S. Polyethylene Terephthalate Films Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Conventional, Shrink, Isotropic), By Application (Food & Beverage, Electrical & Electronics, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics), And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The U.S. polyethylene terephthalate films market size was estimated at USD 1.55 billion in 2024 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% from 2025 to 2030. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films are commonly utilized in food and beverage packaging owing to their superior moisture and gas barrier qualities. The growing customer desire for easy and lightweight packaging solutions is driving up the demand for polyethylene terephthalate films.

The U.S. polyethylene terephthalate films industry is witnessing a growing trend toward sustainability, driven by increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. With heightened awareness of environmental issues, brands are adopting recyclable PET films to meet sustainability goals and align with government regulations promoting circular economy practices. Advanced PET film technologies, such as downgauged films that maintain functionality with reduced material usage, are also gaining traction. This trend is further supported by the integration of renewable and bio-based PET films, which offer a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-derived counterparts.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The U.S. PET films market is significantly driven by the growing demand for flexible packaging in food and beverage applications. PET films offer excellent barrier properties, protecting products from moisture, oxygen, and contaminants while enhancing shelf life. The rising preference for on-the-go food products and convenience packaging has accelerated the adoption of PET films in applications such as snack foods, ready-to-eat meals, and beverages. Moreover, the films’ lightweight nature and compatibility with various printing technologies make them a preferred choice among manufacturers aiming to improve branding and reduce transportation costs.

The increasing adoption of PET films in high-growth sectors such as electronics and healthcare presents a lucrative opportunity for market players in the U.S. The demand for PET films as protective layers in electronic displays, solar panels, and medical devices is expanding due to their durability, transparency, and thermal stability. Additionally, innovation in specialty films, such as antistatic, conductive, or UV-blocking PET films, allows companies to cater to niche applications. Expanding investment in research and development to enhance product performance and diversify applications could position companies to capitalize on these emerging opportunities.

A key restraint for the U.S. PET films industry is the volatility in raw material prices, particularly for crude oil derivatives such as purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and monoethylene glycol (MEG). Fluctuating oil prices directly impact production costs, making it challenging for manufacturers to maintain competitive pricing. Furthermore, rising concerns about the environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics have increased regulatory pressures, which may add compliance costs and hinder market growth. These challenges are compelling manufacturers to explore cost-effective raw material alternatives, such as bio-based feedstocks, to mitigate risks.

Type Insights

Shrink PET films dominated the U.S. polyethylene terephthalate films market across the type segmentation in terms of revenue, accounting for a market share of 44.25% in 2024. The growing demand for visually appealing and tamper-evident packaging is a major driver for shrink PET films in the U.S. market. These films are widely used for labeling and packaging in industries like beverages, cosmetics, and personal care products, as they provide a seamless and contoured fit on irregularly shaped containers. Shrink PET films' ability to enhance brand visibility through high-quality printability and 360-degree coverage has positioned them as a preferred choice for premium and promotional packaging. Additionally, advancements in recycling technology for shrink films are further encouraging their adoption in sustainability-conscious industries.

The demand for conventional PET films is driven by their broad range of applications and cost-effectiveness, making them a staple in the packaging and industrial sectors. Their excellent balance of mechanical strength, clarity, and barrier properties supports usage in areas like flexible packaging, laminates, and industrial wraps. In the U.S., the demand for conventional PET films is particularly high in food packaging, where affordability and functional efficiency are critical. The increasing shift toward recyclable and mono-material packaging formats further underscores their importance, as manufacturers seek versatile yet environmentally responsible solutions.

Application Insights

Food & beverage dominated the U.S. polyethylene terephthalate films industry across the application segmentation in terms of revenue, accounting to a market share of 37.52% in 2024, due to the rise of convenience-driven consumer lifestyles. PET films play a crucial role in preserving the freshness, flavor, and quality of packaged foods, such as snacks, dairy products, and frozen meals, by offering strong moisture and oxygen barriers. With the growing popularity of meal delivery services and ready-to-eat products, the need for high-performance, lightweight, and visually attractive packaging has surged. PET films' recyclability and adaptability to evolving packaging designs make them an ideal choice in this highly dynamic industry.

The increasing adoption of PET films in the U.S. electrical and electronics industry is driven by their superior insulating and thermal stability properties. These films are widely used in applications such as capacitors, flexible circuits, and display screens, where durability and precision are critical. The rise of advanced technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy systems has further bolstered the demand for PET films in insulating and protective components. Additionally, their ability to meet stringent industry standards for safety and performance has solidified their role in the rapidly evolving electronics market.

Key U.S. Polyethylene Terephthalate Films Company Insights

The U.S. polyethylene terephthalate films market is highly competitive, with several key players dominating the landscape. Major companies include Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc.; Toray Plastics (America) Inc.; Polyplex Corporation Ltd. (Polyplex); DUNMORE; Filmquest Group Inc.; Xamax Industries, Inc.; UPM; Polymershapes LLC; SS Polymer & Films; and Piedmont Plastics. The market is characterized by a competitive landscape with several key players driving innovation and market growth. Major companies in this sector are investing heavily in research and development to enhance the performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of their types.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Polyplex announced that it was close to completing a USD 100 million expansion of its PET manufacturing facility in Alabama. This expansion aims to increase production capacity and meet growing demand for PET products, which are widely used in packaging and other applications. The company is expected to officially open the expanded facility soon, contributing to its overall growth strategy in the U.S. market.

• In January 2024, Tekni-Plex launched a new pharmaceutical-grade PET blister film made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. This innovative product aims to enhance sustainability in the packaging sector by reducing reliance on virgin plastics. The film is designed for use in the pharmaceutical industry, where it will help meet regulatory standards while also contributing to environmental goals.

U.S. Polyethylene Terephthalate Films Market Report Scope

U.S. Polyethylene Terephthalate Films Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue & volume growth at the country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented U.S. polyethylene terephthalate films market report based on type and application:

• Type Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Conventional PET Films

  • Shrink PET Films

  • Isotropic PET Films

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Food & Beverage

    • Flexible Packaging

    • Rigid Packaging

    • Barrier Films

  • Electrical & Electronics

    • Insulation Films

    • Flexible Printed Circuits

    • Dielectric Films

  • Pharmaceuticals

    • Blister Packaging

    • Strip Packaging

    • Lidding Films

  • Cosmetics

    • Flexible Packaging

    • Decorative Films

    • Transparent Packaging

  • Others (Automotive, Industrial, Textiles, etc.)