Global Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes Market Size (2023-2030)

The Global Polyurethane Breathable Films And Membranes Market was valued at USD 440.53 million and is projected to reach a market size of USD 702.78  million by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9%. 

Industry Overview:

Breathable films are a major part of hygiene and medical products. They have a very specific material that helps retain moisture so they can be used in sanitary products, diapers, and more. A different portion of the Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes Market deals with providing strength and elasticity. These properties make it a significant part of the construction and food packaging industries. These films and membranes are in layman’s terms, a different version of the polymers. These films are also attuned to temperature and can be adjusted as per the requirements. This implies that these membranes and films can function without any hindrance at several different temperatures. Therefore, the Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes Market is one of the most versatile markets with applications all across the board and properties that can be amended as the requirement calls for.

COVID-19 impact on the Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had terrible consequences on economies worldwide. The world governments closed down their borders due to which international travel became next to impossible. If it was made possible it was done with rigorous quarantine measures and testing time and time again. Only essential businesses and markets were allowed to operate. The Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes observed mixed impact. The pandemic led to severe supply chain issues in all industries which made it extremely difficult to produce anything. This affected the market and production and industries were shut down. But because the medical sector is a huge part of it, the market did not observe as drastic effects as were observed by the others. All products related to the medical field were necessitated in production therefore the market did not suffer a major blow.

Market Drivers:

The multi-faceted properties that have been developed in the Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes are the leading drivers for the market:

As the market name itself suggests, the films and membranes are breathable. This implies that they don’t restrict airflow and can help in easy breathing access even when worn over the nose and mouth areas. These are also used to make gowns and drapes used in surgeries in which case breathability also comes in handy. It helps the professionals be comfortable so that their work is not hindered. These membranes and films are also predicted to have properties like elasticity, strength, and permeability. Elasticity refers to the fabric’s ability to stretch as much as possible. In this case, it is extremely useful in the case of hygiene products like diapers. The material also has strength which makes it durable and long-lasting so that the least possible waste is created. The permeability of the material directly correlates with its breathability. Therefore all these properties ensure that the membranes and films can be used in several applications and it increases the market growth.

The steady growth of the medical sector is a significant driver for market growth:

In recent times, the medical sector has observed staggering growth. The increased numbers of viruses, pathogens, and different bacteria have been responsible for the spike in ailments. This has in turn led to the growth of the medical sector. The pandemic also aided in lifting the value of the sector. Medical applications hold the major portion of the market share of the Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes market. Thus, fluctuations in the medical sector directly influence the market. Because the medical field has been observing a rise, the market has been also driven to growth. The membranes and films are used to produce personal garments for healthcare professionals. They are also used as breathable shields that protect against various families of pathogens. Therefore the market is very strongly linked with the medical field, and its rise has led to market growth.

Market Restraints:

The Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes Market's growth is being stifled by the risk factor involved with the product quality and the high cost of polymers:

Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes are very versatile in their functionalities. They are used across the board in several different applications and various end-user industries. They are used to make fabric materials and are used in the hygiene industry to manufacture sensitive products. In the medical sector, they are used to make protective clothing worn by professionals. Therefore, it is very important that the quality of the product meets all the safety standards. If the quality is subpar, or completely unfit for use it can cause several major problems. Allergic reactions, risk of infections, and life-threatening diseases are some of them. Thus, the major risk, if the product quality is compromised, is a market restraining factor. Also, these membranes are relatively more expensive compared to regular polymers, which also hinders market growth.

POLYURETHANE BREATHABLE FILMS & MEMBRANES MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Market Segments:

This research report on the global Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes Market has been segmented based on product type, application, and region.

Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes Market- By Product Type

• Micro Porous Membrane
• Non-porous Membrane
• Micro void Membrane

During the forecast period, 2023–2030, microporous membranes are estimated to depict remarkable growth and thus simultaneously hold the largest market share. This is owed to the fact that microporous membranes are used in several end-user industries and various different applications. It is helpful and put to good use in Food packaging, health, pharmaceutical, and many other sectors making it so prevalent.

Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes Market- By Application

• Hygiene
• Medical
• Food Packaging
• Construction
• Fabric
• Other Applications

Several other sectors have invariably dominated the market but the Medical sub-section of the Applications is anticipated to show the highest growth spanning the forecast period. The medical sector includes everything ranging from garments for professionals to making shields that block various pathogens. The medical sector overall has observed a spike owing to several new-formed diseases and more potent viruses. Thus it is also the major predicted shareholder in the future.

Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes Market- By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Rest of the World

The largest market share holder for the Polyurethane Breathable Films & Membranes market is North America. Because of the continent’s unparalleled development in various different sectors, the market is flourishing all across the board. It has an especially strong medical sector, which as aforementioned will help boost the market growth. Therefore, it is the strongest market placeholder.

In the forecast period of 2022-2030, the Asia-pacific region is estimated to have the fastest growth. Countries like Japan, China, India, South Korea, and more have been investing more in different economic sectors and backgrounds trying to ensure that the economy is completely self-sufficient. These investments will also reflect positively on the market, making the region to be one of the frontline contenders in holding the market share.

Major Key Players in the Market

1. RKW Group
2. Mitsui Chemicals, Inc
3. NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
4. Arkema Group
5. Fatra, a.s.
6. Celanese
7. Agrofert
8. Trioplast Industrier
9. Schweitzer-Mauduit International
10. Skymark Packaging

Market Insights and Developments

• In January 2020, the company Berry Global invested upwards of $20 million into their sustainable and breathable films. This investment was aimed to help sectors like Hygiene, Medical, and more.
• In June 2020, The German Company Reifenhäuse, redeveloped one of its old production lines to manufacture film. This film production aids in the manufacturing further, of protective equipment and the garment worn by professionals.