Ceresana evaluates global market for plastic films

Stretching towards success: Plastic films get stronger and more transparent if they are stretched longitudinally and crosswise during production. The "biaxially oriented" plastics polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (BOPE) and polyester (BOPET) are processed into packaging, bags and sacks, shrink and stretch films, but also, for example, agricultural films, insulation material and industrial films. According to the latest Ceresana study on the global market for flexible plastic films, which is already the third edition, the revenues generated with these films will increase to around USD 339 billion by 2032.

Bag bans: every micrometer counts

The market for packaging films is growing strongly, although more and more countries are trying to take action against plastic waste. Within the European Union, disposable plastic carrier bags thinner than 0.05 millimeters are banned. However, some supermarket chains are now simply issuing slightly thicker bags, for example with wall thicknesses of 53 or 55 micrometers. Paper-thin shirt bags with less than 15 micrometers will continue to be allowed in the self-service section for loose fruits, vegetables and other perishable foods regardless. Ceresana analysts expect an average growth of 3.9% per year for thicker BOPET films of 50 micrometers or more, which are used, for example, for packaging stationery or electronic goods.

The aftermath of COVID

The trend towards online retailing and hygienic individual packaging continues even after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. This not only increases the demand for secondary and transport packaging such as shrink and stretch films, but also for adhesive tapes, most of which are also made from plastic films. In the already developed countries, "zero waste shops", which are already a small niche, have been hit hard by COVID; in the rest of the world, on the other hand, the trend towards plastic packaging continues unabated. Stand-up pouches and microwavable packaging in particular are on the rise, as are individual packages that offer better dispensability and shelf life. At present, however, the persistently high inflation in many countries is causing a certain decline in consumer confidence.

Bioplastics fertilize the fields

Agricultural films are another segment with strong growth: climate change entails more frequent extreme weather conditions, which in turn increase the need for better protection of strawberries and asparagus fields, for example. The ongoing intensification of agriculture is also increasing the consumption of agricultural films. Bioplastics can already be commercially successful in horticulture, agriculture and forestry: Films made from starch, polylactic acid (PLA) or other biopolymers do not have to be disposed of at high cost after use, but can serve as compost on site. Other industries are also increasingly turning to "bio" products: Biobased paints, coatings and insulating materials, for example, are appropriately supplied in biobased packaging by the construction industry.