Consumers are recognizing and embracing sustainability in their lives. As such, manufacturers are launching alternatives to conventional plastics. Growing on this trend, the PE film market size can swell from USD 26.90 billion in 2024 to USD 31.4 billion by 2034. Market research on properties and performance of PE films points to a 2.30% CAGR till 2034.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Size, 2023 | USD 24.10 billion |
| Market Size, 2024 | USD 24.90 billion |
| Market Size, 2034 | USD 31.4 billion |
| Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 2.30% |
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Sustainability Trends Inject Growth in the Market
78% of consumers feel that sustainability is important. In turn, more businesses are making PE films that are better for the environment. They are using materials that can be recycled, break down naturally, or turn into compost. People want products that don't harm the environment, and rules are getting stricter about reducing plastic waste.
Businesses that invest in these eco-friendly measures not only help the environment but also make money because more people want these products. It's a win-win situation: the market grows, and the planet benefits from less harm.
Like, in January 2024, Charter Next Generation (CNG), a well-known manufacturer of sustainable films, has announced an expansion of its GreenArrow range, which includes a new line of cavitated polyethylene films.
This product, made in conjunction with VOID Technologies (VOID), meets the mounting need for recyclable films in flow wrap and confectionery applications. The films are intended to be compatible with existing PE recycling processes, adding to the continuous drive to improve the sustainability of packaging solutions.
Adoption of MDO PE Films Rises in the Market
The use of Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) in PE films is a big deal in the PE film market. MDO technology makes films stronger and more flexible by stretching them during production. These films are great for heavy packaging. They also keep products safe by blocking out moisture and air.
Plus, they're eco-friendly because they use less material. MDO PE films can be made to fit different needs, making them useful for lots of things like packaging and special uses in industries like medicine. As technology improves, these films will become even better and more popular, driving growth in the market.
Like, in August 2023, ExxonMobil introduced ExxonMobil™ HD7165L, a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) grade for MDO PE film applications. HD7165L is designed for recyclability and can assist converters in creating mono-material laminates to replace multi-material laminate constructions that are difficult to mechanically recycle.
Applications in Healthcare Industry are Rising and Creating Opportunities in the Market
PE film manufacturers have great opportunities in the healthcare sector. These films are perfect for medical packaging and sterile barriers because they're good at keeping things safe, can handle sterilization, and are affordable.
Hospitals use them for things like surgical drapes and packaging medicine. As the healthcare sector grows, especially in emerging economies, the demand for PE films will go up. This means more business for PE film producers. They might come up with even better films for medical use.
Like, in November 2023, Coveris launched Formpeel P at the Compamed trade show in Germany. The Vienna-based company added this product to its portfolio of sustainable materials. Co-extruded puncture-resistant Formpeel P film is available on a peelable polyethylene (PE) or polyolefin (PO) base.
| Segment | Pouches (Product Type) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 24.70% |
The pouches segment holds the leading PE film market shares in 2024. Pouch packaging is leading the market because it offers convenience for busy people. Pouches can hold liquids, powders, and solids, making them great for different products.
Plus, it keeps things fresh for longer, which means less waste. They also have features like easy-to-open spouts and zippers. Brands can make them look captivating with colorful designs and logos. These factors propel its adoption in the market.
| Segment | Food (End Use) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 45.20% |
The food segment captured the leading PE film market shares in 2024. PE films are popular for packing food for many reasons. More people mean more food is needed, and these films help with it. They are lightweight and flexible, which is handy for busy lifestyles.
With online shopping becoming more common, these films are great for keeping food safe during delivery. And, as people care more about the environment, PE films can be recycled or made from materials that don't harm the planet. So, they're a top choice in the food industry for keeping food fresh, safe, and easy to use.
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| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| United States | 0.60% |
| Spain | 2.40% |
| China | 4.20% |
| India | 5.10% |
| Thailand | 3.80% |
Market demand for PE films in the United States will surge at a mere 0.6% CAGR till 2034. In the United States, the market is developing because of strict rules about quality. Companies work hard to follow these rules by doing research and making better products.
They use new technologies like special printing and making layers to improve the films. Collaborating with other companies helps them get what they need and grow. They're also making films for new things like healthcare and cars. By investing in making more and better products, they can keep up with the demand and stay competitive.
Industry growth factors for PE films in Spain point to a 2.40% CAGR until 2034. Spain's good weather and big farms make it a good place for using these films, especially in farming like covering greenhouses or watering systems. More stores and online shops mean more demand for PE films for wrapping and delivering stuff to people.
Spain is also trying to recycle more, so there's more demand for PE films that can be recycled. People like see-through and nice-looking packaging, which PE films can do. Companies are also trying to be more eco-friendly when making these films, which makes people like them more and want to buy them.
Market demand for PE films in China will amplify at a 4.20% CAGR till 2034. China's government is helping the PE film market grow by supporting things like manufacturing and environmental sustainability. As cities grow fast, there's more need for PE films in building and roads. Online shopping is escalating, so there's more demand for packaging.
People want packaging that's better for the environment, so recyclable PE films are popular. Working with other countries helps China get better at making films and staying competitive. People in China are buying more things, so there's more need for packaging.
The polyethylene films sector in India will expand at a 5.10% CAGR till 2034. In India, more people are using packaged products, so there's a bigger demand for PE films, which are used for packaging. The government is encouraging companies to make things in India, which helps the industry grow.
Also, in farming, these films are helping crops grow better. With online shopping getting more popular, there's a higher demand for these films to wrap and protect things being shipped. And in healthcare, PE films are used for things like medicine packets. These factors are making the market in India bigger, with more opportunities for companies.
Market demand for PE films in Thailand will augment at a 3.80% CAGR till 2034. In Thailand, industries like automotive and electronics are growing, which means they need more PE films for parts and packaging.
Also, because lots of tourists visit, hotels and restaurants need PE films for things like food packaging. The government is helping by giving companies incentives to invest in making more PE films. Plus, companies are making eco-friendly films, which is good for the environment and helping the market grow.
The PE film market is characterized by fierce competition among prominent competitors such as Dow Inc., ExxonMobil Corporation, and SABIC, who use their R&D capabilities and worldwide presence.
Strategic collaborations, partnerships, and M&A dealings are popular tactics for expanding market reach and improving product ranges. Sustainability concerns, regional dynamics, and market trends all have an impact on competitiveness, pushing innovation and differentiation among industry players.
Recent Developments
The polyethylene film industry is valued at USD 24.90 billion in 2024.
The market size is estimated to increase at a 2.30% CAGR through 2034.
The market is expected to be worth USD 31.40 billion by 2034.
Pouches are highly preferred in the market.
The market in India is predicted to expand at a 5.10% CAGR through 2034.
| Estimated Market Size (2024E) | USD 807.8 million |
|---|---|
| Projected Market Value (2034F) | USD 1,257.4 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 4.5% |
| Market Value (2023) | USD 1.46 billion |
|---|---|
| Market Expected Value (2033) | USD 2.28 billion |
| Market Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.5% |
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