Polyester Medical Film Market

Polyester Medical Film Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

Based on a recent industry analysis by Fact.MR, with increasing use of polyester medical films in diagnostic strips, besides other products, the market has been gauged to expand at a CAGR of 7.3% and double in value to reach US$ 3.4 billion by the end of 2034.

Spending on packaging of medicine and medical devices increased three-fold in the past five years. The average spending on packaging by the top 100 pharma companies increased from 6% of the drug retail price in 2019 to 8% in 2023. While this seems a very small increase it created an additional opportunity for more than US$ 5.6 million for polyester medical film manufacturers.

Transparent polyester films find various applications in the medical field. One common use is for the test strips in glucose monitoring devices. These films are also frequently utilized in pharmaceutical packaging to protect capsules, powders, tablets, liquids, creams, and ointments during storage and distribution.

Report Attributes	Details
Polyester Medical Film Market Size (2023A)	US$ 1.5 Billion
Estimated Market Value (2024E)	US$ 1.7 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 3.4 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.3% CAGR
East Asia Market Share (2024E)	36.5%
China Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.9% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Toray Industries, Inc. Tekra Corporation Mitsubishi Chemicals Holdings Corporation DuPont 3M Cosmo Films Limited Filmquest Group Inc. Grafix Plastics Dunmore Corporation Flex Films USA Inc. Coveme S.p.a. Tekni-Plex Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd. Merck KGaA Other Prominent Players

Sales Analysis of Polyester Medical Films (2019 to 2023) vs. Market Forecasts (2024 to 2034)

Revenue from polyester medical film sales increased at a CAGR of 6.2% and reached US$ 1.5 billion at the end of 2023.

• Short Term (2024 to 2027): Properties such as biodegradability, tunable mechanical properties, and biocompatibility are making polyester the perfect candidate for commercial implants. In the short term, focus on sustainability will drive steady market growth.
• Medium Term (2027 to 2030): Medical products are subject to stringent regulations from their manufacturing to packaging. There is always a risk of alteration of the shelf life of active ingredients due to environmental contamination, which can cause health damage. In the medium term, manufacturers are expected to focus on regulatory compliance amid more stringent regulations governing medical packaging to increase their polyester medical film market share.
• Long Term (2030 to 2034): Polyester films are flammable and exhibit low breathability. Nevertheless, they are recyclable and biodegradable under specific conditions. The recycling process is not widely adopted or efficient at the moment. In the long term, this process is projected to gain wider acceptance and become more efficient, making it a more sustainable option.

The polyester medical film market size is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034, according to the Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider.

Which Polyester Medical Film Market Trends Should Not Be Ignored?

“Rising Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Conditions Will Fuel Demand for Polyester Medical Films”

Depending upon specific medical applications and different features of polyester films, out of the total polyester produced, 25% to 50% of the polyester is estimated to be used for medical applications. These films have diverse applications in the medical field such as in time-tailored implant screws, controlled drug release, and scaffolds for bone reconstruction.

Prevalence of bone illnesses is projected to increase in the future due to growth in the aging population. The rising need for bone surgeries is forecasted to fuel demand for polyester in the near term.

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1.71 billion people were suffering from musculoskeletal conditions in 2022. This condition affects the bones, joints, and muscles. The elderly population is projected to rise from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2030.

“Advancements in Tissue Engineering”

Tissue engineering is an emerging alternative to conventional surgical procedures where the restoration and replacement of organs and tissues are done. Medical-grade polyester offers physical strength and support to cells or tissues and allows tissue to grow. Polyesters such as polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) are used in the body for the prevention of tissue deformation. PCL is used in 3D scaffolding as it is biocompatible and has a slow degradation rate.

• According to the United States National Library of Medicine, the tissue engineering market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 14.2% from 2020 to 2027.

Advancements in tissue engineering are projected to contribute to steady polyester medical film market growth over the next ten years.

What are the Threats Manufacturers of Polyester Medical Films Face?

“Susceptibility of Polyester to Shrinkage When Exposed to Heat”

Materials such as polyethylene, aluminum foil, and polypropylene can be used as a substitute for polyester medical films. These materials have different properties and advantages. Polyester has disadvantages like limited flexibility and the ability to shrink when exposed to heat, making it a replaceable option.

Printing PET films poses challenges due to their surface characteristics, which hinder effective imprinting. The abundance of packaging options available presents a hurdle to market growth.

Country-wise Insights

What is the Stance of Polyester Film Manufacturers in China?

“Pharmaceutical Production Dominance Fueling Demand for Several Medical Devices and Materials”

The market in China is estimated at US$ 347.5 million in 2024 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.9% through 2034. This market is projected to generate an absolute $ opportunity of US$ 397.3 million from 2024 to 2034. Thus, China occupies a leading polyester film market share.

China is the world’s largest pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing country.

• According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, non-absorbable gauze, surgical drapes, and surgical gowns are the top three medical device exports from China. For the manufacturing of these gowns and drapes, high-density polyester fabrics are used along with cotton and polyethylene fabrics.
• According to the International Trade Administration, the Chinese pharmaceutical market was valued at US$ 161.8 billion in 2023, accounting for a 30% share. The medical device market in China is forecasted to reach US$ 48.8 billion by 2026.

All of these factors are contributing to the sales growth of polyester medical films in China.

Why is the United States a Lucrative Market for Polyester Medical Film Producers?

“High Volume of Surgical Procedures Driving Use of Surgical Implants”

The market in the United States stands at US$ 343.1 million in 2024 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.8% through 2034. This market is projected to generate an absolute $ opportunity of US$ 380.9 million from 2024 to 2034.

Surgical implants include tissue adhesives and surgical meshes. Tissue adhesion involves wound dressing with an adhesive layer in contact with damaged tissues and a second layer of polyester playing the role of an adhesive. The adhesive layer secures the entire system in place through both physical and chemical interactions. Polyester meshes serve as a cost-effective alternative for surgical mesh applications.

• As per data from the United States National Library of Medicine, out of a total of 63,000 implant procedures worldwide, approximately 85.9% were conducted within the United States. The country leads the global implantation market, performing over 100 implants annually. Approximately 800,000 inguinal hernia surgeries are performed in the United States each year.

Category-wise Insights

Why are Sales of Polyester Medical Films Less than 100 Microns Rising Faster?

“Superior Dimensionality and High Transparency of Films Less Than 100 Microns”

Globally revenue from the sales of polyester medical films less than 100 microns is poised to reach US$ 624.2 million in 2024 and is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 7.7% to reach US$ 1.3 billion by 2034. Polyester films of less than 100-micron thickness are used mainly for packaging. They are resistant to tear, heat, and chemicals. They find applications in printing because they exhibit good dimensionality and high transparency.

Polyester medical films with slit widths under 100 microns play crucial roles in medical imaging, microfluidics, surgical instruments, wound care, drug delivery, biomedical research, and implantable devices. These films offer precise control and functionality, aiding in diagnostics, fluid manipulation, minimally invasive procedures, wound management, medication release, research endeavors, and device fabrication. With their versatile applications and precise engineering, they play indispensable roles in advancing healthcare technologies and improving patient outcomes.

What’s Driving Widespread Use of Polyester Medical Films in Diagnostic Strips?

“Transparency of Polyester Medical Films Facilitating Precise Measurements”

Polyester medical films find application in diagnostic strips for diverse medical tests like pregnancy detection, blood glucose monitoring, and infectious disease screening. Renowned for their flexibility, durability, and compatibility with reagents, they serve as an excellent substrate for these diagnostic assays.

The film's stability supports the deposition of reagents and enables precise measurements, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test outcomes. The transparency of polyester medical films permits straightforward visual inspection of the test reaction, enhancing usability and interpretation for both healthcare practitioners and patients.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the polyester medical film market are Toray Industries, Inc., Tekra Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemicals Holdings Corporation, DuPont, 3M, Cosmo Films Limited, Filmquest Group Inc., Grafix Plastics, Dunmore Corporation, Flex Films USA Inc., Coveme, Tekni-Plex, Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd., and Merck KGaA.

Companies are adopting various strategies to enhance their competitiveness and market share. Some are focusing on product innovation, introducing advanced films with improved properties such as biocompatibility and barrier performance. Others are expanding their manufacturing capabilities and global presence through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

Several companies are investing in research and development to explore new applications and address emerging healthcare needs. Overall, the key strategies include innovation, expansion, research, and cost optimization to drive growth and stay competitive in the medical sector.

• In February 2024, DuPont Teijin Films established its identity as Mylar Specialty Films. Rebranding is projected to bolster the production of distinct polyester films and broaden the company's array of products.
• In January 2024, TekniPlex Healthcare and Alpek Polyester introduced a groundbreaking depolymerized pharma-grade PET blister film. This innovative product boasts being the world’s first with 30% post-consumer recycled content, while maintaining pharmaceutical-grade quality and full recyclability.

Fact.MR has provided detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of polyester medical films positioned across regions, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in the recently published report.

Segmentation of Polyester Medical Film Market Research

• By Film Thickness :

  • Less than 100 Microns
  • 100 Microns to 300 Microns
  • More than 300 Microns

• By End Use :

  • Diagnostic Strips
  • Medical Tapes & Adhesives
  • Transdermal Therapeutic Systems (TTS)
  • Biosensors
  • Labeling
  • Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa