Stretching towards success: Plastic films get stronger and more transparent if they are stretched longitudinally and crosswise during production. The "biaxially oriented" plastics polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (BOPE) and polyester (BOPET) are processed into packaging, bags and sacks, shrink and stretch films, but also, for example, agricultural films, insulation material and industrial films.

Bag bans: every micrometer counts

The market for packaging films is growing strongly, although more and more countries are trying to take action against plastic waste. Within the European Union, disposable plastic carrier bags thinner than 0.05 millimeters are banned. However, some supermarket chains are now simply issuing slightly thicker bags, for example with wall thicknesses of 53 or 55 micrometers. Paper-thin shirt bags with less than 15 micrometers will continue to be allowed in the self-service section for loose fruits, vegetables and other perishable foods regardless. Ceresana analysts expect an average growth of 3.9% per year for thicker BOPET films of 50 micrometers or more, which are used, for example, for packaging stationery or electronic goods.

The aftermath of COVID

The trend towards online retailing and hygienic individual packaging continues even after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. This not only increases the demand for secondary and transport packaging such as shrink and stretch films, but also for adhesive tapes, most of which are also made from plastic films. In the already developed countries, "zero waste shops", which are already a small niche, have been hit hard by COVID; in the rest of the world, on the other hand, the trend towards plastic packaging continues unabated. Stand-up pouches and microwavable packaging in particular are on the rise, as are individual packages that offer better dispensability and shelf life. At present, however, the persistently high inflation in many countries is causing a certain decline in consumer confidence.

Bioplastics fertilize the fields

Agricultural films are another segment with strong growth: climate change entails more frequent extreme weather conditions, which in turn increase the need for better protection of strawberries and asparagus fields, for example. The ongoing intensification of agriculture is also increasing the consumption of agricultural films. Bioplastics can already be commercially successful in horticulture, agriculture and forestry: Films made from starch, polylactic acid (PLA) or other biopolymers do not have to be disposed of at high cost after use, but can serve as compost on site. Other industries are also increasingly turning to "bio" products: Biobased paints, coatings and insulating materials, for example, are appropriately supplied in biobased packaging by the construction industry.

Current Market Study Plastic Films – World

Chapter 1 analyzes the global market for plastic films with forecasts up to 2032: production and demand volumes in tonnes, as well as revenues in USD and EUR are provided globally and for individual regions. Global demand is broken down for the different types of plastics: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (unoriented CPP, BOPP, other PP), BOPET < 50 µm, BOPET > 50 µm, PVC, other plastics.
In Chapter 2, the 18 most significant countries for plastic films are considered individually. Country-specific demand, revenues, and production volume per film type are presented: LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, BOPET, PVC, other plastics. The demand is further analyzed for the individual application areas: Packaging Films, Bags and Sacks, Shrink and Stretch Films, Agricultural Films, other Applications.
Chapter 3 provides company profiles of the most important plastic film producers, clearly arranged by contact details, revenues, profit, product range, production facilities and brief profile. Detailed profiles are provided by 99 manufacturers. Further information about the new market study “Plastic Films – World (3rd edition)”: https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/plastic-films-market-report-world


About Ceresana
As one of the world's leading market research institutes, Ceresana specializes in the chemicals, plastics, packaging, and industrial goods sectors. Special focus areas are bio-economy and automotive / mobility. Since 2002, companies have benefited from high-quality industry analyses and forecasts. Over 250 market studies provide more than 10,000 clients around the world with the knowledge base for sustainable success.