Barrier Films Market To Generate $50.3 Billion Revenue by 2030

The global barrier films market is valued at USD 33.9 billion in 2023, which is expected to reach USD 50.3 billion by 2030, progressing with a CAGR of 5.9% during 2024–2030.

The need for barrier films has significantly increased as a result of the rising demand for packaged food & beverages, healthcare products, electronics, and other consumer goods. These films protect products from moisture, oxygen, viruses, bacteria, and other forces of nature, thus preserving their quality and improving their shelf life. Additionally, the busy lifestyles of customers and the increasing disposable income in the APAC region have led to an increase in the demand for effective ways to extend product life.

Additionally, the rapid growth of online grocery platforms has increased the demand for barrier films. To ensure goods are delivered to customers on time and in a safe condition, reliable packaging solutions are a key demand of the e-commerce sector.

Moreover, barrier films are increasingly being used in the farming sector to keep seeds and fertilizers safe from moisture and maintain their chemical properties for a long time. Moreover, pharmaceutical products, such as capsules, tablets, ointments, and injectables, are mandated to be guarded against oxygen, moisture, and contaminants, to ensure the desired quality and consumer safety.

In addition, consumers and industries continue to shift to eco-friendly packaging, with organic and biodegradable coatings gaining precedence over films made of traditional polymers, due to the recyclability and renewable nature of the former. Additionally, barrier films offer an extended shelf life, environment-friendliness, and reduced food waste.

Consumers’ Shift toward Packaged Food & Beverages

Multiple layers are present in barrier films, which limit the impact of moisture, gases, such as carbon dioxide and oxygen; UV light and physical contact. This way, this packaging solution assists in maintaining the integrity of the contents, including the food's quality, color, aroma, texture, taste, and flavor. It is essential to give these products all the necessary protection from natural and human-made forces in order to preserve their originality. Here, the impenetrable nature and co-extruded and flexible structure of barrier films prevent environmental factors and chemicals from reacting with packaged items.

Use of Transparent Barrier Films Is Significantly Expanding

Transparent barrier films category is expanding significantly, due their high demand in the food industry. Processed food manufacturers are seeking packaging materials that can extend the shelf life of products, while offering resistance to heat, humidity, gas, and aromas.

Further, this packaging reduces the need for artificial preservatives, increases product stability, and offers puncture resistance, high tensile strength, durability, and favorable chemical properties. Additionally, the lightweight nature of TBPF significantly reduces the overall packaging weight, thus further fueling their consumption in the forecast period.

Blister Packs Growing Significantly due to Rising Demand for Pharmaceutical Packaging

Blister packs growing significantly, due to their rising usage in the pharmaceutical & healthcare industry. Here, they preserve medical products, provide tamper resistance, and ease handling for both patients and medical professionals. In addition, consumer goods, including clothing, food products, and daily consumables, also benefit from these efficient packaging solutions, which increase their shelf life. Further, customization options allow brands to create unique designs for better audience resonance. Moreover, the advances in the blister pack technology and growing sustainability considerations among consumers boost the market growth in this category.

Biodegradable Packaging Solutions Are Gaining Traction

Biodegradable materials are the key trend in the market as the rapid urbanization, changing lifestyles, and rising disposable incomes continue to push the adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions. Additionally, by complying with environmental standards, appealing to customers who prioritize eco-friendliness, fostering innovation, and increasing the variety of applications, biodegradable materials influence the barrier films industry positively.

This has given businesses in the market an opportunity to stand out from the competition and lessen their environmental effect, by offering sustainable packaging solutions. For instance, in February 2022, Mondi plc created a recyclable refill pouch to assist Henkel’s customers in reducing their use of plastic by 70% and moving closer to their environmental targets.

APAC Market Is Growing at Highest CAGR

The market in APAC is projected to showcase the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the rapid economic growth, rampant urbanization, rising middle-class population, increasing disposable income, and thriving food & beverage industry. In addition, the booming e-commerce sector in technologically advancing countries, such as India, China, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, and their growing focus on sustainable packaging solutions are driving the demand for barrier films in various sectors.

Some key manufacturers of barrier films are Amcor Group GmbH, Berry Global Inc., DuPont de Nemours Inc., FLAIR Flexible Packaging Corporation, HPM Global Inc., Huhtamäki Oyj, Kureha Corporation, and Toppan Inc.