1 Global BOPE Film Market Insight Analysis
The global BOPE film market is valued at USD 134.05 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 37.90% from 2024 to 2033.
BOPE, short for Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene, is a type of flexible plastic film produced under specific conditions. BOPE film is made of polyethylene (PE) resin with a special molecular structure and is a high-performance film material produced by a flat film biaxial stretching process. The product features are good heat seal strength, high puncture strength, high wear resistance, and high tensile strength. BOPE film is easier to recycle and can be used in food packaging, agricultural packaging, tote bags, pet food packaging, etc.
Figure Global BOPE Film Market Size (M USD) and CAGR (2024-2033)
2 BOPE Film Market Growth Drivers and Restraints
The product has significant advantages: BOPE film has many outstanding characteristics, such as good heat sealing strength, high puncture strength, high abrasion resistance and high tensile strength. Compared with traditional PE film, it is thinner, has higher gloss, lower cost, and better tensile strength and impact strength. Its low coefficient of friction also makes it suitable for automated packaging. In packaging applications, BOPE film can effectively reduce packaging weight, reduce costs and improve packaging efficiency, which makes it very attractive in downstream industries and the market demand continues to increase.
Environmental advantages are in line with development trends: Against the background of increasing global environmental awareness, the environmental characteristics of BOPE film have become a key driver of its market growth. It is made of a single polyethylene and is 100% recyclable, which is of great significance in simplifying packaging structure and reducing plastic pollution.
With increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the market demand for recyclable packaging materials has increased significantly, and BOPE film just meets this demand. In the recycling infrastructure of developed countries, it can be processed together with other recyclable materials, effectively reducing dependence on limited petrochemical resources, and in line with the trend of sustainable development.
Strong demand in the food industry: The continued expansion of the food and beverage industry is an important support for the growth of the BOPE film market. With the improvement of people’s living standards, the demand for various types of packaged food continues to rise, and food packaging has become the largest application market for BOPE film.
With its excellent heat resistance, barrier and sealing properties, BOPE film is widely used in the packaging of fresh agricultural products, meat, dairy products, etc., which can effectively extend the shelf life of food and ensure food safety. In addition, the vigorous development of e-commerce has also driven the online sales of food, and the application of BOPE film in the field of e-commerce food packaging has become more and more extensive.
High technical barriers: The production of BOPE film has high technical requirements, requiring companies to have deep technical accumulation and continuous innovation capabilities. From the synthesis of raw materials, such as the precise control of the relative molecular mass and molecular mass distribution of polyethylene, to the research and development of production equipment, such as special biaxial stretching production equipment, there are certain technical difficulties. For new entrants, it is not easy to break through these technical barriers, which to a certain extent limits the full competition in the market and hinders the rapid expansion of the industry.
Difficulties in marketing and brand building: BOPE film is widely used, but the end products are mostly oriented to the fast-moving consumer goods market, and downstream customers are scattered. This makes it difficult for companies to establish a sound sales network and a stable customer base, which requires long-term investment and precipitation. Moreover, in a highly competitive market environment, brand awareness is crucial to companies. Well-known brands are a reflection of the comprehensive strength of a company. If new entrants lack long-term R&D investment and new product development, it will be difficult for them to form effective brand influence in the short term and to compete for market share from existing companies.
3 Technological Innovations in the BOPE Film Market
Raw material technology breakthrough: With the participation of many petrochemical companies, the stretchability of raw materials dedicated to BOPE film has been significantly improved. Through the effective control of the relative molecular mass and molecular mass distribution of polyethylene, the foundation has been laid for the production of high-performance BOPE film.
For example, the linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) BX202 developed by SABIC has excellent processing performance and good mechanical and optical properties. Its impact strength, puncture strength and other indicators far exceed those of traditional blown PE films, which provides the possibility for further lightweighting and performance optimization of BOPE film.
Production equipment innovation: Equipment suppliers have increased their R&D investment in biaxial stretching production equipment dedicated to BOPE film. In view of the production characteristics of BOPE film, the focus is on improving the equipment’s plasticizing ability for low-density polyethylene, as well as the temperature control accuracy of the longitudinal stretching and transverse stretching areas. This not only improves production efficiency, but also improves the quality and performance stability of the film. At the same time, the transformation of the existing BOPP film production line is also continuing to advance, further improving the production scale and capacity of BOPE film.
Oben Group acquires Poligal: In 2021, Oben Group acquired Poligal Group, which includes BOPP and CPP production plants in Portugal and Poland, commercial offices in Germany, and an extensive sales and distribution network in Europe. This move has enabled Oben Group to successfully expand into the European market, improve its product line in the field of packaging films, enhance global market competitiveness, and provide a broader platform and more resources for the development of BOPE film business.
Jindal Films expands production capacity: Jindal Films added a new BOPE production line in Italy in 2021, further expanding the production capacity of the Brindisi plant by 50,000 tons. This expansion initiative reflects Jindal Films’ confidence in the prospects of the BOPE film market. By increasing production capacity, it can better meet market demand and consolidate its leading position in the industry. It also intensifies market competition and prompts other companies to continuously improve their strength.
NOVA Chemicals’ project progress: NOVA Chemicals’ new PE plant and cracker expansion project in Ontario has made significant progress, with the second advanced SCLAIRTECH technology (AST2) facility and the Corunna cracker expansion project both reaching mechanical completion. This will significantly increase its polyethylene production capacity, provide a more sufficient and stable supply of raw materials for BOPE film production, and enhance its competitive advantage in the market.
4 Global BOPE Film Market Size by Type
BOPE Film with a thickness below 30 µm is designed for lightweight applications, offering excellent flexibility and strength. This type is particularly popular in food packaging, where its thin profile and high performance make it an ideal choice for applications such as stand-up pouches, flow wrappers, and pillow packs. In 2024, the market revenue for this type is forecasted to be 79.12 million USD, representing a market share of approximately 59.03%. The growth in this segment is driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and lightweight packaging solutions, especially in the food and beverage industry.
BOPE Film with a thickness between 30-50 µm strikes a balance between flexibility and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. This type is commonly used in heavy-duty shipping sacks, e-commerce packaging, and other demanding applications where higher puncture resistance and tensile strength are required. In 2024, the market revenue for this type is expected to reach 31.02 million USD, accounting for a market share of around 23.14%. The growth in this segment is attributed to its versatility and ability to replace traditional packaging materials, offering better performance and recyclability.
BOPE Film with a thickness above 50 µm is designed for applications requiring high tear resistance and stability. This type is particularly useful in agricultural packaging and other applications where the protection of heavy or bulky goods is necessary. In 2024, the market revenue for this type is projected to be 23.91 million USD, representing a market share of approximately 17.84%. The growth in this segment is driven by the increasing demand for robust packaging solutions that can withstand harsh conditions and ensure the safe transportation of goods.
Table Global BOPE Film Market Size and Share by Type in 2024
Type | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
|---|---|---|
Thickness: Below 30 µm | 79.12 | 59.03% |
Thickness: 30-50 µm | 31.02 | 23.14% |
Thickness: Above 50 µm | 23.91 | 17.84% |
5 Global BOPE Film Market Size by Application
Among different applications, food packaging remained the dominant segment. It generated a revenue of 75.43 million USD, accounting for 56.27% of the total market share. This significant contribution can be attributed to the unique properties of BOPE film that make it highly suitable for food packaging. Its excellent barrier properties help preserve the freshness of food products, while its good heat – sealability ensures secure packaging.
Agricultural applications ranked second. The revenue from this sector was 18.09 million USD, taking up 13.50% of the market share. BOPE film is used in various agricultural products such as greenhouse films and mulch films. Its durability and resistance to environmental factors make it a preferred choice in the agricultural industry.
Carrier bags also represented a notable segment in the BOPE film market. In 2024, it brought in a revenue of 14.83 million USD, with a market share of 11.07%. The lightweight and strength characteristics of BOPE film make it ideal for manufacturing carrier bags, which are widely used in retail and other sectors.
Table Global BOPE Film Market Size and Share by Application in 2024
Application | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
|---|---|---|
Food Packaging | 75.43 | 56.27% |
Agricultural | 18.09 | 13.50% |
Carrier Bags | 14.83 | 11.07% |
Others | 25.70 | 19.17% |
6 Global BOPE Film Market Size by Region
In the United States, the BOPE Film market is projected to reach a revenue of 26.14 million USD in 2024. This represents a significant increase from the previous years, reflecting the region’s continuous technological advancements and growing demand in food packaging and e-commerce sectors. The United States has been a pioneer in adopting advanced packaging solutions, which has propelled the BOPE Film market. The region’s focus on sustainability and recyclable materials further boosts the demand for BOPE Film, known for its lightweight and recyclable properties.
Europe’s BOPE Film market is expected to generate a revenue of 8.85 million USD in 2024. The region’s stringent environmental regulations and consumer preference for sustainable packaging have made BOPE Film a preferred choice. Europe’s market growth is also supported by the increasing use of BOPE Film in agricultural packaging, where its durability and protective qualities are highly valued. The region’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints and promoting green technologies has positioned BOPE Film as a key player in the European packaging industry.
China stands out as the largest market for BOPE Film, with a projected revenue of 70.56 million USD in 2024. The country’s rapid industrialization and expansion in manufacturing sectors have significantly increased the demand for BOPE Film. China’s market is particularly driven by the food and beverage industry, where BOPE Film is used extensively due to its excellent barrier properties and cost-effectiveness. The government’s initiatives to promote sustainable packaging solutions have further fueled the growth of the BOPE Film market.
China’s role as a global manufacturing hub also contributes to its dominant position in the BOPE Film market. The United States is projected to lead the market with a revenue of 97.12 M USD, capturing 20.62% of the total market share. The Europe is expected to contribute 68.56 M USD to the market, holding 14.56%
Figure Global BOPE Film Market Size (M USD) by Region in 2024
7 Global BOPE Film Market Analysis by Major Players
NOVA Chemicals
Company Profile: NOVA Chemicals is a leading provider of polyethylene resin, with a strong focus on creating sustainable solutions for various industries. Established in 1954 and headquartered in Canada, NOVA Chemicals operates on a global scale, serving customers across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Business Overview: NOVA Chemicals is committed to shaping a world where plastic products are better tomorrow than they are today. They are dedicated to creating a plastics circular economy and working towards a low-carbon, zero-plastic waste future. Their portfolio includes virgin and recycled resins, along with technical expertise that enables customers to produce recyclable and recycled content films, packaging, and products. With approximately 2,400 employees worldwide, NOVA Chemicals is wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Product Offered: NOVA Chemicals offers a range of BOPE films designed for recyclability and high performance. Their BOPE-HD and MDO-HDPE technologies are used to replace biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and PET (BOPET) in multi-material laminates or metalized structures. These films are ideal for food packaging, heavy-duty shipping sacks, e-commerce, and other demanding applications. NOVA Chemicals’ BOPE films are designed for recycling and suitable for a range of formats, including stand-up pouches, flow wrappers, pillow packs, metalized films, tapes, and labels.
Jindal Films
Company Profile: Jindal Films is a global leader in the development and manufacture of specialty films with nearly 50 years of expertise in flexible packaging and labeling markets. Headquartered in India, Jindal Films has a significant global presence, with production plants across Europe and the United States.
Business Overview: Jindal Films provides films that lead the market in terms of barrier to moisture, oxygen, and flavor & aroma. Their barrier technology is available in their range of Bicor™, Metallyte™, and Oppalyte™ films. They also offer BOPE films for mono-material recyclable packaging under the Ethy-Lyte™ and SealTOUGH™ brands. Jindal Films supports various labeling decoration technologies with their Label-Lyte™ films, engineered for Pressure Sensitive, IML, wrap-around labeling. With affiliated production plants in Europe and the United States, and sales offices worldwide, Jindal Films employs approximately 3000 people globally.
Product Offered: Jindal Films presents high-density EthyLyte™ BOPE films designed for “ready to recycle” BOPE mono-material packaging solutions. These films demonstrate outstanding performance in flexographic, web, and digital printing, as well as packaging converting, setting a new industry standard for PE-based packaging films. Their products include sealable films available in various microns, matte films for packaging requiring a paper finish, and films that provide excellent converting and packaging properties.
Plastchim-T
Company Profile: Plastchim-T is one of the leading privately owned European manufacturers of biaxially oriented polypropylene films (BOPP), cast polypropylene films (CPP), and flexible packaging products. Established in 1967 and headquartered in Bulgaria, Plastchim-T operates globally with a significant presence in the packaging industry.
Business Overview: Plastchim-T operates in two main divisions – Packaging Films and Flexible Packages production. With three factories located in Bulgaria, Plastchim-T employs over 1000 people. Their modern facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring high-quality products. Plastchim-T serves various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and non-food applications, offering a wide range of biaxially oriented polypropylene and cast polypropylene films.
Product Offered: Plastchim-T offers a variety of BOPE films, including transparent plain BOPE films suitable for flexo printing or as intermediate layers in multilayer structures due to their high mechanical properties. They provide films with different features such as non-heat sealable, corona treated for printing, and heat sealable options. Their product range caters to the needs of various packaging applications, ensuring high performance and reliability.