Cast Stretch Films Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Material Type (Polyethylene (PE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyamide (PA), Others), By Thickness (Up To 30 Microns, 31-50 Microns, 51-70 Microns, Above 70 Microns), By Layer Type (Single-Layer, Multi-Layer), By End-Users (Food And Beverages, Personal Care And Pharmaceutical, Electricals And Electronics, Home Care, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The cast stretch films market was valued at US$1.561 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.24% during the forecast period.

Cast stretch film, commonly known as cling film or pallet wrap, is a versatile packaging material used to secure and protect products during transportation and storage. It is made from a thin layer of polyethylene plastic that is extruded and cooled onto a flat surface, resulting in a film with excellent clarity and consistent thickness. Cast stretch film offers exceptional load-holding force, superior puncture resistance, and excellent self-adhesive properties, allowing it to tightly bind items together and provide stability to palletized goods. Widely used in various industries, cast stretch films provide a cost-effective solution for preventing damage, tampering, and dust accumulation while enhancing the efficiency and safety of logistics and distribution processes.

Introduction:

The cast stretch films market refers to the global industry involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of cast stretch films. These films are widely used in packaging and logistics to secure and protect products during transit and storage. The market encompasses various players, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and end-users across diverse sectors such as manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, and logistics. The demand for cast stretch films is driven by the need for efficient and cost-effective packaging solutions that offer load stability, protection against moisture and tampering, and improved handling processes, contributing to the optimization of supply chains and overall product integrity.

Drivers:

• Growth in E-commerce and Retail Sector: The rapid expansion of e-commerce and the retail industry necessitate efficient packaging solutions to ensure product protection, reduce damage, and improve handling during transit. Cast stretch films offer an effective means of securing goods, thereby driving demand.
• Increased Demand for Lightweight and Cost-effective Packaging: Cast stretch films are lightweight and require less material compared to traditional packaging methods. This helps companies reduce packaging costs and minimize their environmental footprint, driving adoption in various industries.
• Globalization of Supply Chains: As supply chains become more globalized, the need for secure and reliable packaging to safeguard products during long-distance transportation increases. Cast stretch films provide stability and protection, making them a favored choice for securing goods across borders.
• Sustainability and Environmental Concerns: Cast stretch films can be manufactured using eco-friendly materials, such as recycled resins or biodegradable options. As environmental awareness grows, businesses seek sustainable packaging solutions, driving the demand for environmentally friendly stretch films.
• Focus on Product Differentiation: Manufacturers are using cast stretch films as a means of product differentiation. Customizable features, branding opportunities, and aesthetic appeal provided by stretch films contribute to a unique packaging solution that stands out in the market.
• Advancements in Film Technology: Ongoing innovations in film manufacturing technology have led to the development of high-performance cast stretch films. These films offer enhanced load containment, reduced film usage, and improved pallet stability, attracting industries looking for efficient and effective packaging solutions.
• Demand from Industries like Food and Beverage: The food and beverage industry requires packaging solutions that maintain product freshness, prevent contamination, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Cast stretch films provide these benefits, thus driving their adoption in this sector.
• Focus on Labor Efficiency: Cast stretch films can be applied using automated machinery, reducing the need for manual labor and improving operational efficiency. As companies strive to optimize their processes, the demand for automated packaging solutions like cast stretch films increases.
• Growing Manufacturing and Export Activities: As manufacturing and export activities rise, there is a corresponding demand for packaging materials that offer secure and stable transportation. Cast stretch films help prevent load shifting and damage, making them essential for export-oriented industries.
• Industrialization and Infrastructure Development: The growth of industrial sectors, such as construction and manufacturing, requires effective packaging for raw materials, machinery, and finished products. Cast stretch films play a crucial role in protecting large and heavy items during storage and transportation.

Products offered by key companies:

• EcoStretch by Signode: This cast stretch film is made from 100% recycled content and is compostable in commercial composting facilities. It is also BPA-free and phthalate-free. Signode claims that their EcoStretch is a more sustainable alternative to traditional cast stretch films.
• Bio Stretch by Berry Global: This cast stretch film is made from bio-based resins and is compostable in commercial composting facilities. It is also BPA-free and phthalate-free. Berry Global claims that their Bio Stretch is a more sustainable alternative to traditional cast stretch films.
• Eco-Flite by Shurtape Technologies: This cast stretch film is made from recycled content and is recyclable. It is also BPA-free and phthalate-free. Shurtape Technologies claims that their Eco-Flite is a more sustainable alternative to traditional cast stretch films.

Positive growth in the food and beverage segment:

Cast stretch films provide a secure barrier that extends shelf life, prevents contamination, and maintains product freshness. Additionally, their transparency allows for easy product visibility, branding, and consumer appeal. As the food & beverage industry focuses on meeting evolving consumer demands for convenience and quality, cast stretch films emerge as a vital packaging solution, driving their increasing adoption in this sector.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to hold a significant share:

The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to dominate the cast stretch films market share due to several factors. Rapid industrialization, burgeoning e-commerce, and manufacturing sectors, along with robust export activities in countries like China and India, are driving the demand for efficient and cost-effective packaging solutions. Additionally, the region's large consumer base and expanding retail landscape further fuel the need for secure product transportation and protection, favoring the widespread adoption of cast stretch films.

Key developments:

• In July 2023, Gerdau Graphene partners with Packseven for the world's first graphene-enhanced stretch film, offering increased durability and efficiency. Initial tests show it can hold 120% more material without breaking, reducing material consumption and enhancing safety. Expected for sale in Q3 2023, the film enhances cargo protection and packaging quality.
• In Feb 2022, Coveris launched thin, next-gen stretch films with 30% recycled content, meeting UK Plastic Packaging Tax requirements. They maintain efficiency and recyclability, supporting sustainability goals and avoiding PPT taxation.

Cast Stretch Films Market Scope:

Key Segment:

• By Material Type
  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
  • Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyamide (PA)
  • Others
• By Thickness
  • Up to 30 microns
  • 31-50 microns
  • 51-70 microns
  • Above 70 microns
• By Layer Type
  • Single-Layer
  • Multi-Layer
• By End-Users
  • Food and Beverages
  • Personal Care and Pharmaceutical
  • Electricals and Electronics
  • Home Care
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain  
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Others