Status : Published Published On : Oct, 2024 Report Code : VRCH2108 Industry : Chemicals & Materials Available Format : Page : 198
2025
2030

Global Water Soluble Films Market Size & Share | Growth Forecast Report 2030

Industry Insights By Application ( Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Food Packaging, Detergents and Laundry Products), By Material (Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Cellulose Derivatives and Others), By Type (Transparent, Opaque, and Color Water-Soluble Films), By Thickness (Thin and Thick sections), By Additives (Plasticizers, Antimicrobial Agents, and Surfactants), By End User (Consumer Goods, Industrial Goods, and Agricultural Good) and By Geography ( North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa)

Industry Overview

The Global Water Soluble Films market size was valued at USD 0.32 billion in 2023. It is anticipated to grow up to USD 0.61 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.20% during the forecast period ranging between 2025 and 2030.

Water Soluble Films Market

Water-soluble films refer to a special type of biodegradable packaging material. Just as the name implies, it dissolves completely in water because these films are usually made from water-soluble polymers. This includes polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or cellulose derivatives. The technology used to make them involves dissolving the polymer in a suitable solvent and casting the solution into a film. The film is then dried to remove the solvent. The advantage of using water-soluble films is that they are biodegradable and therefore reduce environmental impact. It is convenient for the consumers as these can be disposed easily by simply dissolving them in water. This eliminates the need for separate waste disposal or recycling processes. These films are extensively used in detergents, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and food packaging industries.

One of the major growth factors of the global Water Soluble Films market is the growing awareness among consumers about environmental issues and need for sustainability. This promotes the demand for biodegradable packaging solutions and the water-soluble films, being completely biodegradable, capitalize on this trend. Consumers typically choose products that come with environmentally friendly packaging materials, driving the demand for water-soluble films.

The market however faces stiff challenges that hinder widespread adoption and expansion mainly due to the high cost involved in the production of these special films compared to conventional plastic films. It typically needs expensive and high-tech equipment and materials which adds to the cost of production. Still, growth opportunities are offered by the rising consumer awareness of environmental sustainability and willingness to pay a premium for eco-friendly products. The manufacturers capitalize on this trend and develop cost-effective water-soluble film production procedures to maintain high-quality standards and differentiate their products from competitors.

Global Water Soluble Films Market Report Coverage

Report Metric

Details

Historical Period

2018 - 2023

Base Year Considered

2024

Forecast Period

2025 - 2030

Market Size in 2023

U.S.D.  0.32 Billion

Revenue Forecast in 2030

U.S.D.  0.61 Billion

Growth Rate

5.20%

Segments Covered in the Report

By Application, By Material, By Type, By Thickness, By Additives and By End User

Report Scope

Market Trends, Drivers, and Restraints; Revenue Estimation and Forecast; Segmentation Analysis; Impact of COVID-19; Companies’ Strategic Developments; Market Share Analysis of Key Players; Company Profiling

Regions Covered in the Report

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa

Global Water Soluble Films Industry Dynamics

Global Water Soluble Films Market Trends/ Growth Drivers:

Increased emphasis on sustainability is the most significant trend  

The most prominent trend in the global Water Soluble Films market is an improved emphasis on sustainability. Both consumers and governments are now more aware of the environmental impacts of plastic waste which has increased the demand for biodegradable, eco-friendly, and more sustainable packaging solutions. This notable shift towards sustainability is propelling the growth of the market and inspiring manufacturers to invest in research and development activities to produce more innovative and sustainable products. The diversification of the use of these films in different sectors such as pharmaceuticals, detergents, food, consumer electronics, and agriculture sector as well as in emerging markets along with the ongoing developments in manufacturing processes are notable trends that are also impacting the market growth.

The continual developments in the manufacturing processes are driving the growth of the global Water Soluble Films market due to improved properties. It is now stronger and more soluble. These significant developments are expanding the applicability of these films across a wide range of products.The growing economies and markets in India, China, and others are growing the demand for consumer goods which is creating novel growth opportunities for the market. This is attributed mainly to the manufacturers looking for more sustainable and convenient packaging solutions for their products. 

Governments across the world are imposing stricter regulations to reduce pollution caused to the environment due to plastic waste. It is creating favorable environments for the higher adoption of these films as a sustainable substitute to conventional plastic packaging materials. due to the restrictions or bans on single-use plastics, manufacturers are now looking for alternative biodegradable options like the water-soluble films for compliance with regulatory requirements.

Global Water Soluble Films Market Challenges

Performance limitations is a crucial challenge

Though water-soluble films offer significant environmental benefits, the performance is somewhat limited compared to traditional plastic films. This is mainly because these films do not offer the same strength, durability, and barrier properties as conventional plastic materials. The shelf life is also relatively low in comparison. This restricts their use in specific industries, for specific products, for specific requirements, and in specific environmental conditions. This hinders the growth of the global Water Soluble Films market.

Global Water Soluble Films Market Opportunities

Diversity of applications

Significant growth opportunities for the global Water Soluble Films market are offered due to the diverse applicability. These films can be used across several industries such as detergents, pharmaceuticals, agricultural films, food packaging, and consumer electronics. Therefore, it offers manufactures a chance to target new markets and expand their customer base to drive business growth. Moreover, higher research and development initiatives on developing water-soluble films with innovative and customized properties to meet the specific needs and demand of varied applications further enhances the growth potential of the market.

Recent Development By Key Players

LanzaTech Global, Inc. (the carbon recycling company transforming waste carbon into sustainable fuels, chemicals, and materials) has partnered with  SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. to deploy, a jointly developed platform that converts syngas which is derived from municipal solid waste (MSW) and industrial solid waste into ethanol.

