Breathable Films Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis, By Technology (Micro Porous, Non-porous), By Type (Polyethylene, Polypropylene), By Application (Hygiene & Personal Care, Medical), By Region - Industry Forecast 2024-2031

Drivers

Rise in Demand for Diapers for Babies

• Demand drivers for the diaper market include an increase in population, which results in greater demand for comfortable and hygienic diapers. Moreover, the segment has grown with the improvement in per-capita disposable income and an increase in the number of working mothers. Due to increasing awareness of keeping newborns hygienic and technical development in textiles used within diapers, such as breathable and absorbent, manufacturers are designing bio-based products. Breathability has been defined as a fabric allowing airflow into and out of the weave or structure of the fabric. A breathable newborn diaper is a must for the comfort and healthy skin of the baby. It keeps a baby's skin smooth and healthy by reducing the risk of diaper rash. The breathability of diapers influences the incidence of diaper dermatitis. Hence, babies with diapers having breathability have a 38% to 50% less chance of developing dermatitis.

Increase in Demand for Food Packaging Applications

• Breathable films are being increasingly required in food packaging applications and are anticipated to drive the breathable films market in the future. Various features of breathable films, that are low-cost polymer-based items with a wide range of breathability levels moisture control, and extended shelf-life for food packages, are required in food packaging. They are particularly in demand for various food packaging needs such as rolls, fruit and vegetable bags, and packing bags, which guarantee freshness, extend the shelf life of products, and ensure their safety by allowing smoke and sealing penetration. Growing food processing, increased demand for protective packaging solutions, and consumer awareness of hygiene and food safety in the industry are some key factors influencing the growth in demand for breathable films from the food packaging application.

Restraints

Exorbitant Production Cost

• The high manufacturing cost of breathable film technologies is one of the major deterrent factors in the breathable films market. In general, a higher investment in the latest equipment and even raw materials is called for in breathable film manufacturing processes, especially in the case of specialized polymers such as thermoplastic polyurethane and polyurethane. These can often be considerably dearer than the conventional alternatives, hence raising the production cost higher. This cost is further enhanced by maintaining strict quality control and achieving the breathable qualities necessary. Smaller producers or less well-off ones may not be able to bear such costs, which could limit market accessibility and hinder overall growth in the sector. Consequently, this high manufacturing cost may inhibit the affordability and competitiveness of breathable films and impede their wide application.

Environmental Impact of Non-Biodegradable Materials

• Another major obstacle for breathable films' market is the ecological impact of non-biodegradable material. Many of the breathable films are based on traditional polymers, mostly with a poor degrading rate in nature. This creates serious issues with contamination of nature and waste management. With the world's attention focused on sustainability and plastic waste reduction, demands for eco-friendly substitutes have been on the rise. Nonbiodegradable breathable films only add to the environmental problems by piling up in landfills and taking hundreds of years to break down. Growing environmental concerns pressurize the manufacturers to invest in and switch to recyclable or biodegradable material. These materials may be more expensive and complex to produce, which, in turn, hinders market growth.