The global polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films market size for water soluble applications was valued at USD 278.5 million in 2017 owing to its wide range of applications in packaging products including detergent, agrochemical packaging, laundry bags, pet waste and embroidery among others. Sustainable packaging solutions are witnessing huge demand as a result of diminishing landfill resources leading to stringent legislative pressure to curb the usage of these resources. The shift in the consumer preference towards biodegradable products and technological advancement in PET bottles is anticipated to positively impact the global polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films market share over the forecast period.

Polyvinyl alcohol is a water-soluble synthetic polymer which is biodegradable; hence it is used to make biodegradable and water-soluble carriers. This expands its applicability to industries such as manufacturing of delivery systems for chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. In addition to its water solubility, it is highly resistant to the majority of other solvents, oils and greases. PVA films exhibit excellent emulsifying, film-forming and adhesive properties. It also acts as an excellent oxygen and aroma barrier and has high tensile strength and flexibility. These characteristics make it useful for numerous industrial processes, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. Other emerging applications of PVA films are food packaging and water transfer printing.

Agrochemical packaging segment was valued at USD 81.7 million in 2017 driven by the increased use of pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals to produce a high yield in the agricultural sector. The water-soluble, biodegradable, and low-toxic nature of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films are the factors escalating their demand for agrochemical packaging.

Furthermore, embroidery segment is projected to provide lucrative growth opportunities at a revenue CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period. Embroidery has become a traditional art of decoration, painting and sarees. In addition, many antiques with polyvinyl films are preserved. PVA film is used as a fixer and provides stability in delicate textile embroidery. The demand for polyvinyl alcohol films is witnessing a rise in the field of embroidery for aesthetic appearance, thereby, positively affecting the growth of polyvinyl alcohol films market.

The global polyvinyl alcohol films market for polarizer applications was valued at USD 7.3 billion in 2017. Polarizer PVA films find applications in LCD panels, sunglasses, lenses and optical fibers among others. Growing consumer electronics market is expected to supplement the industry growth over the forecast period.

South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and China are the countries that consume polarizer PVA films. Polarizer PVA films market in China was valued at USD 332.7 million in 2017 and is projected to be the fastest growing country during the forecast period. This growth in China is assisted by the increased demand for LCDs which has propelled the for PVA films market.

Asia Pacific accounted for more than 20% of both, volume and revenue share, in 2017 in the global polyvinyl alcohol films market. The growing detergent market in emerging economies such as India and China is likely to propel the PVA films market over the forecast period. The growth of the hospitality industry in this region has boosted the demand for detergents, which has PVA films as its packaging material.

Also, the booming agriculture sector in the region is likely to propel the market growth in this region during the forecast period. Furthermore, the rising awareness of green packaging is another major driver in the growth of the global polyvinyl alcohol films market. Governments of various countries are promoting the use of sustainable packaging materials. Increasing population, the disposable income of people has increased the standard of living which has aggravated the demand for laundry bags across the region.

The global polyvinyl alcohol films market is highly fragmented owing to the presence of numerous vendors. Changzhou Water Soluble Co. Ltd., AICELLO CORPORATION, MonoSol, LLC, Nippon Gohsei, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Sekisui Specialty Chemicals, AMC (UK) Ltd. and Arrow GreenTech Ltd. are some of the key players operating in the market. Investment is one of the key initiatives adopted by key players to expand their geographical presence. For instance, in March 2018, MonoSol LLC invested USD 72 million in Indiana film plant.

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Films Market Scope

Key segments of the global Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Films market

By Application (USD Billion)
                    •    Detergent packaging
                    •    Consumer detergent
                    •    Industrial detergent
                    •    Agrochemical packaging

By Application (USD Billion)
        •    North America
                o    U.S.
                o    Canada
                o    Mexico
        •    Europe
                o    UK
                o    Italy
                o    France
                o    Germany
                o    Russia
                o    Rest of Europe
        •    Asia-Pacific
                o    China
                o    Japan
                o    Korea
                o    India
                o    Southeast Asia
                o    Rest of Asia-Pacific
        •    Middle East & Africa
                o    Saudi Arabia
                o    UAE
                o    Egypt
                o    Nigeria
                o    South Africa
                o    Rest of Middle East & Africa
        •    Central & South America
                o    Brazil
                o    Argentina
                o    Colombia
                o    Rest of South America