Polypropylene Packaging Films Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Process Type (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) and Cast Polypropylene (CPP)), By Product Type (Bags & Pouches, Bags, Wraps, Tapes & Labels, and Others), By Application (Food & Beverages, Healthcare, Electrical & Electronics, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Household, Industrial, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The polypropylene packaging films market size was valued at USD 28.79 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 30.31 billion in 2023 to USD 44.64 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.68% during the forecast period.

Polypropylene (PP) is a plastic polymer commonly used to make plastic films for packaging. Its key advantage is that it can be combined with other materials, which gives the film additional properties, such as increased resistance and insulation or protection from external influences. It has a matte surface and a clear color scheme. These films feature a high gloss, high clarity, good tensile properties, and a high melting point, making them appropriate for applications requiring high-temperature sterilization. Polypropylene films are well-known for their high chemical resistance, low odor, and inertness, making them the desired choice for packaging applications requiring FDA regulations. Some of the most common applications of polypropylene packaging films include food packaging, shrink wrap, candy packaging, adhesive film, diaper & sterile packaging, and cigarette packaging. The wide application of these films is contributing to the growth of this market.

COVID-19 IMPACT

The Pandemic Had a Moderate Effect on the Market Due to the Application of Films in Several Industries

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the polypropylene packaging films market growth. The outbreak affected not only the food & beverage industry but also the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries. It led to extreme changes in consumers' lifestyles as well.

As the surge in COVID-19 cases increased hygiene concerns considerably, the demand for packaged goods skyrocketed. Various countrywide lockdowns and curfews led to panic buying of packaged products, particularly in the FMCG industry. This, in turn, boosted the demand for food packaging products. While distribution channels experienced supply disruptions due to border closures and temporary production halts, companies increasingly relied on digital channels to improve consumer engagement. These factors led to the moderate growth of this market during the pandemic.

Polypropylene Packaging Films Market Trends

Rapid Changes in Technology and Rising Investments are Emerging as New Market Trends

The polypropylene packaging films market has been one of the fastest growing markets in the last decade. This growth was largely due to the introduction of new products and technologies, the need for new materials, and increased consumer awareness. While the consumer segment remains the major driver of this market’s growth, the industry also sees significant growth opportunities in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. As the demand for packaged foods continues to rise, the market is also increasingly adopting reinforced packaging solutions to improve the shelf life of food items and protect their freshness.

Over the last decade, the plastic packaging industry has evolved from single-layer to multi-layer packaging films. These films have different layers and offer physical and mechanical properties that improve their functionality and sustainability. Furthermore, they are a cost-effective alternative to rigid plastic packaging. They provide a strong barrier against oxygen and moisture and can, therefore, protect food and other goods from spoilage. Additionally, they offer eye-catching aesthetics that help attract consumers.

Growing awareness about food safety is another key market driver. Consumers want convenience and safety when consuming packaged food products. Therefore, manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development activities to develop innovative solutions. These innovations aim to provide affordable solutions to meet customer needs. For instance, in May 2023, three Tokyo-based plastics companies Toppan, Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello, and Mitsui Chemicals launched a pilot program to test a new technology for recycling printed biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films back into new flexible packaging materials.

Polypropylene Packaging Films Market Growth Factors

Increasing Use of Polypropylene Packaging Films in Food & Beverage Industry to Contribute to Market Growth

Consumption of food and beverages has increased significantly over the years. With this growth comes an increased need for new food packaging solutions that can help extend shelf life while preserving the taste and flavor of these products. Polypropylene packaging films play a major role in the development of these new solutions. One of the biggest challenges in food and beverage manufacturing is spoilage. However, using these films can not only help prevent food spoilage, but also extend their shelf life, which is a top priority for almost every food manufacturer today. These films are used to preserve and protect foods that are sensitive to oxygen, moisture, flavors and light, such as dry ingredients & powders, coffee, and snacks. Manufacturers and consumers benefited from the longer shelf life of foods and reduced food waste, using the films and such properties  are promoting  the growth of this market.

