Rising awareness of health and hygiene and increasing the purchasing power of consumers are the major drivers of the global breathable films market during the forecast period.Breathable films are thin films with a characteristic property of allowing vapour to pass through while retaining the liquid.
They are manufactured using various polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), and polyester along with mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate.
The huge demand for medical supplies due to COVID-19 pandemic has increased the production of masks, personal protective equipment (PPE) kit, and other medical supplies which was mainly catered by China.
The planned investment is made to address both extrusion and printing capabilities in order to cater to the growing demand for breathable films in the region.In February 2020, RKW Group launched RoofTopGuard breather, a synthetic roofing underlayment that is breathable and optionally self-adhesive.
The new products offer higher permeability and water resistance compared to other breathable products.In July 2019, Schweitzer-Mauduit International added a TPU film line at its manufacturing site in Suzhou, China, to support the demand for protective film in China and APAC region.
These are monolithic in nature and have properties such as elasticity, permeability, and strength.Breathable films are used in a wide range of applications such as hygiene, construction/roofing underlayment, and housing wrap, disposable protective garments, surgical gowns and drapes, fabrics to make sportswear and defense jackets, and in food packaging.Increasing per capita GDP (at PPP) with rising awareness on health & hygiene in developing countries is expected to drive this market.Expansions, investment, and agreements were the key strategies adopted by the major players to achieve growth in the global breathable films market between 2017 and 2020.
