Abstract
US specialty film demand to grow 4.7% annually through 2012
Demand for specialty films is forecast to advance 4.7 percent per annum to
$7.6 billion in 2012. Gains will be driven by the increasing need for
high-performance plastic films that offer such advantages as barrier
properties, mechanical strength and chemical resistance in packaging and
construction applications. Additionally, the penetration of specialty films
into new, high-growth market areas such as photovoltaic modules and
biodegradable bags will also bolster demand. The rapid adoption of modified
atmosphere packaging and case-ready packaging will fuel further gains, as will
improved processing methods in film coating and metallization.
However, demand growth will be inhibited by market maturity or weak demand for
end-use products in a number of specialty film applications, such as PVC
decorative films, microporous films for personal care products and interlayer
films for automotive windows.
Barrier films to stay largest specialty film function
Barrier films will remain the largest segment of the specialty films industry,
accounting for over half of total demand in 2012. Above-average growth will be
driven by the rapid rise of case-ready technology in meat packaging, which
requires barrier films to maintain an optimum atmosphere inside the package.
Biodegradable, water soluble films to grow fastest
The most rapid growth in specialty films will occur in biodegradable and water
soluble films, which will see double-digit gains from a small base. Demand for
biodegradable films, which are used to produce compostable kitchen and lawn
bags, will benefit from environmental concerns and increased commercialization
of bio-based polymers. Water soluble film demand will receive a boost from the
introduction of medicinal and health products in dissolvable thin film form.
Packaging to remain dominant market
Packaging will remain the dominant outlet for specialty films through 2012,
accounting for over half of demand. Gains will result from trends toward more
specialized, functional packaging systems in meat, produce and pharmaceutical
packaging applications. Electronics markets for specialty films will also see
above-average advances, driven by opportunities in emerging markets such as
photovoltaic modules and fuel cells.
Study coverage
This new Freedonia industry study, Specialty Films, presents historical demand data (1997, 2002 and 2007) plus forecasts for 2012
and 2017 by product, function and market. The study also considers market
environment factors, evaluates company market share and profiles 38 US
industry competitors.
This study can help you:
- Determine your market & sales potential
- Learn more about industry competitors
- Assess new products & technologies
- Identify firms to merge with or acquire
- Complement your research & planning
- Gather data for presentations
- Confirm your own internal data
- Make better business decisions
Freedonia' s methods involve:
- Establishing consistent economic and market forecasts
- Using input/output ratios, flow charts and other economic methods to
quantify data
- Employing in-house analysts who meet stringent quality standards
- Interviewing key industry participants, experts and end users
- Researching a proprietary database that includes trade publications,
government reports and corporate literature
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