Rising Demand for Cast Polypropylene (CPP) Films to Enhance Market Growth

With companies gradually focusing on introducing improved packaging materials, the cast polypropylene film (CPP) industry has gained commendable momentum in recent years. CPP is widely known for its versatility and is becoming increasingly popular in several industries. There has been a significant increase in the demand for this material due to its higher impact & tear resistance, better performance in cold conditions, and heat-sealing properties.

Additionally, rising demand for ready-to-eat and partially cooked convenience foods will drive the product demand over the forecast period. Due to their high barrier properties, the demand for metallized CPP films is expected to increase during the forecast period. Moreover, growing food packaging and agriculture industries will drive the product demand in the coming years. These films are suitable as outer and secondary packaging for medical and pharmaceutical products that require a high level of transparency. They are characterized by flexible rigidity and high abrasion & puncture resistance. These features of CPP films will help in increasing their demand among customers.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Initial Investments and High Cost of Films to Impede Market Growth

Polypropylene packaging films are widely used in various industries but they come with some challenges,  one of the biggest of them being their cost. These films can be more expensive than other types of packaging materials, which may make them less cost-effective for some applications. In addition, high costs associated with the initial investment, or in other words, the need for a large initial capital investment, will negatively affect the market’s growth. Moreover, high operating and maintenance costs will pose additional challenges to the market’s progress.

In several countries, governments have banned the use of plastic for packaging applications as it increases waste and harms the environment. Several developing and underdeveloped countries lack infrastructure to recycle these films, thereby hampering the growth of the market.

With restrictions increasing across the world due to the pandemic, there was a decline in the demand for and supply of packaging solutions. Fluctuations in raw material and oil prices will also prove to be a disadvantage, thereby challenging the market’s growth.

Such films offer many advantages in packaging applications, but they also present some challenges that should be taken into account.

Polypropylene Packaging Films Market Segmentation Analysis

By Process Type Analysis

Attractive Properties Offered by Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Packaging Films Boosts Their Demand

Based on process type, the market is segmented into biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and cast polypropylene (CPP).

The biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) segment is dominating the market. Packaging films made from this process are clear, flexible, and transparent/translucent and are made up of materials produced from the PP polymer. These films have high hot tack & seal strength, slip & anti-static properties, and high moisture resistance. Owing to these properties, BOPP films have wide usage in several industries, thus enhancing the growth of this segment.

The CPP segment is the second dominating segment in the market. The growing use of these films in specialty packaging solutions as a sealant layer in conjunction with other plastic substrates for packaging food products and twist wrapping candies is driving the growth of this segment.

By Product Type Analysis

Increasing Demand for Packaged Food Products Augments Use of Wraps in Food & Beverage Industry

Based on product type, the market is segmented into bags & pouches, wraps, tapes & labels, and others.

The wraps segment holds the largest polypropylene packaging films market share. The increasing demand for packaged food products has boosted the use of wraps in the food & beverage sector. Wrapping food items in polypropylene films provides a strong barrier against sunlight, heat, and air, thereby preserving the quality of the product and its organoleptic properties (taste, aroma, and flavor). This factor is expected to contribute to the segment’s growth.

The polypropylene bags & pouches segment is the second-largest segment in this market. Bags and pouches made from polypropylene are germ-free and non-toxic. They are resistant to tearing and stretching, making them an ideal choice for packaging heavy or fragile items. They are also dust and moisture-resistant, making them suitable for storing food or other perishables. These properties are driving the growth of this segment.

Application Analysis

Product Use Increased in Food & Beverage Applications Due to Benefits Offered in Food Preservation

Based on application, the market is segmented into food & beverage, healthcare, electrical & electronics, personal care & cosmetics, household, industrial, and others.

The food & beverage segment is the leading segment in the market. Polypropylene packaging films ensure optimal food preservation and provide a high barrier against sunlight, heat and air, thereby preserving the product’s quality and its organoleptic properties (taste, aroma, and flavor). Its unique properties make polypropylene packaging films most suited for the packaging and food & beverage industries. The increasing demand for packed and ready-to-eat meals due to shifting preferences and changing lifestyles is also boosting the growth of this segment.

The pharmaceuticals segment is the second dominant segment in the market. The demand for pharmaceutical packaging is expected to increase in the coming years due to the increased need for protecting medicines from the external environment, along with the need for sustainable delivery methods, which will eventually accelerate the segment’s growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific is the leading region in this market. Growing disposable income, rapid urbanization, and increasing consumption of packaged foods are contributing to the regional market’s growth. Furthermore, the retail industry is anticipated to be a major driver of this market in this region. Rising demand for ready-to-eat meals has increased the need for safe and environmentally friendly packaging solutions, thus driving the growth of the regional market. The presence of developing economies, such as China, India, and Japan and continuous investments in product development are also driving the regional market’s growth.

North America is the second dominating region in this market. The demand for comfort foods, such as baked goods, biscuits, chocolates, confectioneries, tobacco, and alcohol is increasing in this region, which has led to a high demand for polypropylene packaging films, hence driving the regional market’s growth.

Europe is also experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for sustainable polypropylene packaging films. Some nations in this region have strict regulations on plastic packaging products which has led to the development of new and environmentally friendly packaging solutions, thereby amplifying the regional market’s progress.

Latin America is anticipated to showcase moderate growth. Increasing urbanization and rising consumer spending are fostering the growth of the region’s food & beverage industry. Moreover, the increasing adoption of these films in labelling and lamination applications is further fueling the market’s growth in this region.

The Middle East & Africa is forecasted to grow at a steady rate. Growing international investments are driving the regional market’s development.

List of Key Polypropylene Packaging Films Market Companies

Key Market Participants Witnessing Significant Growth Opportunities Due to Introduction of Innovative Packaging Solutions

The market is highly fragmented and competitive. In terms of market share, a few major players are dominating the market by offering innovative packaging solutions. These companies are constantly focusing on expanding their customer base across regions through innovation.

Some of the major players in the market include Toyoba, ProAmpac LLC, UFlex Limited, Profol GmbH, FlexoFilms, and others. Numerous other players operating in the market are also focused on delivering advanced packaging solutions.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Toyoba (Japan)


• Polyplex Corporation Ltd. (India)


• Panverta (Indonesia)


• TRINIFLEX (Poland)


• Cosmo Films Ltd. (India)


• Innovia Films (U.S.)


• ProAmpac LLC (U.S.)


• UFlex Limited (India)


• Profol GmbH (Germany)


• FlexoFilms (U.S.)


• SRF Limited (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2022 - Innovia launched a new cast polypropylene film named Propacast KF, which was specifically designed as a lamination solution for HFFS, VFFS, and lidding applications. The film is fully recyclable and has a wide heat seal range.


• November 2021 - Cosmo Films Ltd., one of the global leaders in specialty films for flexible packaging, labelling and lamination applications, launched an enhanced barrier metalized BOPP film. The film is specially designed for packaging applications and has high moisture & good oxygen barrier properties and high metal bond.


• November 2020 - Argha Films U.S.A. launched a new BOPP film, Arlene Films. Arlene is engineered to meet the packaging needs for protection, sensory, machinability, and profitability for any FMCG industry.


• September 2020 - KM Packaging, a global flexible packaging and lidding films supplier, launched a new range of mono-polymer material lidding films made from polypropylene (PP) that is designed for recyclability. The films can be used in microwave cooking and are suitable for ambient, frozen, or chilled applications.


• January 2020 - Coveris launched a sustainable version of its CPP films to support the concept of circular economy. By combining the benefits of normal CPP and BOPP films, it offers ideal properties for flexible packaging of food, pet food, and non-food products in the market.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects, such as leading companies, competitive landscape, product/service types, Porter’s five forces analysis, and leading end-users of the product. Besides, the report offers insights into the latest market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION