Breathable Films Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

Worldwide sales of breathable films stood at around USD 2.9 billion in 2023. As per detailed industry analysis, the global breathable films market is projected to increase at a CAGR of 3.8% and reach a valuation of USD 4.2 billion by the year 2033.

Breathable films come across as cost-effective polymer-based films paving the way for moisture control in several applications inclusive of feminine hygiene, adult incontinence supplies, surgical drapes diapers, and adult incontinence products. These are the ones where breathability is a vital factor. Another crucial application of breathable films is roofing membranes.

The flourishing building & construction vertical coupled with the growing demand for food packaging is likely to accelerate the breathable films market in the forecast period. A few other advantages of breathable films include enhanced processability, a wide spectrum of breathability levels, extended shelf life, UV stability, exceptional dispersion, and likewise.

As a result of regular diapers, massive amounts of untreated waste and land pollution are created. These factors, combined with the increasing concern over the environment and the growing awareness among parents about proper baby hygiene, are driving the adoption of breathable films in biodegradable diapers.

The growing geriatric population with obesity rates is contributing to the increasing incidence of adult incontinence, contributing to the market's growth, as well. Apart from this, the growing investment in real estate projects is expected to positively influence the adoption of breathable films in the construction industry.

For instance, Textile back sheets from Trioworld provide breathable protection for sensitive skin. PE laminates and films are used in hygiene products such as surgical drapes, baby diapers, and adult incontinence products.

Printed breathable textiles are produced by stretching the film to create micro holes with breathable calcium carbonate. Printed breathable textiles reduce environmental impact. There is a green product portfolio and green solutions available from the company.

Attributes Details
Breathable Films Market Value (2023) USD 2.9 billion
Breathable Films Market Expected Value (2033) USD 4.2 billion
Breathable Films Market Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) 3.8%

Don't pay for what you don't need

Customize your report by selecting specific countries or regions and save 30%!

Global Breathable Films Market Historical Analysis (2017 to 2022) Vs. Forecast Outlook (2023 to 2033)

Global sales of breathable films have risen at a 4.1% CAGR between 2017 and 2022. Sales of breathable films are projected to expand at a 3.8% CAGR between 2023 and 2033. One of the main factors driving the growth of the breathable film market is the surging geriatric population across the world.

The reason for the change in growth rate is due to their properties such as excellent dispersion, improved processability, a broad range of breathability levels, and extended shelf life of the product. Despite these prospects, breathable films act as an excellent moisture control barrier for packaged foods, extending shelf life by keeping them fresh for a long time.

With the population explosion, the demand for comfortable, hygienic diapers has increased. A growing number of working mothers is another factor driving the demand for breathable films.

Breathability could be referred to the resistance of a fabric to air movement inside and outside of construction or weave. It is a known fact that a baby diaper feels comfortable to use only with breathability. As such, rashes could be avoided, thereby helping with the freshness of the skin. The occurrence of diaper dermatitis could also be reduced by 50%.

On these grounds, Imerys is known for providing high-performance minerals used for producing breathable film for diapers and offering FilmLink products that are made out of fine-grade wet GCC (ground calcium carbonate). The circular and porous form facilitates optimum MVTR (moisture vapor transmission rate), thereby letting air and water vapor pass through fil, but obstructing moisture.

Future Market Insights predict a comparison and review analysis for the dynamics of the breathable films market, which is principally subjected to an array of industry considerations, as well as the availability of substitutes such as moisture barrier films, diffuser films, and waterproof films are expected to hamper the market growth.

The market has seen some recent advancements, such as the innovation of new lite film perforation technology. In May 2022, Innovia expanded its new film capacity in Germany by investing USD 70 million.

  • Short-Term (2022 to 2025): The short-term goal for the breathable films market is to develop more cost-effective and sustainable production processes for breathable films, to make them more accessible and affordable to a wide range of customers.
  • Medium-Term (2025 to 2028): A medium-term goal for the breathable film market could be to expand the range of applications and industries that can benefit from breathable film technology. This could be accomplished by investing in research and development to identify new uses and applications for breathable films, as well as improving the performance and durability of existing products.
  • Long-Term (2028 to 2033): A long-term goal for the breathable film market could be to become a mainstream technology across multiple industries, replacing traditional packaging and materials. This would require continued investment in research and development to improve the performance and versatility of breathable films, as well as increasing awareness and education among consumers and businesses about the benefits of this technology.
Historical CAGR 4.10%
Historical Market Value (2022) USD 2.79 billion
Forecast CAGR 3.80%

Micro Porous Breathable Films to Rule the Roost

Micro Porous Breathable Films to Bolster the Market

Breathable films are known for their high absorbency. This renders them suitable for various applications. Being porous curtails the accumulation of carbon dioxide. Breathable films also find their way to surgical apparel used in pharmaceutical centers and hospitals. These films also contain billions of micro-pores that are small than even water droplets, which create wonder for skin care products.

Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

Talk to Analyst

Find your sweet spots for generating winning opportunities in this market.

Inclination towards Biodegradable Breathable Films

Biodegradable Breathable Films to witness Surge in Demand

A Breathable film constitutes thermoplastic starch, a filler, a biodegradable resin, and a protein. ;Calcium carbonate ;is used for making mineral pyrogens, which, in turn, make breathable films. Of late, manufacturers abstain from using inorganic pyrogens. Along these lines, thermoplastic cross-linked natural polymer like corn starch is used for creating tortuous passages that account for film breathability.

What are the Restraints to Breathable Films Market?

Breathable films have polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene as the base feedstock. The majority of raw materials used for producing textile films are derived from petroleum. Polyester is produced from coal, air, water, and petroleum. This goes without saying that the prices of crude oil are directly proportional to the prices of polyester.

The cost factor is the main restraint to the breathable film market. Another restraint is the slow degradation rate of diapers made out of breathable films, which could be a threat to the ecosystem stem. As of now, over 9.5 million kids in the United States alone use diapers.

Get the data you need at a Fraction of the cost

Personalize your report by choosing insights you need
and save 40%!

Breathable Films Market Category-Wise Insights

The Low Price and Breathability of Polyethylene are Likely to Drive Market Share

Based on material type, the market is segmented into polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, and others. Polyethylene holds a crucial market share as it is notably breathable and cost-effective.

Polyurethane stands second on this count. It is generally used for making liquid and viral barriers, waterproof-breathable medical textiles, wound dressings, and transdermal components.

The Medical Segment is one of the Significantly Growing Segments

According to the end-user industry, the breathable film market is classified into six categories: hygiene, medical, food packaging, construction, fabric, and others. Hygiene is a large application industry for breathable films. It is expected that the breathable film market in this application may continue to grow as baby diapers and sanitary napkins become prevalent in developing countries.

The medical application segment of the breathable film market is expected to grow at a notable rate during the forecast period. Surgical drapes and gowns have become increasingly breathable, which is expected to bolster the market.

Region-wise Insights

North America holds a significant market share due to increasing building & construction activities all across the United States and Canada. Polyethylene films are used herein. Europe is expected to witness a surge due to growing demand from hygiene & personal care, textile, packaging, and pharmaceutical industries.

Asia-Pacific is expected to expand at a prominent rate in the breathable film market. As per IIP (Indian Institute of Packaging), packaging consumption in India has risen by 200% in the last 10 years. Growing demand for polyester in LATAM is expected to take it by storm in the forecast period. The Middle East and Africa are yet to pick up the pace.

Regions Leading in Breathable Films Market: Country-Wise Analysis

What is Propelling Demand Growth for Breathable Films in the United States?

The increasing demand for hygiene products, sustainable packaging, medical products, and food packaging is driving the growth of breathable films in the United States.

As consumers in the United States become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Breathable films can be made from recyclable materials, and they offer improved product protection and extended shelf life compared to traditional packaging materials.

Breathable films are widely used in medical products, such as wound dressings and surgical drapes, due to their ability to allow moisture to escape while protecting the wound or surgical site from contamination. Advancements in medical technology are leading to increased demand for these products.

Can India Be a Profitable Market for Breathable Films?

Yes, India can be a profitable market for breathable films. India is a notably growing economy with a huge population, which presents a significant opportunity for breathable film manufacturers. India has a growing population, and hence there is a growing demand for hygiene products, such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence products, which use breathable films as a key component.

There are also challenges in the Indian markets, such as a lack of infrastructure and high import duties on raw materials. Nevertheless, with the right strategy and partnerships, breathable film manufacturers can tap into the growing demand in India and establish a profitable market presence.

Competitive Landscape

Inflows of Funds are Expected as Market Players Expand their Footprints

The breathable film market players are engaging in capacity expansion, acquisition, collaboration, and new product launches which would keep up the momentum.

  • The Nitto Denko Corporation completed the acquisition of Mondi's four companies in July 2022. These companies may continue to operate under the name Advanced Film Solutions Division, which carries on the personal care business and its subsidiary businesses.
  • A new transparent film was released by Manucor in March 2022. Polyethylene film may be used in the packaging of food products.
  • As a result of the increasing demand for sustainable flexible packaging, Glenroy, Inc. announced that it would expand its adhesive lamination capacity in March 2022.
  • Berry Global, in January 2020, did announce a capacity expansion worth USD 20 million for breathable and sustainable films. As such, the company would be expanding its hygiene, healthcare, and specialty film platforms all across North America.
  • Germany-based Reifenhause, in June 2020, did transform one of the pilot production lines into a film production line for helping a manufacturer of medical protective clothing. This production line is capable of producing close to 110 tons of breathable films, which could cover 1.2 million pieces of protective clothing. SWM International, in July 2019, did expand the TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) film manufacturing capacities by installing of TPU film line at the production facility in Suzhou (China).

Some of the Leading Players Operating in the Breathable Film Market

  • LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
  • DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
  • Kimberly-Clark Corporation
  • Berry Globaal Inc.
  • Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.
  • Rahil Foam Pvt. Ltd.
  • Daika Kogyo Co. Ltd.
  • Fujian Xingyuan Industry Co., Ltd.
  • Toray Industries, Inc.
  • Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
  • Nitto Denko Corporation
  • Trioplast Industries AB
  • Innovia Films
  • RKW Group
  • Fatra A.S.
  • Covestro AG
  • Arkema Group
  • Omya AG
  • Skymark Packaging
  • American Polyfilm

Scope of Report

Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for 2017 to 2022
Market Analysis USD million for Value and MT for Volume
Key Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Europe; The Middle East and Africa; East Asia
Key Countries Covered The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Germany, The United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, Russia, Poland, China, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, GCC Countries, North Africa, South Africa, and Türkiye
Key Segments Covered Material Type, Film Type, End-user, Region
Key Companies Profiled LyondellBasell Industries N.V.; DuPont de Nemours, Inc.; Kimberly-Clark Corporation; Berry Globaal Inc.; Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.; Rahil Foam Pvt. Ltd.; Daika Kogyo Co. Ltd.; Fujian Xingyuan Industry Co., Ltd.; Toray Industries, Inc.; Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.; Nitto Denko Corporation; Trioplast Industries AB; Innovia Films; RKW Group; Fatra A.S.; Covestro AG; Arkema Group; Omya AG; Skymark Packaging; American Polyfilm
Report Coverage Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization & Pricing Available upon Request

Breathable Films Market Segmentation by Category

By Material Type:

  • Polyethylene
  • Polypropylene
  • Polyurethane
  • Others

By Film Type:

  • Micro-Porus
  • Monolithic/Non-Porus

By End-user Industry:

  • Food & Beverages
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Personal Care & Hygiene
  • Apparel & Clothing
  • Building & Construction

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • The Middle East and Africa
  • East Asia

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the Breathable Films Market?

The market is valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2023.

What is the Current Breathable Films Market Valuation?

The market is estimated to secure a valuation of USD 4.2 billion in 2033.

What is the Breathable Films Market's Growth Outlook?

Through 2033, the market is projected to continue to expand at a CAGR of 3.8%.

Which Film Type Segment Leads the Market?

Micro porous breathable films segment to command the market.

How Did the Market's Historical Performance Behave?

Between 2017 and 2022, breathable films sales climbed at a 4.1% HCAGR.

Table of Content
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Market Overview
  • 3. Market Background
  • 4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
  • 5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material Type
    • 5.1. Polyethylene
    • 5.2. Polypropylene
    • 5.3. Polyurethane
    • 5.4. Others
  • 6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Film Type
    • 6.1. Micro-Porus
    • 6.2. Monolithic/Non-Porus
  • 7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End-user
    • 7.1. Food & Beverages
    • 7.2. Pharmaceuticals
    • 7.3. Personal Care & Hygiene
    • 7.4. Apparel & Clothing
    • 7.5. Building & Construction
  • 8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
    • 8.1. North America
    • 8.2. Latin America
    • 8.3. Europe
    • 8.4. Asia Pacific
    • 8.5. MEA
  • 9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 11. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 12. Asia Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 13. MEA Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 14. Key Countries Market Analysis
  • 15. Market Structure Analysis
  • 16. Competition Analysis
    • 16.1. DuPont de Nemours, Inc
    • 16.2. Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    • 16.3. Berry Global Inc.
    • 16.4. Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.
    • 16.5. Rahil Foam Pvt. Ltd.
    • 16.6. Daika Kogyo Co. Ltd.
    • 16.7. Fujian Xingyuan Industry Co., Ltd.
    • 16.8. Toray Industries, Inc.
    • 16.9. Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
    • 16.10. Nitto Denko Corporation
    • 16.11. Trioplast Industries AB
    • 16.12. Innovia Films
  • 17. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
  • 18. Research Methodology
Recommendations

Packaging

Stretch Hood Film Market

February 2024

REP-GB-5157

333 pages

Packaging

Stretch Film Market

February 2024

REP-GB-7387

342 pages

Packaging

Multilayer Flexible Packaging Market

September 2023

REP-GB-9718

254 pages

Packaging

Flexible Plastic Packaging Market

February 2023

REP-GB-4174

333 pages

Explore Packaging Insights

View Reports
Future Market Insights

Breathable Films Market

Schedule a Call