Barrier Films Market - By Material (Polymer-based Barrier Films, Inorganic Oxide Coating, Organic Coating), By Type (Transparent Barrier Films, Metallized Barrier Films, White Barrier Films), By Packaging Type, By End-use Industry & Forecast, 2023 – 2032

Barrier Films Market Size

Barrier Films Market was valued at over USD 28.5 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 5.5% between 2023 and 2032. The growing global demand for packaged and processed foods boosts the need for effective barrier packaging solutions. Rising online food delivery platforms and changing consumer preferences have led to a significant increase in takeout & delivery orders from restaurants. According to Nation Statistics, the number of restaurants in Europe reached over 101,785 in 2022 compared to 95,060 in 2021 and the takeaway food shop count in the UK increased to over 43,000 in 2022 compared to 40,000 in 2021. Barrier films are essential for securely packaging orders placed at these establishments, ensuring that the food remains fresh, hot & free from contamination during transit. Barrier films extend the shelf life of prepared foods, allowing restaurants to prepackage meals for delivery or takeout. This capability reduces food wastage and allows restaurants to offer a wider variety of food items for delivery, thereby catering to diverse customer preferences.
 

Barrier films are thin, protective layers used in packaging to prevent the permeation of gases, moisture, light, and contaminants. These specialized films enhance the shelf life and quality of products, such as food, pharmaceuticals & electronics, by creating a barrier against external elements, ensuring product freshness and integrity.
 

The production of high-performance barrier films often involves specialized materials, precise manufacturing processes, and advanced technologies. These factors contribute to elevated production costs, making the final products expensive. In cost-sensitive markets, businesses may opt for alternative packaging solutions to minimize expenses, hindering the wide adoption of barrier films.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had notable impacts on the barrier films market. The pandemic caused disruptions in global supply chains, affecting the production and availability of raw materials used in barrier films. Supply chain challenges including factory closures & transportation restrictions led to intermittent shortages and affected the timely delivery of products, negatively impacting the market. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, online shopping & e-commerce experienced a significant boost. Barrier films used in e-commerce packaging became crucial in ensuring the safe delivery of products to consumers' doorsteps, leading to an increased demand for protective & tamper-evident packaging solutions. The pandemic heightened concerns about hygiene and safety, leading to a surge in demand for hygienic packaging materials. Barrier films, particularly those used in food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare products, witnessed an increased adoption due to their ability to protect products from external contaminants.
 

Barrier Films Market Trends

Sustainability remains a significant trend with a growing emphasis on developing barrier films made from recyclable, biodegradable, and renewable materials. Eco-friendly packaging options are gaining traction owing to consumer awareness and environmental concerns.
 

Customization of barrier films to meet unique industry requirements is a prevalent trend. Functionalities, such as antimicrobial properties, oxygen scavenging, and controlled release of active substances, are being incorporated into films, expanding their applications in the food, pharmaceutical & healthcare sectors. Continuous innovations in material science including the development of nanocomposite films and bio-based polymers are enhancing the barrier properties of these films. These advancements allow for the creation of high-performance films tailored for specific applications.
 

Barrier Films Market Analysis

Based on end-use industry, the market is segmented into food & beverages, pharmaceutical & medical, electronics, agriculture, and others. The food & beverages segment dominated the global market with a share of over 35% in 2022.
 

• Rising urbanization and busy lifestyles have led to an increased demand for convenience foods. Ready-to-eat meals, frozen foods, and snacks are often packaged using barrier films to ensure that these products remain fresh, flavorful & safe for consumption, thereby catering to the convenience-oriented consumer market.
   
• Barrier films play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of food products. They create a protective shield, preventing contamination from external factors such as moisture, oxygen, and light. By extending the shelf life of perishable goods, these films reduce food wastage and enhance overall food safety.
   

Based on material, the market is divided into polymer-based barrier films, inorganic oxide coating, organic coating, and others. The organic coating segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 7% through 2032.
 

• Organic coatings often consist of biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials. As sustainability becomes a focal point for consumers and businesses alike, there is a growing demand for organic coatings that align with eco-friendly practices. This shift toward sustainable solutions will propels the organic coating material segment growth.
   
• Organic coatings are considered safe for food contact applications. They comply with stringent regulations and food safety standards, ensuring that packaged food items remain uncontaminated & suitable for consumption. Meeting these regulatory requirements is essential for the food & beverage industry, driving the adoption of organic coatings in barrier films.

Asia Pacific dominated the global barrier films industry with a share of over 35% in 2022. The food & beverage industry in Asia Pacific is experiencing significant growth due to changing lifestyles, dietary habits, and a preference for convenience foods. Barrier films are extensively used for packaging perishable goods, processed foods, and beverages to maintain their freshness & extend their shelf life. The thriving food & beverage sector is a key factor propelling the regional market growth. E-commerce platforms have gained immense popularity in Asia Pacific. The region has witnessed a surge in online shopping for a wide range of products including groceries, electronics, and personal care items. Barrier films offer secure and protective packaging, ensuring that products are delivered intact, thereby driving demand for these films in the e-commerce sector.
 

Barrier Films Market Share

Players operating in the barrier films industry focus on implementing different growth strategies to strengthen their offerings and expand their market reach. These strategies involve new product developments & launches, partnerships & collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, and customer retention. These market players also heavily invest in R&D to introduce innovative products in the market. Major players operating in the barrier films industry are:

• Berry Global Inc.
• Amcor PLC
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Toppan Inc.
• Cosmo Films Ltd.
• Jindal Poly Films Ltd.
• DuPont Teijin Films
   

Barrier Films Industry News

• In April 2022, Toppan has strengthened its transparent barrier film line with the introduction of "GL-ME-RC," a new grade that offers both light-shielding and high barrier performance. GL-ME-RC, which broadens the range of uses for GL BARRIER films, will be accessible in April for markets in Japan and other countries. Utilizing GL BARRIER vapor deposition and coating technologies, GL-ME-RC exhibits exceptional flex-resistant barrier performance.
   

The barrier films market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) from 2018 to 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Material

• Polymer-based barrier films
  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
  • Polyamide (PA)
• Inorganic oxide coating
• Organic coating
• Others

Market, By Type

• Transparent barrier films
• Metallized barrier films
• White barrier films

Market, By Packaging Type

• Pouches
• Bags
• Lids
• Blister packs
• Others

Market, By End-use Industry

• Food & beverages
• Pharmaceutical & medical
• Electronics
• Agriculture
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA