Global PVC Films Market by Technology Model (Extrusion, Calendaring, and Others), Product (Rigid PVC Films, Polymeric Flexible PVC Films, Monomeric Flexible PVC Films, and Others), End Use (Packaging, Printing, Building Materials, Medical, and Others), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

PVC Films Overview

PVC films are sheets or films made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic plastic polymer. PVC film is used as shrink and stretch wrap for industrial and consumer goods and as pallet wrap. PVC films typically comes in three forms which is blown, rigid, and flexible. The flexible PVC films are highly durable and resistant to adverse environmental conditions like corrosive chemicals, abrasion, shock, and impact. On the contrary, rigid PVC films are widely used in construction, automotive, and electronics industries. Thickness of PVC film ranges from 88 GSM to 400 GSM (grams per square meter).

Global PVC Films Market Analysis

The global PVC films market size was $14.4 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 4.1%, by generating a revenue of $21.1 billion by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global PVC Films Market

Demand for protective equipment such as face shields, medical gowns, and barriers increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. PVC films are used in the manufacturing of these protective equipment, which led to an increase in demand for PVC films. On the contrary, the restrictions on transportation and lockdown impacted the global supply chains including the availability of raw materials for PVC film production. It led to delays in the delivery and supply of raw materials which impacted the production of the PVC films. The construction industry was temporary closed during the lockdown, with many projects kept on hold or delayed. This led to decrease in the demand for PVC films from the construction industry. Many people faced financial uncertainty during the pandemic which led to reduced consumer spending on non-essential items. This changed spending behavior of customers affected the industries such as automotive, electronics, and packaging, which are significant users of PVC films. People understood the importance of environmental sustainability, and there has been rising demand for reducing plastic usage.

Growing Demand for Sustainable PVC to Drive the Market Growth

PVC films play a major role in packaging industries. The growth of packaging sector is increasing the demand for convenience and availability of sustainable PVC films. PVC films are used in packaging various products such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and consumer goods. The rigid type of PVC films is mainly used in the construction sector for applications like window profiles, flooring, roofing, wall cladding, and pipes. The expansion of the residential sector along with infrastructure development creates a significant demand for PVC films. PVC material is also used in manufacturing consumer goods, stationary, toys, and household products. PVC films are used in the electronic industry for the application like insulation, cable sheathing, and display screens. PVC films possess desirable properties such as durability, chemical resistance, electrical insulation. These characteristics are useful for many manufacturing industries which leads to an increase in the demand for PVC films.

Environmental Concerns to Restrain the Market Growth

PVC films are made up from polyvinyl chloride, which is a type of plastic. There are various environmental concerns regarding plastic waste as they have an impact on ecosystem. These concerns related to the plastic usage can limit the PVC films market growth. The PVC films are dependent on availability and prices of raw materials. Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials can impact the overall cost of PVC films production which affects the overall profit margin of manufacturers. PVC films face competition from alternative materials that provides similar and improved properties including bio-based films, compostable films, and other eco-friendly materials. These materials are gaining attention as substitutes for PVC films, which can be a big restrain for the PVC films market. PVC films contains different types of additives, such as plasticizers and stabilizers, which creates health concerns. The rules and regulations regarding the use of these additives can affect the formulation process and performance of the PVC films. These factors have negatively influenced the demand for PVC films.

Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies to Drive Excellent Opportunities

There is increasing demand for sustainable packaging because of the economic concerns. PVC films manufacturers can seize this opportunity by developing eco-friendly PVC films which has comparatively similar properties to the traditional PVC films but with reduced environmental impact. Owing to rising advancements in manufacturing technologies, manufacturers can invest in R&D to create innovative PVC films with improved properties such as durability, heat resistance, and barrier properties. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in some regions are leading to increased infrastructure development. This presents the opportunities for the PVC films in applications like construction, infrastructure, and transportation, where PVC films are widely needed. PVC films are widely used in healthcare sector, for medical packaging, surgical drapes, IV bags, and medical device components. The increasing demand for healthcare services and the ongoing need for safe and hygienic medical packaging present opportunities for PVC films manufacturers to acquire the health sector. There is an increasing demand for packaging materials that provide protection, visibility, and branding opportunities in the e-commerce sector.

Global PVC Films Market Share, by Technology, 2022

The calendaring sub-segment accounted for the highest share in 2022. Calendaring is a continuous process that involves passing a PVC compound through multiple rolls to create a thin uniform film. It is a specialty process for high-volume, high quality plastic film and sheet, mainly used for PVC as well as for certain other modified thermoplastics. The main types are beetling, watered, embossing, and Schreiner. Various finishes can be achieved through the calendaring process by varying different aspects of the process. Calendaring is a versatile and widely used process for manufacturing thin sheets or films with desired properties, shapes, and dimensions. The calendaring process involves various steps such as material preparation, feeding and entry zone, calendar rolls, rolling and compression, temperature control, cooling and stabilization, additional processing, and winding or cutting.

Global PVC Films Market Size, by Product, 2022

The rigid PVC films sub-segment accounted for the highest share in 2022. Rigid PVC films is a thermoplastic polymer used in construction, food & non-food packaging, signage, and bank, gift, or loyalty cards. Rigid PVC films is known for its excellent flame retardance, strength, and impact resistance. PVC films are stiff and do not easily flex or bend. They also maintain their shape and dimensions over the time. Rigid PVC films are moisture resistant which makes them suitable for the humid environmental conditions. Rigid PVC films presents application in wide range of industries including packaging, graphic art, stationary, construction, medical & healthcare sector, and automotive industry. The thickness of rigid PVC films is ranging from 100 microns (0.1 mm) to several millimeters. They can be produced in various colors, including clear, opaque, and tinted options. Rigid PVC films can be manufactured through various processes, such as extrusion or calendaring.

Global PVC Films Market Growth, by End Use, 2022

The packaging sub-segment accounted for the highest share in 2022. PVC films are widely used in various packaging applications due to their excellent properties such as durability and versatility. The PVC films are extensively used in medical and healthcare industries for the packaging of pharmaceuticals, healthcare products, and consumer goods. The PVC films are used in clamshell packaging for the products like electronics, hardware, toys, and personal care items. The transparent characteristic of PVC films provides visibility and protection to the products. PVC films finds application in food packaging for products such as bakery items, snacks, and processed food. These films can also be used for creating trays, containers, and wraps that provides display and protection to the food products. PVC films are also used in the cosmetic industry for packaging. They offer a combination of aesthetic appeal, durability, and product visibility. PVC films are used to package consumer products like electronics, household goods, hardware, and DIY items due to the protective packaging solutions with product visibility and branding opportunities. PVC films offer versatility, durability, clarity, and customization options, making them suitable for a wide range of packaging needs across different industries.

 Global PVC Films Market Analysis, by Region, 2022

The North America PVC films market generated the highest revenue in 2022. North America has well developed manufacturing infrastructure for PVC films. The region has established manufacturing facilities and supply chain. This environment allows for efficient production and distribution for PVC films and generation of highest revenue. The region has robust industrial and commercial sector which leads to more demand for PVC films in various applications. Industries including packaging, construction, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods use PVC films for their products and operations. North America is known for its technological advancements and innovation in the plastics industry. This region mainly focuses on the developing high quality PVC films including advanced formulations, production techniques, and application-specific solutions, which has greater demand in international market. The quality and reliability of PVC films manufactured in North America make them attractive to international market.

Competitive Scenario in the Global PVC Films Market

Plastic Film Corporation of America, Inc. operates as a supplier of plastic materials. Plastic Film Corporation was founded in 1978 by John Bittner and Dick Smith. The company distributes plastics films, binding materials, and pool liners. Plastic Film Corporation of America serves customers in North America and has become North America's largest distributor of quality plastic films and related products. Companies’ multiple warehouses and relationships with various manufacturers helps to develop plastics all over the world and work to the needs of what clients expect for their long-term success. Plastic Film Corporation has a strong market share in their industry. Plastic Film Corporation's annual revenue is $6,069,000.

Some of the leading global PVC films market players are Plastic Film Corporation, Ronald Mark Associates, Achilles USA, C.I. Takiron Corporation, Tekra, Walton Plastics, Presco, ACG North America, Teknor Apex, and Plastatech.