Ecopol S.p.A.(a developer and producer of biodegradable films and delivery systems) has completed an investment in JRF Technology LLC which is a developer of water-soluble polymer and edible film technology. This partnership shall expand R&D capabilities and accelerate development of next generation sustainable delivery systems.

Global Water Soluble Films Market Segmentation

VynZ Research provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global Water Soluble Films Market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2025-2030. Our report has categorized the market based on Application, Material, Type, Thickness, Additives and End User

Market Segmentation

Insight by Application

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Agriculture
  • Food Packaging
  • Detergents
  • Laundry Products

Detergents and laundry products dominate the market

The global Water Soluble Films market is categorized into different segments based on their application such as Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Food Packaging, Detergents and Laundry Products. Out of all these segments, the detergents and laundry products segments are the most dominant due to the rise in demand for eco-friendly and convenient solutions. Typically, in the developed markets, the growing popularity and demand for using water-soluble films in detergent pods and laundry capsules that allows convenient and mess-free cleaning pushes this segment northward. This will result in the market growth during the forecast period. 

Insight by Material

  • Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
  • Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
  • Cellulose Derivatives
  • Others

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is the most dominant segment

Different materials divide the global Water Soluble Films market into Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Cellulose Derivatives and other segments. Out of these major segments, the PVA segment dominates the market currently due to its widespread use and is expected to grow at a rapid rate during the study period which is mainly attributed to its higher solubility, biodegradability, mechanical strength, film-forming and barrier properties, which enhances it applicability.

Insight by Type

  • Transparent
  • Opaque
  • Color Water-Soluble Films

Transparent water-soluble films are more dominating 

The global Water Soluble Films market is segregated into different sections based on the type of the films which includes Transparent, Opaque, and Color Water-Soluble Films. Out of them, the transparent water-soluble films segment is more dominant and expected to grow significantly during the projected period due to higher versatility, product visibility, and aesthetic appeal which enhance its adoption and applicability. The colored water-soluble films segment will also grow quite significantly due to its ability to differentiate products, enhance brand recognition, and create a better visual appeal.

Insight by Thickness

  • Thin Section
  • Thick Section

Thin film is the most dominating segment

The thickness of the films also divides the global Water Soluble Films market into Thin And Thick sections. Out of these two sections, the thin water-soluble films segment is more dominant and is anticipated to grow more due to higher use and adoption. It is mainly attributed to the significant benefits offered by this specific type of films in the form of cost-effectiveness and lower material consumption. However, the thicker water-soluble films segment will also grow quite significantly due to higher adoption and use in food packaging and agricultural sectors where greater barrier properties or strength are required.

Insight by Additives

  • Plasticizers
  • Antimicrobial Agents
  • Surfactants

Plasticizers segment is more promising 

The global Water Soluble Films market divided by the types of additives used into different sections such as Plasticizers, Antimicrobial Agents, and Surfactants. Out of these segments, the plasticizers segment dominates other because it is the more commonly used additive found in these films. The demand for them is higher due to greater flexibility and lower brittleness which facilitates their processability.

Insight by End User

  • Consumer Goods
  • Industrial Goods
  • Agricultural Goods

Consumer goods segment dominate the market

Different end users such as Consumer Goods, Industrial Goods, and Agricultural Goods also divide the global Water Soluble Films market. Out of them, the consumer goods segment which includes detergents, laundry products, and personal care products, are more dominant and expected to grow more during the forecast period due to greater convenience in using and wider range of applications.

Global Water Soluble Films Market: Geographic Overview

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia-Pacific (APAC)
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Vietnam
    • Thailand
    • Malaysia
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  • Rest of the World (RoW)
    • Brazil
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • U.A.E.
    • Other Countries

The North American region of the global Water Soluble Films market is more dominant due to its well-developed and mature infrastructure, greater consumer awareness of sustainability, strict government regulations, and existence of a large number of leading manufacturers and technology providers.

The European market is also well-established and is expected to grow during the forecast period due to higher emphasis on sustainability and growing focus on environmental protection. In addition, the strict regulatory framework and growing consumer awareness drives the demand for these products and the market.

The Asia-Pacific region will however grow at a faster rate during the study period mainly due to the rapid economic growth, growing consumer awareness, and a higher growth opportunity offered by the developing markets.

The Middle East & Africa region may be small but shows significant growth potential during the forecast period due to growing industrialization, rapid urbanization, and increased consumer awareness.

Global Water Soluble Films Market Competitive Insight

  • SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD
  • AICELLO CORPORATION
  • KURARAY CO., LTD
  • Ecopol S.p.A
  • Arrow GreenTech Ltd
  • Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
  • Cortec Corporation
  • Jiangmen Proudly Water-soluble Plastic Co., Ltd
  • Changzhou Greencradleland Macromolecule Materials Co., Ltd
  • AMC (UK) Ltd
  • Noble Industries

Water Soluble Films Market Size

Source: VynZ Research

Water Soluble Films Market Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

The Global Water Soluble Films market was valued at USD 0.32 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow to USD 0.61 billion by 2030.
The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2030.
Water-soluble films are completely biodegradable, reducing environmental impact. They can be disposed of easily by dissolving them in water, thus eliminating the need for separate waste disposal or recycling processes.
Water-soluble films are extensively used in various industries including detergents, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and food packaging.
Significant trends include an increased emphasis on sustainability, diversification of applications across various sectors, and continuous developments in manufacturing processes that enhance the properties of water-soluble films.

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Research Methodology

  •  Desk Research / Pilot Interviews
  •  Build Market Size Model
  •  Research and Analysis
  •  Final Deliverabvle

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Key Takeaways