Water Soluble Films Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Type (Cold & Hot Water-soluble Films), By Application (Laundry Bags, Detergent, Agrochemical Packaging, Food Packaging, Pharmaceuticals, Others) And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The water-soluble films market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.68%, increasing from US$492.090 million in 2021 to US$677.819 million by 2028.

In packaged goods, water-soluble films formed from natural polymers play a significant role. They act as stabilizers, preventing the separation of oil and water mixes, and are also employed in preparing several secret sauces and salad dressings. Additionally, these polymers prevent ice crystals from forming when making ice cream. Naturally occurring water-soluble polymers keep cocoa powder suspended during the creation of chocolate milk. They also provide cream cheese with its characteristic thickness, bond pimento pieces in green olives, and give candies their feel. 

Furthermore, packaging liquid detergents is another significant application of water-soluble films. This application is based on delivering unit dose levels of liquid detergent goods utilizing water-soluble film packaging. Consequently, companies are even trying to investigate using water-soluble films for creative packing purposes. For instance, Cortec launched EcoSol in August 2022, which is a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) heat-sealable film that can be formed into pouches or bags for a range of uses. The fundamental advantage of EcoSol packaging is that it gives users a simple, practical way to add a variety of potential contents to water.

Drivers:

Surging demand for liquid detergent and disinfectant

Rising detergent and disinfectant demand are anticipated to support market expansion for water-soluble films worldwide during the projected period. For instance, liquid laundry detergents, disinfectants, and washing powder are frequently packaged in water-soluble films. Looking at the market demand, various companies are steeping their foot in the water-soluble films market. For instance, Unilever introduced the newly created capsule in July 2022 to assist in decarbonizing the washing process while providing excellent cleaning performance. With the new capsules, more than 6,000 tons of plastic are expected to be kept out of the waste stream each year.

Moreover, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that consumer spending on laundry in the U.S. is increasing - the spending per consumer increased by 8 U.S. dollars from 2020 to 2021 and is further expected to increase in the forecast period. As the demand for cleaning products, especially laundry, increases, the market for water-soluble films is also likely to rise as water-soluble films are vital in liquid detergent manufacturing.

Company Analysis

Procter & Gamble, an American-based consumer goods supplier operating in countries on all continents, is involved in manufacturing and selling fabric care products, among many others. It operates multiple brands under its Fabric & Home Care segment, such as Tide, Ariel, Downy, etc., that sell laundry detergents and other fabric care products in multiple countries worldwide. This segment is the largest business segment of the American multinational in terms of sales revenues, occupying 35% of the company's total net sales.

As per the annual reports of Procter & Gamble in 2022, it is reported that the fabric & home care segment of the business experienced a 6% increase in segment revenues from 2021 to 2022 and had net segment sales worth US$27.6 billion in the fiscal year 2022. This increase in revenue is attributed to market growth and innovations in products, including the growth in demand for water-soluble film-based detergent pods such as the Tide Power PODS. As per their reports, organic sales growth was influenced by detergent product sales in every geographic region.

Growing application in detergents and textiles

In this application, water-soluble film materials are used to encapsulate detergent packs or pods that consumers increasingly demand their ease of use. The packs contain predetermined doses of detergent, which make it easier to carry out cleaning chores, and it is also safer to use these packs made of water-soluble films as they remove the need to pour powders or liquids. These water-soluble films are made of environment-friendly polyvinyl alcohol, commonly referred to as PVOH. These water-soluble films also help reduce wastage and facilitate convenient transportation and handling of detergent packs.

In textile manufacturing, these films are temporary stabilizers in embroidery processes, providing support and stability during stitching and ensuring precise and clean designs. Additionally, water-soluble films act as mould-release liners for thermoplastic materials, facilitating the production of intricate and complex textile patterns. The SoluBag, developed by Acedag Ltd., exemplifies the versatility of water-soluble films by being specifically designed for packaging fertilizers, pesticides, and agrochemicals. This innovative packaging solution dissolves completely in water, promoting safe and accurate dispensing while minimizing exposure risks.

Regional Insights

The water-soluble films market is segmented by geography as North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The North American market is estimated to grow, driven by increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions and rising applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, detergents, and agrochemicals. Simultaneously, the European market is expected to hold a significant share and is fueled by growing awareness about sustainability and expanding applications in various industries, including packaging, agriculture, and personal care. At the same time, the Asia Pacific region is projected to grow owing to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing consumer awareness about sustainable packaging.

North America held a significant market share.

The United States holds the largest share of this market due to the growing emphasis on sustainable packaging solutions, the increasing adoption of water-soluble films in industries such as detergents, agrochemicals, and personal care, and the rising demand for convenient and eco-friendly packaging formats. Continuous advancements in film manufacturing technologies, including the development of biodegradable and water-soluble polymers, are driving the growth of the market. These innovations ensure that the films meet the required performance standards, such as stability, strength, and solubility while offering environmental benefits.

Market Developments:

• In 2022, Frey introduced innovative laundry detergent sheets that are entirely liquid-free and manufactured from a biodegradable material sourced from plants. These sheets are a direct substitute for traditional liquid detergents, with just one sheet offering equivalent cleaning effectiveness.

Product Offering

EcoSol is a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) film that is water-soluble and biodegradable, making it an excellent choice for various packaging needs. It offers a convenient, secure, and cost-effective solution for delivering a diverse range of products, such as detergents, cleaners, additives, pigments, and agricultural products, in water-soluble bags, sachets, or pouches.

Similarly, MonoSol's PVA water-soluble films have transformed the laundry and dishwasher detergent industry with their soluble unit dose systems, favoured by renowned consumer brands. These films dissolve completely in water, are biodegradable, and do not contribute to environmental pollution.

Water Soluble Films Market Scope:

Market Segmentation:

• By Type
  • Cold water-soluble films
  • Hot water-soluble films
• By Application
  • Laundry bags
  • Detergent
  • Agrochemical packaging
  • Food packaging
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
    • Others
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • India
    • Others