High Barrier Packaging Films Market size is evaluated at USD 19.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed USD 31.3 billion by the end of 2037, witnessing over 4.2% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of high barrier packaging films is assessed at USD 19.9 billion. Busier consumer lifestyles have boosted a significant demand for processed foods with extended shelf-life, including food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products.
In many cases, plastics have failed to maintain the quality and safety of products packed for a longer period. The high-barrier packaging films are hence developed to offer superior protection against oxygen, moisture, light, and other environmental factors. With consumers seeking ready-to-use products, several packaging films have been made available commercially to protect the products and maintain their freshness and quality, with fewer added preservatives. For instance, Eurocast launched a series of high-barrier mono-material films without an EVOH barrier layer, named CRYSTA-LINE. The series is developed with transparent aluminum oxide (AIOx) coating technology, reducing both the use of raw materials and the weight of the packaging.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
4.2% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 19.1 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 31.3 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Product (Bags and Pouches, Trays Lidding Films, Wrapping Films, Blister Packs)
The bags and pouches segment in high barrier packaging films market is projected to drive the product segment during the forecast period, owing to their rising demand in transporting and storing processes. These products are used in several industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, personal care, and cosmetics for packaging and storage of products. Their popularity is majorly driven by their property of convenience. In January 2021, Innovia expanded its Propafilm Strata range of transparent, high-barrier, mono-structure, packaging films with SLF, which is a chlorine-free barrier from moisture, oxygen, and mineral oils. Factors like these are projected to boost the segment’s development, leading to a significant growth rate.
Application (Food and Beverages, Pharmaceutical, Personal Care and Cosmetics)
The food and beverage segment in high barrier packaging films market is anticipated to hold the highest share of the revenue by 2037. This industry uses packaging films with high barriers to store and ship a wide range of products. These include ready-to-eat meals, dairy products, bakery, confectionery, meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, in addition to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. These films prevent spoilage and contamination, ensuring that the food and beverage retain their flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Packaging films are particularly essential in packing perishable items, frozen foods, and snacks. Owing to the high demand for products in this segment, it is projected to witness high growth during the forecast period.
Our in-depth analysis of the global high barrier packaging films market includes the following segments:
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Material |
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Product |
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Application |
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Technology |
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North America Market Analysis
The high barrier packaging films market in North America is projected to experience significant growth owing to rising demand for extended shelf-life for products like food and other consumer goods. Growing e-commerce and changing preferences for convenient foods are encouraging manufacturers in the region to develop superior-quality packaging films. For instance, in October 2022, Toppan added their series of GL BARRIER1 brand products to meet the growing demand for mono-material solutions, particularly in North America.
Rising engagement in online shopping and home delivery services are two of major the driving factors for the high barrier packaging films market in the U.S. It is further fueled by the demand for snacks, and ready-to-eat meals owing to the busy lifestyle of the citizens. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in April 2024, agriculture, food, and related industries contributed 5.6% to U.S. gross domestic product in 2023. This signifies that owing to the high demand for food-related products and services, the U.S. market will witness notable growth in North America.
Canada's government is focusing on reducing plastic waste and encouraging the use of recyclable and compostable materials. This is expected to accelerate biodegradable high-barrier packaging film developments in the country. Additionally, the country is witnessing a rising demand for frozen food, mainly in the dairy and meat sectors, which is further boosted by the e-commerce sector expansion. Consumers in the country also prefer fresh and locally sourced products with effective packing. Factors like these suggest a rise in the high barrier packaging films market in Canada with a considerable share.
APAC Market Statistics
APAC is expected to register a healthy CAGR, driven by ongoing urbanization, increasing disposable income, and the rise of e-commerce, leading to innovations in packaging technologies. Driven by the massive consumer base, China and India are the largest contributors to the growth of the region. Companies in the region are likely to focus on sustainable solutions to align with global environmental standards.
Advancements in material science have unlocked ways for the development of more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions in India. This includes the development of biodegradable and recyclable high-barrier films. Companies are also shifting their focus to sustainable films to gain a bigger consumer base. For instance, in March 2024, TOPPAN Inc. along with India-based TOPPAN Speciality Films Private Limited (TSF) announced the launch of GL-SP, a barrier film for sustainable packaging. GL-SP uses biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) as the substrate. These films are eco-friendly packaging that caters to strict regulatory requirements that further contribute to the market growth.
The increasing middle-class population in China is driving the demand for packaged food with a longer shelf-life, leading to a higher need for packaging films. The e-commerce in China is at a boom, in addition to an expansion of the pharmaceutical sector due to the rapidly aging population. These sectors demand high-barrier packaging films to protect their products from environmental damage factors. Furthermore, the Plastic Ban Policy in China, aimed at plastic waste reduction is prompting the industry to develop alternative and sustainable materials.
Companies are focused on developing films with superior barrier properties, such as resistance to moisture, oxygen, and light, to further extend product shelf life, and maintain quality. This is majorly done to meet the strict regulations related to packaging safety. For instance, in July 2024, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, launched a national mission on sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, businesses are investing in sustainable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes to meet the demand for greener packaging solutions. For instance, in April 2023, Huhtamaki announced the launch of its Blueloop Mono Materials Solutions. It is an innovative and sustainable mono-material flexible packaging, available in three alternative material solutions: PAPER, PE, and PP.
Some prominent companies include:
Author Credits: Abhishek Anil
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