US specialty films demand to reach $8.4 billion in 2019
US demand for specialty films is forecast to rise 4.8 percent per year to $8.4 billion in 2019. Gains will be fueled by the rising need for high value, technologically advanced materials that provide characteristics such as barrier properties, controlled permeability, light control, and electrical conductivity or resistivity. A healthy outlook for the packaging industry, where the majority of specialty films are used, will boost demand, as will a rebound in construction. Additionally, advances will result from the development of new applications in degradable packaging and fuel cells, and robust growth in emerging markets such as advanced batteries. These and other trends are presented in Specialty Films, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc. (freedoniagroup.com), a Cleveland-based industry market research firm.
Barrier films accounted for 65 percent of specialty films demand in 2014. Through 2019, advances will be driven by growing barrier requirements in the packaging industry to better protect food, pharmaceuticals, and other products. “The most rapid gains, however, will be found in biodegradable and water soluble films, as improved technology and consumer acceptance allow these films to penetrate new applications. Above average growth is also forecast for light control and safety and security films, fueled by a strong improvement in building construction activity,” states analyst Kent Furst.