The global Water Soluble Films Market Study analyzes and forecasts the market size across 6 regions and 24 countries for diverse segments -By Type (Cold Water-soluble Films, Hot Water-soluble Films), By Dissolution Rate (Fast Soluble Films, Medium Soluble Films, Difficult Soluble Films), By End-User (Packaging, Textile, Pharmaceuticals, Others).
Water-soluble films offer unique and environmentally friendly packaging solutions in 2024, providing convenient and sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. These films are typically made from water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or starch-based materials that dissolve completely in water, leaving no residue or harmful by-products. Water-soluble films find applications in various industries, including food packaging, agricultural chemicals, detergents, and personal care products, where single-use packaging materials are required. In food packaging, water-soluble films are used for portion control packaging, soluble sachets for powdered ingredients, and edible packaging for food products such as candies and snacks. Similarly, in agriculture, water-soluble films are employed for packaging fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in pre-measured doses, reducing handling and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, in household and industrial cleaning products, water-soluble films are utilized for single-dose packaging of detergents, dishwasher tablets, and laundry pods, promoting convenience and reducing product waste. With increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging options and regulatory initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste, water-soluble films to gain traction as eco-friendly alternatives, driving innovation and adoption in various industries.
The market report analyses the leading companies in the industry including Aicello Corp, AMC Ltd, Arrow GreenTech Ltd, Cortec Corp, KURARAY CO. Ltd, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp, Mondi Plc, Neptun Technologies GmbH, SEKISUI Chemical Co. Ltd, and others.
A significant market trend in the water soluble films industry is the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. With growing environmental concerns and regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste, there is a rising preference for eco-friendly packaging materials. This trend is driven by consumer awareness, corporate sustainability initiatives, and regulatory pressures to minimize plastic pollution. Water soluble films, which dissolve and biodegrade in water, are gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic films for packaging applications. As companies seek to reduce their carbon footprint and address the challenges of plastic pollution, the market for water soluble films is experiencing growth and greater adoption as a key component of sustainable packaging strategies.
The driver behind the growth of the water soluble films market is the regulatory push towards plastic waste reduction. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing measures to reduce single-use plastics and promote the use of biodegradable and compostable materials. Legislation such as bans on plastic bags, taxes on plastic packaging, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes are driving the adoption of alternative packaging materials that are less harmful to the environment. Water soluble films offer a viable solution to meet regulatory requirements and address consumer preferences for sustainable packaging options. As regulatory pressures intensify and awareness of plastic pollution grows, the demand for water soluble films driven by the need for plastic waste reduction continues to rise, shaping the market towards greater innovation and adoption of environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
An opportunity for growth and diversification in the water soluble films market lies in expansion into food and pharmaceutical industries. While water soluble films are commonly used in detergent pods, personal care products, and agrochemical packaging, there is potential for penetration into new sectors with specialized requirements for dissolvable packaging. In the food industry, water soluble films can be used for individual packaging of ingredients, single-dose sachets for condiments and beverages, and edible films for food encapsulation and preservation. Similarly, in the pharmaceutical sector, water soluble films offer opportunities for unit-dose packaging of medications, oral dissolvable films for drug delivery, and biodegradable packaging for medical devices. By targeting food and pharmaceutical applications with tailored solutions for dissolvable packaging, water soluble film manufacturers can expand their market presence, address specific industry needs, and capitalize on opportunities for growth and market diversification beyond traditional consumer goods applications.
The hot water-soluble films segment is the largest and exhibits fast growth within the Water-Soluble Films Market. These films are primarily used in applications where complete dissolution in hot water is required, such as in packaging for detergents, agrochemicals, and other water-treatment chemicals. The key driving factors for the rapid growth of this segment include the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste, and the rising awareness among consumers regarding the benefits of biodegradable products. Hot water-soluble films provide excellent barrier properties, ensuring the safe and efficient containment of products until their intended use. Their ability to dissolve quickly in hot water makes them ideal for single-use applications, significantly reducing the environmental footprint. The innovation in polymer technologies and the expansion of applications in various industries are further propelling the growth of this segment. As industries and consumers continue to shift towards more sustainable practices, the hot water-soluble films market is expected to expand substantially.
Fast soluble films are the fastest-growing segment within the Water-Soluble Films Market by Dissolution Rate. These films are designed to dissolve quickly upon contact with water, making them highly suitable for applications where rapid dissolution is crucial. Key industries driving the demand for fast soluble films include pharmaceuticals, personal care, and household products. In pharmaceuticals, these films are used for unit-dose packaging of drugs, ensuring precise dosage and improved patient compliance. In the personal care sector, fast soluble films are incorporated into products such as bath bombs and effervescent tablets, enhancing the user experience through rapid dissolution. Household cleaning products also benefit from fast soluble films, particularly in the form of detergent pods that dissolve quickly in water to release cleaning agents. The growth of this segment is further fuelled by increasing consumer preference for convenient, single-use products and the push towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. As industries continue to innovate and respond to consumer demands for efficiency and sustainability, the adoption of fast soluble films is expected to surge, cementing their position as the fastest-growing segment in the market.
The packaging segment is the largest and one of the fastest-growing segments within the Water-Soluble Films Market by End-User. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions across various industries. Water soluble films are particularly valued in the packaging of detergents, agrochemicals, and other hazardous materials, as they provide safe handling and precise dosing while reducing plastic waste. The shift towards single-use and portion-controlled packaging has further boosted the adoption of water soluble films in the packaging industry. These films offer excellent barrier properties, protecting the contents from moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants until the point of use. Additionally, the rise in consumer awareness about the environmental impact of plastic waste has led to a growing preference for biodegradable and water-soluble packaging options. Innovations in polymer technology and the development of films with enhanced mechanical and dissolution properties are also contributing to the segment's growth. As industries continue to seek sustainable packaging solutions that meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations, the packaging segment is expected to maintain its dominance and experience significant growth in the water-soluble films market.
By Type
Cold Water-soluble Films
Hot Water-soluble Films
By Dissolution Rate
Fast Soluble Films
Medium Soluble Films
Difficult Soluble Films
By End-User
Packaging
Textile
Pharmaceuticals
Others
Countries Analyzed
North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Rest of Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East, South Africa, Egypt, Rest of Africa)
Aicello Corp
AMC Ltd
Arrow GreenTech Ltd
Cortec Corp
KURARAY CO. Ltd
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp
Mondi Plc
Neptun Technologies GmbH
SEKISUI Chemical Co. Ltd
*- List Not Exhaustive
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction to 2024 Water Soluble Films Market
1.1 Market Overview
1.2 Quick Facts
1.3 Scope/Objective of the Study
1.4 Market Definition
1.5 Countries and Regions Covered
1.6 Units, Currency, and Conversions
1.7 Industry Value Chain
2 Research Methodology
2.1 Market Size Estimation
2.2 Sources and Research Methodology
2.3 Data Triangulation
2.4 Assumptions and Limitations
3 Executive Summary
3.1 Global Water Soluble Films Market Size Outlook, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.2 Water Soluble Films Market Outlook by Type, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.3 Water Soluble Films Market Outlook by Product, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.4 Water Soluble Films Market Outlook by Application, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.5 Water Soluble Films Market Outlook by Key Countries, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
4 Market Dynamics
4.1 Key Driving Forces of Water Soluble Films Industry
4.2 Key Market Trends in Water Soluble Films Industry
4.3 Potential Opportunities in Water Soluble Films Industry
4.4 Key Challenges in Water Soluble Films Industry
5 Market Factor Analysis
5.1 Value Chain Analysis
5.2 Competitive Landscape
5.2.1 Global Water Soluble Films Market Share by Company (%), 2023
5.2.2 Product Offerings by Company
5.3 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
5.4 Pricing Analysis and Outlook
6 Growth Outlook Across Scenarios
6.1 Growth Analysis-Case Scenario Definitions
6.2 Low Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.3 Reference Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.4 High Growth Scenario Forecasts
7 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook by Segments
7.1 Water Soluble Films Market Outlook by Segments, $ Million, 2021- 2032
By Type
Cold Water-soluble Films
Hot Water-soluble Films
By Dissolution Rate
Fast Soluble Films
Medium Soluble Films
Difficult Soluble Films
By End-User
Packaging
Textile
Pharmaceuticals
Others
8 North America Water Soluble Films Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
8.1 Introduction to North America Water Soluble Films Markets in 2024
8.2 North America Water Soluble Films Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
8.2.1 United States
8.2.2 Canada
8.2.3 Mexico
8.3 North America Water Soluble Films Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Type
Cold Water-soluble Films
Hot Water-soluble Films
By Dissolution Rate
Fast Soluble Films
Medium Soluble Films
Difficult Soluble Films
By End-User
Packaging
Textile
Pharmaceuticals
Others
9 Europe Water Soluble Films Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
9.1 Introduction to Europe Water Soluble Films Markets in 2024
9.2 Europe Water Soluble Films Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
9.2.1 Germany
9.2.2 France
9.2.3 Spain
9.2.4 United Kingdom
9.2.4 Italy
9.2.5 Russia
9.2.6 Norway
9.2.7 Rest of Europe
9.3 Europe Water Soluble Films Market Size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Type
Cold Water-soluble Films
Hot Water-soluble Films
By Dissolution Rate
Fast Soluble Films
Medium Soluble Films
Difficult Soluble Films
By End-User
Packaging
Textile
Pharmaceuticals
Others
10 Asia Pacific Water Soluble Films Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
10.1 Introduction to Asia Pacific Water Soluble Films Markets in 2024
10.2 Asia Pacific Water Soluble Films Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
10.2.1 China
10.2.2 India
10.2.3 Japan
10.2.4 South Korea
10.2.5 Indonesia
10.2.6 Malaysia
10.2.7 Australia
10.2.8 Rest of Asia Pacific
10.3 Asia Pacific Water Soluble Films Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Type
Cold Water-soluble Films
Hot Water-soluble Films
By Dissolution Rate
Fast Soluble Films
Medium Soluble Films
Difficult Soluble Films
By End-User
Packaging
Textile
Pharmaceuticals
Others
11 South America Water Soluble Films Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
11.1 Introduction to South America Water Soluble Films Markets in 2024
11.2 South America Water Soluble Films Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
11.2.1 Brazil
11.2.2 Argentina
11.2.3 Rest of South America
11.3 South America Water Soluble Films Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Type
Cold Water-soluble Films
Hot Water-soluble Films
By Dissolution Rate
Fast Soluble Films
Medium Soluble Films
Difficult Soluble Films
By End-User
Packaging
Textile
Pharmaceuticals
Others
12 Middle East and Africa Water Soluble Films Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
12.1 Introduction to Middle East and Africa Water Soluble Films Markets in 2024
12.2 Middle East and Africa Water Soluble Films Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
12.2.1 Saudi Arabia
12.2.2 UAE
12.2.3 Oman
12.2.4 Rest of Middle East
12.2.5 Egypt
12.2.6 Nigeria
12.2.7 South Africa
12.2.8 Rest of Africa
12.3 Middle East and Africa Water Soluble Films Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Type
Cold Water-soluble Films
Hot Water-soluble Films
By Dissolution Rate
Fast Soluble Films
Medium Soluble Films
Difficult Soluble Films
By End-User
Packaging
Textile
Pharmaceuticals
Others
13 Company Profiles
13.1 Company Snapshot
13.2 SWOT Profiles
13.3 Products and Services
13.4 Recent Developments
13.5 Financial Profile
Aicello Corp
AMC Ltd
Arrow GreenTech Ltd
Cortec Corp
KURARAY CO. Ltd
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp
Mondi Plc
Neptun Technologies GmbH
SEKISUI Chemical Co. Ltd
14 Appendix
14.1 Customization Offerings
14.2 Subscription Services
14.3 Related Reports
14.4 Publisher Expertise
By Type
Cold Water-soluble Films
Hot Water-soluble Films
By Dissolution Rate
Fast Soluble Films
Medium Soluble Films
Difficult Soluble Films
By End-User
Packaging
Textile
Pharmaceuticals
Others
Countries Analyzed
North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Rest of Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East, South Africa, Egypt, Rest of Africa)
Global Water Soluble Films Market Size is valued at $498.2 Million in 2024 and is forecast to register a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% to reach $776.3 Million by 2032.
Emerging Markets across Asia Pacific, Europe, and Americas present robust growth prospects.
Aicello Corp, AMC Ltd, Arrow GreenTech Ltd, Cortec Corp, KURARAY CO. Ltd, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp, Mondi Plc, Neptun Technologies GmbH, SEKISUI Chemical Co. Ltd
Base Year- 2023; Estimated Year- 2024; Historic Period- 2018-2023; Forecast period- 2024 to 2032; Currency: Revenue (USD); Volume