Water Soluble Films Market Forecasts to 2032 – Global Analysis By Film Type (Cold Water Soluble Films and Hot Water Soluble Films), Material Type (Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Polyethylene Oxide (PEO), Starch-Based Films, Cellulose Derivatives and Other Mater
Description
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Water Soluble Films Market is accounted for $473.2 million in 2025 and is expected to reach $764.8 million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. Water-soluble films are specialized polymer-based materials designed to dissolve completely upon contact with water. Commonly made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), these filmss offer controlled solubility and are used in applications requiring safe, hygienic, and eco-friendly packaging. They serve as carriers for detergents, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, enabling precise dosing and reducing direct handling. Their biodegradability and ease of disposal make them ideal for sustainable solutions across various industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and consumer goods.
According to the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research in November 2024, fast dissolving oral films made from water-soluble polymers demonstrate significantly improved patient compliance and bioavailability, especially for pediatric and geriatric populations.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Increasing environmental concerns and consumer awareness
Consumers are increasingly conscious of the ecological impact of conventional plastic packaging, prompting a shift toward biodegradable alternatives. Regulatory bodies across regions are enforcing stricter guidelines to curb plastic waste, further encouraging industries to adopt eco-friendly materials. Water-soluble films, particularly those made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), offer a compelling solution due to their complete solubility, non-toxic nature, and minimal environmental footprint. This growing awareness is reshaping packaging strategies across sectors such as detergents, agrochemicals, and healthcare.
Restraint:
Moisture sensitivity & limited mechanical strength
Despite their environmental advantages, water-soluble films face technical limitations that hinder broader adoption. Their sensitivity to humidity and water exposure can compromise product integrity during storage and transport, especially in regions with high ambient moisture. Additionally, these films often lack the tensile strength and durability required for heavy-duty applications, making them less suitable for certain industrial uses. Manufacturers must invest in advanced formulations and protective secondary packaging to mitigate these challenges, which can increase production complexity and cost.
Opportunity:
Expansion in detergent and agrochemical packaging
Water-soluble films enable safe handling of concentrated chemicals by encapsulating them in dissolvable pouches, reducing human exposure and environmental contamination. This format is gaining traction among consumers seeking convenience and hygiene, particularly in institutional cleaning and agricultural sectors. Innovations in film technology such as controlled dissolution rates and enhanced barrier properties are unlocking new applications and driving demand across emerging markets.
Threat:
Competition from alternative biodegradable materials
As sustainability becomes mainstream, water-soluble films face increasing competition from other biodegradable packaging solutions such as PLA, starch-based polymers, and cellulose films. These alternatives offer varying degrees of mechanical strength, moisture resistance, and cost-effectiveness, making them attractive to industries with specific performance requirements. Additionally, ongoing research into bio-based composites and nanomaterials is expanding the portfolio of eco-friendly options, potentially diverting market share from water-soluble films unless they evolve to match the versatility and resilience of competing technologies.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic had a dual impact on the water-soluble films market. Initially, disruptions in global supply chains and manufacturing operations led to delays in production and distribution. However, the crisis also amplified demand for hygienic and contactless packaging solutions, particularly in healthcare, cleaning, and personal care sectors. Water-soluble films gained prominence for their role in safe, single-use applications such as laundry bags, disinfectant pods, and pharmaceutical packaging.
The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period due to its superior solubility, biodegradability, and film-forming capabilities. PVA-based films are widely used across packaging, agriculture, and healthcare owing to their non-toxic profile and ability to dissolve completely in water without leaving residues. Their compatibility with various additives and processing techniques allows for customization in terms of strength, flexibility, and dissolution rate.
The medium soluble films segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the medium soluble films segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate driven by their balanced performance characteristics. These films offer moderate dissolution rates, making them suitable for applications that require controlled release or delayed solubility such as agrochemical pouches and pharmaceutical packaging. Their versatility across temperature ranges and compatibility with multi-layer structures enhance their appeal in sectors demanding precision and safety. Technological advancements in polymer blending and film engineering are further boosting the adoption of medium soluble variants.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share fueled by rapid industrialization, expanding agricultural activities, and rising environmental awareness. Countries like China, India, and Japan are investing heavily in sustainable packaging technologies, supported by government initiatives and favorable regulatory frameworks. The region’s robust manufacturing base and cost-effective production capabilities make it a hub for water-soluble film exports.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR propelled by strong consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging and advanced technological adoption. The region’s well-established pharmaceutical and detergent industries are increasingly integrating water-soluble films into their product lines for unit-dose and hygienic applications. Federal policies promoting plastic reduction and circular economy principles are encouraging innovation and investment in biodegradable materials. The rise of environmentally conscious startups and strategic partnerships is also contributing to the region’s dynamic growth trajectory.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Water Soluble Films Market include Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Sekisui Specialty Chemicals, Aicello Corporation, Arrow Greentech Ltd., Cortec Corporation, Soluble Technology Limited, ACEDAG Ltd., Jiangmen Cinch Packaging Materials Co. Ltd., Joyforce Chemical Industrial Co. Ltd., Changzhou Greencradleland Macromolecule Materials Co. Ltd., Noble Industries, Neptun Technologies GmbH, Yongan SYF Film Co. Ltd., Fujian Zhongsu Biodegradable Films Co. Ltd., Haining Huali Plastic Co. Ltd., Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., and Changzhou Water Soluble Plastic Co. Ltd.
Key Developments:
In June 2025, Kuraray expanded its Poval film production capacity intended for optical applications. This enhancement will boost output geared toward next‑generation display manufacturers.
In April 2025, Mitsubishi Chemical announced plans to expand its flame‑retardant compound manufacturing in both China and France to meet rising demand globally. The expansion aims to enhance production agility and regional responsiveness across key markets.
In April 2025, Sekisui Specialty Chemicals announced a price hike across Selvol® PVOH grades Selvol Ultiloc®, Ultalux®, and Premiol® to offset rising input costs and maintain production viability. The pricing adjustment reflects tight raw materials and logistic pre
Film Types Covered:
• Cold Water Soluble Films
• Hot Water Soluble Films
Material Types Covered:
• Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
• Polyethylene Oxide (PEO)
• Starch-Based Films
• Cellulose Derivatives
• Other Material Types
Dissolution Rates Covered:
• Fast Soluble Films
• Medium Soluble Films
• Slow/Difficult Soluble Films
Thicknesses Covered:
• Below 30 Microns
• 30–60 Microns
• Above 60 Microns
Distribution Channels Covered:
• Direct Sales (B2B)
• Distributors / Wholesalers
• Online Retail
• Contract Manufacturing & Private Label
Applications Covered:
• Detergent Packaging
• Agrochemical Packaging
• Food Packaging
• Pharmaceutical Packaging
• Other Applications
Regions Covered:
• North America US Canada Mexico
• Europe Germany UK Italy France Spain Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific Japan China India Australia New Zealand South KoreaRest of Asia Pacific
• South America Argentina Brazil Chile Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Qatar South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
According to the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research in November 2024, fast dissolving oral films made from water-soluble polymers demonstrate significantly improved patient compliance and bioavailability, especially for pediatric and geriatric populations.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Increasing environmental concerns and consumer awareness
Consumers are increasingly conscious of the ecological impact of conventional plastic packaging, prompting a shift toward biodegradable alternatives. Regulatory bodies across regions are enforcing stricter guidelines to curb plastic waste, further encouraging industries to adopt eco-friendly materials. Water-soluble films, particularly those made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), offer a compelling solution due to their complete solubility, non-toxic nature, and minimal environmental footprint. This growing awareness is reshaping packaging strategies across sectors such as detergents, agrochemicals, and healthcare.
Restraint:
Moisture sensitivity & limited mechanical strength
Despite their environmental advantages, water-soluble films face technical limitations that hinder broader adoption. Their sensitivity to humidity and water exposure can compromise product integrity during storage and transport, especially in regions with high ambient moisture. Additionally, these films often lack the tensile strength and durability required for heavy-duty applications, making them less suitable for certain industrial uses. Manufacturers must invest in advanced formulations and protective secondary packaging to mitigate these challenges, which can increase production complexity and cost.
Opportunity:
Expansion in detergent and agrochemical packaging
Water-soluble films enable safe handling of concentrated chemicals by encapsulating them in dissolvable pouches, reducing human exposure and environmental contamination. This format is gaining traction among consumers seeking convenience and hygiene, particularly in institutional cleaning and agricultural sectors. Innovations in film technology such as controlled dissolution rates and enhanced barrier properties are unlocking new applications and driving demand across emerging markets.
Threat:
Competition from alternative biodegradable materials
As sustainability becomes mainstream, water-soluble films face increasing competition from other biodegradable packaging solutions such as PLA, starch-based polymers, and cellulose films. These alternatives offer varying degrees of mechanical strength, moisture resistance, and cost-effectiveness, making them attractive to industries with specific performance requirements. Additionally, ongoing research into bio-based composites and nanomaterials is expanding the portfolio of eco-friendly options, potentially diverting market share from water-soluble films unless they evolve to match the versatility and resilience of competing technologies.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic had a dual impact on the water-soluble films market. Initially, disruptions in global supply chains and manufacturing operations led to delays in production and distribution. However, the crisis also amplified demand for hygienic and contactless packaging solutions, particularly in healthcare, cleaning, and personal care sectors. Water-soluble films gained prominence for their role in safe, single-use applications such as laundry bags, disinfectant pods, and pharmaceutical packaging.
