Water soluble film manufacturers provide packaging solutions for specific unit dose applications of laundry detergents, dishwashing products, chemical industry dyes, cement additives and fertilizers. These films are made from polyvinyl alcohol, also known as PVOH, and are biodegradable.
The company’s plant in Portage, Indiana will produce its EcoSol technology, which is best known for revolutionizing laundry and dishwasher detergent packaging with soluble unit-dose systems. The product is reportedly biodegradable and does not contribute to plastic pollution.
Manufacturing Process
The water soluble film manufacturing process involves several stages, including preparation of the resin mixture, heating & melting, and extrusion. Proper proportioning of the various polymeric components in the formulation, along with effective plasticizer, is crucial to impart rapid cold water-solubility. Efficient quenching of the film emerging from the melt-extruder is also important to reduce its tendency for crystallization.
The global water soluble film market is estimated to grow at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period. The soaring demand for detergents, disinfectants, and washing powders is expected to augment the growth of the market.
In addition to this, the rising use of agrochemicals for better agricultural yield in developing countries is another factor that is anticipated to propel the growth of the market. However, the high production cost of water soluble films is likely to restrain the growth of the market. Some of the prominent players in the market include Arrow Greentech Limited, Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd, Mondi Group Plc, Aicello Corporation, SP Medikal San Ltd Sti, and Kuraray Co. Ltd.
Material
Water soluble film manufacturers use polyvinyl alcohol, also known as PVOH or PVA, to produce a wide range of products. These films are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic. They can be used to package laundry detergents, dish-washing tablets, swimming pool chemicals, dyes, and agrochemicals.
The demand for water soluble film has increased in North America, due to a growing population and increasing focus on greener products. This is expected to continue over the forecast period.
The use of these films is beneficial for consumers, as they provide a single dose of the product and eliminate the need to measure the product with a scale or spoon. They also reduce chemical waste by reducing the amount of liquid needed to dissolve the product. They are also useful in preventing chemical agents from being released into the environment, as described in Patent Literature 1. The film is easy to use and can be heat-sealed. It is suitable for both manual and automated packaging systems.
Applications
The rising demand for eco-friendly packaging in the food industry is boosting the sales of water soluble films. The global market is also growing due to government restrictions on the use of non-biodegradable plastics and consumer preferences for sustainable products. Additionally, the increasing concern of microplastic contamination in the food chain has also accelerated the adoption of these films.
The water soluble film market is driven by the robust manufacturing sectors in North America and Asia Pacific. The growing preference for organic and natural packaging among consumers in North America is boosting the demand for this type of flexible packaging. Additionally, stringent regulations on the use of plastics in Asia Pacific is driving the growth of this market.
Moreover, the increased focus on reducing carbon footprint is propelling the growth of the water soluble film market in the US. Furthermore, the growing demand for specific unit dose packaging of agrochemicals, textile chemicals, and water treatment chemicals is driving the growth of the water soluble film market. The water soluble film manufacturers are expanding their production facilities to meet the rising demand for these products in various industries.
Competition
The global water soluble film market is driven by the rising demand for environmentally-friendly packaging solutions. Furthermore, the increasing usage of water soluble films in textile, pharmaceuticals, and other end-user industries is also driving the market.
The water soluble film market is highly competitive, with numerous players operating in the industry. Moreover, the market size is expected to grow at a significant CAGR in the coming years. The report provides a detailed competitive analysis of the market, including key players and their strategies.
The major players in the water soluble film market include Kuraray Co Ltd, Sekisui Chemical Co Ltd, Aicello Corporation, Acedag Ltd, Jiangmen Cinch Packaging Materials Co Ltd, and Joyforce Chemical Industrial Co Ltd. The report includes a comprehensive profile of these companies, along with their financials, product portfolios, and recent developments. It also covers a comprehensive market segmentation by product type, dissolution rate, end-use, and region. The report has been compiled using extensive primary and secondary research.