Breathable Films Market Outlook

Breathable Films Market Outlook

The global breathable films market experienced a significant growth rate of 21.8% in 2022 compared to the previous year, culminating in a market valuation of USD 3,842.1 million. These films are engineered by integrating mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate with polymers, which results in a micro-porous structure capable of allowing water vapor to pass while blocking liquid water. The strategic use of filler materials is cost-effective as it reduces the amount of resin needed by substituting it with carbonates.

The primary polymers used in the production of breathable films include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane. The breathability of these polymer films is determined by their moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) or water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), which measures the film's ability to transmit moisture. Manufacturing processes for breathable films involve both cast and blown film extrusion techniques. Micro-porous breathable films are predominantly used in disposable medical products, such as surgical drapes, sanitary napkins, adult diapers, and under-pads.

In terms of volume, the global market for breathable films has shown a consistent growth pattern. The total volume reached 719.1 thousand tons in 2020 and expanded to 851.3 thousand tons by 2023, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2020 to 2023. This growth is attributed to the rising demand for breathable films in various sectors, spurred by heightened hygiene awareness, expanding healthcare applications, and technological advancements.

The market for breathable films is set for substantial growth, propelled by the burgeoning medical, pharmaceutical, personal care, and hygiene industries. Approximately 48% of breathable films are consumed by the Barrier Fabric industry, mainly for sanitary napkins, diapers, and adult incontinence products. The medical sector is expected to witness the most substantial growth, especially during the pandemic period, due to the surge in the use of hospital disposables worldwide. In contrast, sectors such as construction, apparel and clothing, and food and beverages saw declines during this time. Downstream applications observed growth in 2021 and 2022 but faced negative revenue growth in 2023 due to depressed prices.

The microporous segment dominates the breathable films market, constituting over 60% of the overall market share. It is projected to expand at a rate surpassing the general market growth, driven by its escalating applications in medical and healthcare segments.

The global breathable films market is relatively fragmented, with leading players comprising less than 20% of the total market share. Nevertheless, the market is expected to grow, with merger and acquisition activities among manufacturers reshaping the competitive landscape and prompting market consolidation. Key players in the breathable films market encompass RKW Group, Omya AG, Trioworld Industrier AB, Berry Global Group, Inc., and several others.

The growth drivers for the breathable films market include demographic shifts and consumer trends influencing the market for hygiene products, diverse applications and innovations in breathable film technology, the effects of urbanization and pandemic-driven demand, and the crucial role of breathable films in the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical packaging.