The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period due to its superior solubility, biodegradability, and film-forming capabilities. PVA-based films are widely used across packaging, agriculture, and healthcare owing to their non-toxic profile and ability to dissolve completely in water without leaving residues. Their compatibility with various additives and processing techniques allows for customization in terms of strength, flexibility, and dissolution rate.
The medium soluble films segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the medium soluble films segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate driven by their balanced performance characteristics. These films offer moderate dissolution rates, making them suitable for applications that require controlled release or delayed solubility such as agrochemical pouches and pharmaceutical packaging. Their versatility across temperature ranges and compatibility with multi-layer structures enhance their appeal in sectors demanding precision and safety. Technological advancements in polymer blending and film engineering are further boosting the adoption of medium soluble variants.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share fueled by rapid industrialization, expanding agricultural activities, and rising environmental awareness. Countries like China, India, and Japan are investing heavily in sustainable packaging technologies, supported by government initiatives and favorable regulatory frameworks. The region’s robust manufacturing base and cost-effective production capabilities make it a hub for water-soluble film exports.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR propelled by strong consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging and advanced technological adoption. The region’s well-established pharmaceutical and detergent industries are increasingly integrating water-soluble films into their product lines for unit-dose and hygienic applications. Federal policies promoting plastic reduction and circular economy principles are encouraging innovation and investment in biodegradable materials. The rise of environmentally conscious startups and strategic partnerships is also contributing to the region’s dynamic growth trajectory.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Water Soluble Films Market include Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Kuraray Co. Ltd., Sekisui Specialty Chemicals, Aicello Corporation, Arrow Greentech Ltd., Cortec Corporation, Soluble Technology Limited, ACEDAG Ltd., Jiangmen Cinch Packaging Materials Co. Ltd., Joyforce Chemical Industrial Co. Ltd., Changzhou Greencradleland Macromolecule Materials Co. Ltd., Noble Industries, Neptun Technologies GmbH, Yongan SYF Film Co. Ltd., Fujian Zhongsu Biodegradable Films Co. Ltd., Haining Huali Plastic Co. Ltd., Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., and Changzhou Water Soluble Plastic Co. Ltd.
Key Developments:
In June 2025, Kuraray expanded its Poval film production capacity intended for optical applications. This enhancement will boost output geared toward next‑generation display manufacturers.
In April 2025, Mitsubishi Chemical announced plans to expand its flame‑retardant compound manufacturing in both China and France to meet rising demand globally. The expansion aims to enhance production agility and regional responsiveness across key markets.
In April 2025, Sekisui Specialty Chemicals announced a price hike across Selvol® PVOH grades Selvol Ultiloc®, Ultalux®, and Premiol® to offset rising input costs and maintain production viability. The pricing adjustment reflects tight raw materials and logistic pre
Film Types Covered:
• Cold Water Soluble Films
• Hot Water Soluble Films
Material Types Covered:
• Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
• Polyethylene Oxide (PEO)
• Starch-Based Films
• Cellulose Derivatives
• Other Material Types
Dissolution Rates Covered:
• Fast Soluble Films
• Medium Soluble Films
• Slow/Difficult Soluble Films
Thicknesses Covered:
• Below 30 Microns
• 30–60 Microns
• Above 60 Microns
Distribution Channels Covered:
• Direct Sales (B2B)
• Distributors / Wholesalers
• Online Retail
• Contract Manufacturing & Private Label
Applications Covered:
• Detergent Packaging
• Agrochemical Packaging
• Food Packaging
• Pharmaceutical Packaging
• Other Applications
Regions Covered:
• North America US Canada Mexico
• Europe Germany UK Italy France Spain Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific Japan China India Australia New Zealand South KoreaRest of Asia Pacific
• South America Argentina Brazil Chile Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Qatar South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Table of Contents
200 Pages
- 1 Executive Summary
- 2 Preface
- 2.1 Abstract
- 2.2 Stake Holders
- 2.3 Research Scope
- 2.4 Research Methodology
- 2.4.1 Data Mining
- 2.4.2 Data Analysis
- 2.4.3 Data Validation
- 2.4.4 Research Approach
- 2.5 Research Sources
- 2.5.1 Primary Research Sources
- 2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources
- 2.5.3 Assumptions
- 3 Market Trend Analysis
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Drivers
- 3.3 Restraints
- 3.4 Opportunities
- 3.5 Threats
- 3.6 Application Analysis
- 3.7 Emerging Markets
- 3.8 Impact of Covid-19
- 4 Porters Five Force Analysis
- 4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers
- 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers
- 4.3 Threat of substitutes
- 4.4 Threat of new entrants
- 4.5 Competitive rivalry
- 5 Global Water Soluble Films Market, By Film Type
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Cold Water Soluble Films
- 5.3 Hot Water Soluble Films
- 6 Global Water Soluble Films Market, By Material Type
- 6.1 Introduction
- 6.2 Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
- 6.3 Polyethylene Oxide (PEO)
- 6.4 Starch-Based Films
- 6.5 Cellulose Derivatives
- 6.6 Other Material Types
- 7 Global Water Soluble Films Market, By Dissolution Rate
- 7.1 Introduction
- 7.2 Fast Soluble Films
- 7.3 Medium Soluble Films
- 7.4 Slow/Difficult Soluble Films
- 8 Global Water Soluble Films Market, By Thickness
- 8.1 Introduction
- 8.2 Below 30 Microns
- 8.3 30–60 Microns
- 8.4 Above 60 Microns
- 9 Global Water Soluble Films Market, By Distribution Channel
- 9.1 Introduction
- 9.2 Direct Sales (B2B)
- 9.3 Distributors / Wholesalers
- 9.4 Online Retail
- 9.5 Contract Manufacturing & Private Label
- 10 Global Water Soluble Films Market, By Application
- 10.1 Introduction
- 10.2 Detergent Packaging
- 10.3 Agrochemical Packaging
- 10.4 Food Packaging
- 10.5 Pharmaceutical Packaging
- 10.6 Other Applications
- 11 Global Water Soluble Films Market, By Geography
- 11.1 Introduction
- 11.2 North America
- 11.2.1 US
- 11.2.2 Canada
- 11.2.3 Mexico
- 11.3 Europe
- 11.3.1 Germany
- 11.3.2 UK
- 11.3.3 Italy
- 11.3.4 France
- 11.3.5 Spain
- 11.3.6 Rest of Europe
- 11.4 Asia Pacific
- 11.4.1 Japan
- 11.4.2 China
- 11.4.3 India
- 11.4.4 Australia
- 11.4.5 New Zealand
- 11.4.6 South Korea
- 11.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
- 11.5 South America
- 11.5.1 Argentina
- 11.5.2 Brazil
- 11.5.3 Chile
- 11.5.4 Rest of South America
- 11.6 Middle East & Africa
- 11.6.1 Saudi Arabia
- 11.6.2 UAE
- 11.6.3 Qatar
- 11.6.4 South Africa
- 11.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa
- 12 Key Developments
- 12.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures
- 12.2 Acquisitions & Mergers
- 12.3 New Product Launch
- 12.4 Expansions
- 12.5 Other Key Strategies
- 13 Company Profiling
- 13.1 Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
- 13.2 Kuraray Co. Ltd.
- 13.3 Sekisui Specialty Chemicals
- 13.4 Aicello Corporation
- 13.5 Arrow Greentech Ltd.
- 13.6 Cortec Corporation
- 13.7 Soluble Technology Limited
- 13.8 ACEDAG Ltd.
- 13.9 Jiangmen Cinch Packaging Materials Co. Ltd
- 13.10 Joyforce Chemical Industrial Co. Ltd
- 13.11 Changzhou Greencradleland Macromolecule Materials Co. Ltd.
- 13.12 Noble Industries
- 13.13 Neptun Technologies GmbH
- 13.14 Yongan SYF Film Co. Ltd.
- 13.15 Fujian Zhongsu Biodegradable Films Co. Ltd.
- 13.16 Haining Huali Plastic Co. Ltd
- 13.17 Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
- 13.18 Changzhou Water Soluble Plastic Co. Ltd
- List of Tables
- Table 1 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Region (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 2 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Film Type (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 3 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Cold Water Soluble Films (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 4 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Hot Water Soluble Films (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 5 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Material Type (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 6 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 7 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 8 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Starch-Based Films (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 9 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Cellulose Derivatives (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 10 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Other Material Types (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 11 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Dissolution Rate (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 12 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Fast Soluble Films (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 13 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Medium Soluble Films (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 14 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Slow/Difficult Soluble Films (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 15 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Thickness (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 16 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Below 30 Microns (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 17 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By 30–60 Microns (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 18 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Above 60 Microns (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 19 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Distribution Channel (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 20 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Direct Sales (B2B) (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 21 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Distributors / Wholesalers (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 22 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Online Retail (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 23 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Contract Manufacturing & Private Label (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 24 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Application (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 25 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Detergent Packaging (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 26 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Agrochemical Packaging (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 27 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Food Packaging (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 28 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Pharmaceutical Packaging (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 29 Global Water Soluble Films Market Outlook, By Other Applications (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.
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