The global soft touch lamination film market is estimated to hold a valuation of USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach a value of USD 2.3 billion by 2034. Demand for soft touch lamination film is projected to report a CAGR of 3.7% over the forecast period. The revenue generated by soft touch lamination films in 2023 was USD 1.5 billion.
The soft touch lamination film sector is experiencing growth due to increased promotion activities across industrial and commercial sectors. Such thin matte lamination films, made of plastics like polypropylene and polyethylene, provide a velvety texture and a scuff-resistant surface for one-sided lamination.
Soft touch lamination films come in three coating options and are intended for use in solvent-based, water-based, and FDA-compliant applications. These are witnessing a spike in demand globally as they offer improved textural feel, reduce glare, maintain picture color, and provide brilliant color clarity.
Global Soft Touch Lamination Film Industry Assessment
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 1.5 billion |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 1.6 billion |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 2.3 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 3.7% |
Soft touch lamination films offer a protective, matte, velvet-like texture and a premium feel, making them ideal for business cards, high-end brochures, and luxury packaging. The films are highly durable, leaving a lasting impression on the end-use product. The lamination films are fingerprint-free, making them ideal for protecting deluxe items. Manufacturers are anticipated to lean toward the comprehensive application of soft touch lamination films.
Smooth touch lamination films are also more scuff-resistant than standard lamination and non-yellowing, making their finish longer. These films are compatible with various high-speed coating finishes, gloss varnish, and foil blocking. The soft touch lamination films market is highly desirable for enhancing the appearance of products. Thus, the manufacturers develop a novel consumer base for such films to design an aesthetic look for the product.
The soft touch lamination film industry is set to experience upward growth during the forecast period. It is projected to create an incremental opportunity of USD 2.3 billion and is predicted to rise 0.5 times the current market value through 2034.
The soft touch lamination film market is experiencing a surge in demand within the food and beverage sector. Such aesthetically pleasing films offer a unique sensory experience, elevating the perceived value of packaged goods. Manufacturers develop cereal boxes with a luxurious, velvety texture that begs to be picked up, owing to the burgeoning demand for soft touch lamination.
Beyond aesthetics, the soft touch films also provide excellent protection against moisture, grease, and scratches, ensuring product quality. Leading food and beverage companies, such as Mondelez International, known for Oreo cookies and Cadbury chocolates, as well as PepsiCo, encompassing Frito-Lay and Quaker Oats, are recognizing these advantages and increasingly incorporating soft touch lamination films into their packaging strategies.
Such a trend is envisioned to continue as brands strive to differentiate themselves on crowded shelves and cater to consumer preferences for premium packaging experiences.
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The table beneath shows the predicted CAGR for the worldwide soft touch lamination film market across multiple semi-annual periods from 2024 to 2034. The business is foreseen to develop at a marginal rate of 3.5% in the second half (H2) of the same decade after surging at a CAGR of 3.9% in the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 3.9% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 3.5% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 3.4% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 3.8% (2024 to 2034) |
Moving forward, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is anticipated to fall slightly to 3.4% in the first half and stay relatively stable at 3.8% in the second half. The market value retained by 40 BPS in the first half, but remained constant at 40 BPS in the second half.
Budding Demand for Soft Touch Lamination Film for the Luxury Packaging
The soft touch lamination film market is experiencing emerging growth within the packaging industry, especially in the realm of premium and luxury goods. Esteemed companies such as Estée Lauder in the cosmetics sector and Diageo in the spirits industry are harnessing the potential of these films to enhance their brand perception. The tactile, velvety finish delivers a sense of opulence that immediately captures the attention of consumers amidst a sea of competing products on store shelves. In addition to enhancing aesthetics, these films also offer practical benefits.
Leading brands such as Nestlé, known for their Nespresso coffee pods, employ flexible packaging films due to their robustness and capability to safeguard products from moisture, grease, and scratches. Additionally, the market is enhanced by the potential for customization of these films.
Tech companies like Apple, recognized for their premium iPhone packaging, can integrate logos, designs, or even embossing to craft unique packaging that reflects their brand identity. As sustainability continues to be a focal point, manufacturers are working on developing environmentally friendly alternatives.
The global packaging leader, Huhtamaki, exemplifies the potential of soft touch films crafted from recycled or renewable materials, catering to the preferences of environmentally conscious consumers and brands. This harmonious blend of visual appeal, functionality, adaptability, and eco-friendliness is propelling the soft touch lamination film market forward, indicating sustained expansion potential.
Escalating Trend of Sustainability Upsurge Brand’s Market Reach
The soft touch lamination film industry is currently undergoing a significant transition towards the use of environmentally friendly materials, largely spurred by the escalating focus on sustainability. With consumers showing an increasing awareness of environmental issues, brands are proactively embracing eco-friendly packaging solutions. There is a growing interest in bioplastics, which are derived from renewable sources such as plant starches, signifying a noticeable shift in consumer and industry preferences.
For instance, The TIPA Corporation, a prominent film manufacturer, provides environmentally friendly soft touch films made from bio-based materials for renowned brands such as Seventh Generation, known for its eco-friendly cleaning products. The brands offer recyclable soft touch lamination films as another sustainable alternative.
Along with that, Avery Dennison, a global leader in labeling and packaging materials, provides bioplastic and recyclable films tailored to the needs of environmentally responsible companies such as The Body Shop, renowned for its ethical beauty products. Such a strategic shift towards sustainable materials underscores the soft touch lamination film market's dedication to fostering innovation and environmental stewardship, ensuring its continued significance in a world increasingly attuned to sustainability.
Expensive Production of Colorful Packaging Curbs Soft Touch Lamination Market Growth
The soft touch lamination film market, despite its undeniable advantages, faces challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sustained growth. A key drawback is the potential for muted colors. The luxurious matte finish can sometimes diminish the vibrancy of richly colored printed pieces. This necessitates careful design considerations, ensuring the final product retains its visual impact. The cost factor can be a hurdle, particularly for companies in emerging economies. The premium price point associated with soft touch lamination may limit its widespread adoption by budget-conscious firms.
Due to its scratchiness, which necessitates cautious handling and storage, the soft touch lamination film market confronts difficulties. For optimal utilization, designers and printers need to possess a certain knowledge. Cost-effective solutions with better color accuracy and scratch resistance should be the manufacturers' main priorities. Educational programs may provide printers and designers the expertise they need to realize the possibilities of such opulent packaging options.
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During the historical period from 2019 to 2023, the global soft touch lamination film industry maintained a solid CAGR of 3.2%. The industry's growth trajectory was evident as it witnessed an increase in value from USD 1.3 billion in 2019 to USD 1.5 billion in 2023. The growing consumer demand for premium packaging solutions predominantly fueled this growth. The projected period is estimated to witness further expansion driven by consumers' preference for high-quality packaging.
The market had a substantial drop in 2020 because of the Covid-19 epidemic. In addition to causing the temporary closure of many companies that are important end consumers of the items in the market, the pandemic also disrupted international commerce and transportation, which had adverse repercussions on the soft touch lamination film industry.
The global epidemic greatly influenced business priorities in the soft touch lamination film sector. Prior to the pandemic, luxury aesthetics could have been the only priority, but in the aftermath, cost-effectiveness rose to the top of the priority list for many businesses. Such a shift in emphasis fueled the desire for less expensive soft touch lamination film solutions. In response, producers created more reasonably priced substitutes, guaranteeing that a greater variety of brands could still enjoy the opulent sensation of a soft touch.
Fortunately, the global economic climate also played a role in this market adaptation. International trade experienced a rapid recovery in 2021 and 2022, facilitating the movement of materials and finished products at a more efficient pace. Such swift recovery, coupled with the introduction of cost-effective film options, allowed the soft touch lamination film market to helm the challenges of the pandemic and position itself for continued growth.
Developments in manufacturing procedures have led to a significant revolution in the soft touch lamination film industry. Substantial advancements in research and development have resulted in an expansion of these films' capabilities. The introduction of unique finishes is one noteworthy area of innovation.
Companies such as Amcor, a significant player in the global packaging industry, have created soft touch films with antimicrobial qualities. These films are especially appropriate for food or medicine packaging that must adhere to strict hygienic guidelines. In a comparable manner, companies such as Bemis, renowned for their proficiency in flexible packaging solutions, have created UV-resistant films to address the needs of items susceptible to solar harm. These developments not only improve packaging's aesthetic appeal but also expand its practical potential.
A substantial fraction of the global market share is held by Tier 1 enterprises. These industry leaders specialize in producing and reconditioning products in a variety of packaging styles, and they have a large product range and high production capability. They have a huge customer base and a wide geographic reach. Avery Dennison Corporation, Amcor Limited, and Dow Chemical Co. are notable Tier 1 firms that fulfill regulatory criteria and provide a wide range of series.
Tier 2 firms are mid-size players who are distinguished by a significant presence internationally and industry understanding. DUNMORE Corporation, Taghleef Industries SLU, Flex film Limited, and Cosmo Films, Ltd. are among the enterprises that are well-established in particular regions and can benefit from acquiring cutting-edge technology and a broader global footprint.
Small businesses mostly catering to local or regional requirements are referred to as Tier 3. Compared to their structured rivals, these businesses require a greater degree of formalization and comprehensive structure because of their perceived need for more organization and requirement for a wider geographic reach. This group includes up-and-coming businesses including Jet Technologies, Monotech Systems Ltd., and Doro Tape (UK) Ltd. To meet the demands of the local market, these enterprises need to expand their geographic reach.
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The soft touch lamination film market analysis for various countries is included in the section below. It is projected that the United States is anticipated to continue to lead North America at a CAGR of 2.1% until 2034. By 2034, the Asia Pacific market is envisioned to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% in India, followed by the market in China with a CAGR of 4.9%.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| United States | 2.1% |
| Canada | 1.3% |
| Spain | 2.6% |
| United Kingdom | 1.7% |
| China | 4.9% |
| India | 5.8% |
The soft touch lamination film sector in the United States is anticipated to report a CAGR of 2.1% from 2024 to 2034. As of right now, it has the most market share in North America, and this is anticipated to keep happening throughout the projection period.
The need for high-end experiences among Americans is fueling the growth of soft-touch lamination films. A growing number of consumers are lured to luxury goods with elegant packaging, such as Apple's sleek iPhone boxes with their distinctive velvety texture. This is not only an electronics fad.
In the United States, Brands like Estée Lauder are using soft-touch films to enhance the perceived value of their high-end cosmetic packaging. Demand is also being fueled by the growth of business brochures that emphasize tactile encounters. These marketing materials are made more elegant and professional by the soft-touch lamination.
Understanding the shift, leading package manufacturers such as Avery Dennison are always coming up with new film textures and finishes to meet the changing demands of brands in the United States and their more discriminating clientele.
India’s soft touch lamination film industry is anticipated to register a CAGR of 5.8% by 2034. As the food and beverage manufacturers in India develop demand for soft touch lamination for the production of food boxes and containers.
Indian food and beverage businesses are increasingly adopting soft touch lamination as a packaging technique. This involves creating a velvety texture on luxury chocolate boxes from brands such as Cadbury, owned by Mondelez, and premium tea tins from Lipton, owned by PepsiCo.
The incorporation of soft touch lamination enhances the perceived value of the product and contributes to a more memorable brand experience. Such a technique adds a tactile dimension that is absent in standard packaging, making it a compelling choice for companies looking to differentiate themselves in the competitive retail environment of India.
China is projected to highlight a CAGR of 4.9% from 2024 to 2034, developing novel improvements in the soft touch lamination film sector. Burgeoning e-commerce companies such as Alibaba are developing novel packaging designs that integrate soft touch laminations for premium packaging, which are supposed to be exported outside China.
The need for soft-touch lamination films has increased because of China's industrial sector's explosive expansion. Instead of concentrating solely on the functioning of their products, manufacturers are increasingly trying to improve the way they seem.
Soft-touch films are used to give the packaging of modern products a luxurious feel, as companies like Xiaomi and Huawei have realized the importance of premium packaging. Soft-touch lamination is becoming popular not just for electronics but also for high-end appliances. Haier and other manufacturers are using this technique to create a more upscale look. This trend is in line with the rising demand in China from consumers for high quality, aesthetically pleasing items.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the soft touch lamination industry. By material, the polypropylene segment is estimated to acquire a market share of 39.2% in 2024. Additionally, based on the thickness of the film, around 37.4% of the market prefers films with 0.1 to 0.5 mm thickness.
| Material | Polypropylene (PP) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 39.2% |
Polypropylene (PP) reigns supreme in the soft touch lamination film market, capturing nearly 39.2% of revenue in 2024. This dominance stems from its ability to deliver the smooth, velvety texture that consumers crave. Nevertheless, Polypropylene's value extends beyond aesthetics in the market.
Manufacturers are constantly innovating, leveraging PP's versatility to create unique designs and cater to a wider consumer base. Expect to see a surge in novel PP-based soft touch films with exciting textures, finishes, and potentially even integrated functionalities, further solidifying PP's position as the leading material in this rapidly growing market.
| Thickness | 0.1 to 0.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 37.4% |
Brands are incorporating soft touch lamination films into their designs, leading to a surge in demand for thin films between 0.1 and 0.5 millimeters thick. These films, projected to capture a 37.4% revenue share in 2024, offer aesthetics and functionality, allowing manufacturers to create innovative container designs with intricate shapes and details.
Thin films are revolutionizing packaging design by creating visually striking chocolate boxes with a velvety texture. This is driven by consumer preference for a soft touch experience, leading to increased demand for thin lamination films. As brands differentiate themselves, innovative and captivating packaging designs are expected to emerge due to the versatility of thin, soft-touch lamination films.
The soft touch lamination film market is witnessing a two-pronged approach from key players. Established industry leaders are prioritizing research and development to stay ahead of the curve. Such a strategy translates into cutting-edge products with improved features. Soft touch films with enhanced durability, superior scratch resistance, or even embedded functionalities like anti-microbial properties. By constantly innovating, leading companies aim to solidify their market position and cater to the evolving needs of brands.
Meanwhile, emerging companies are taking a collaborative approach. They are strategically collaborating with local and regional firms to augment their geographic reach. Such a procedure allows them to leverage local expertise and distribution networks, facilitating the introduction of new soft touch lamination film options to previously untapped markets.
This sort of dual strategy, which eventually benefits both brands and consumers, is fostering a dynamic and competitive soft touch lamination film market: innovation from established companies and market development through partnership.
Recent Industry Developments in Soft Touch Lamination Film Market:
In terms of material, the industry is divided into Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyester (PET), Polyamide (PA), Polyethylene (PE), and other materials such as EVA, and EVOH.
In terms of thickness, the industry is segregated into upto 0.1 mm, 0.1 to 0.5 mm, 0.5 to 1.0 mm, and above 1.0 mm.
End use industries of the sector are packaging, printing and publication.
Key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Oceania have been covered in the report.
The industry is projected to witness CAGR of 3.7% between 2024 and 2034.
The global soft touch lamination film industry stood at USD 1.5 billion in 2023.
The global industry is anticipated to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2034.
India is set to record the highest CAGR of 5.8% in the assessment period.
Doro Tape (UK) Ltd., Monotech Systems Ltd., and Avery Dennison Corporation.
1. Executive Summary
2. Industry Introduction, including Taxonomy and Market Definition
3. Market Trends and Success Factors, including Macro-economic Factors, Market Dynamics, and Recent Industry Developments
4. Global Market Demand Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, including Historical Analysis and Future Projections
5. Pricing Analysis
6. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
6.1. Material Type
6.2. Lamination Type
6.3. Film Thickness
6.4. Coating Type
6.5. End Use
7. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Material Type
7.1. Plastic
7.2. Bioriented Polypropylene film (BOPP)
7.3. Bi-Axially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate (BOPET)
7.4. Extrusion-Coated Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
7.5. Polypropylene (PP)
7.6. Paper
8. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Lamination Type
8.1. One-Side Lamination Film
8.2. Double-side Lamination Film
9. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Film Thickness
9.1. Below 15 Microns
9.2. 15-25 Microns
9.3. 26-35 Microns
9.4. Above 35 Microns
10. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Coating Type
10.1. Water-Based
10.2. Solvent-Based
11. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By End Use
11.1. Presentation / Book Covers
11.2. Dust Jackets
11.3. Pocket Folders
11.4. Postcards
11.5. Gift Bags
11.6. Premium Prints
11.7. Corporate Brochures
11.8. Electronic Packaging
11.9. Luxury Folding Cartons
11.10. Others
12. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Region
12.1. North America
12.2. Latin America
12.3. Western Europe
12.4. South Asia
12.5. East Asia
12.6. Eastern Europe
12.7. Middle East & Africa
13. North America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
14. Latin America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
15. Western Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
16. South Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
17. East Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
18. Eastern Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
19. Middle East & Africa Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
20. Sales Forecast 2024 to 2034 by Material Type, Lamination Type, Film Thickness, Coating Type, and End Use for 30 Countries
21. Competition Outlook, including Market Structure Analysis, Company Share Analysis by Key Players, and Competition Dashboard
22. Company Profile
22.1. Doro Tape (UK) Ltd.
22.2. Monotech Systems Ltd.
22.3. Avery Dennison Corporation
22.4. DUNMORE Corporation
22.5. Ampacet Corporation
22.6. Pragati Corporation
22.7. Jet Technologies
22.8. Taghleef Industries SLU
22.9. Flex film Limited
22.10. Cosmo Films, Ltd.
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Soft Touch Lamination Film Market
