Water Soluble Films Market By Type (Cold Water Soluble Films, Hot Water Soluble Films); By Material Type (Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Starch-Based Films); By End User (Household Cleaning, Agriculture); By Geography – Growth, Share, Opportunities & Competitive Analysis, 2024 – 2032
Water Soluble Films Market size was valued USD 402.6 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 566.43 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.36% during the forecast period.
REPORT ATTRIBUTE
DETAILS
Historical Period
2020-2023
Base Year
2024
Forecast Period
2025-2032
Water Soluble Films Market Size 2024
USD 402.6 Million
Water Soluble Films Market, CAGR
4.36%
Water Soluble Films Market Size 2032
USD 566.43 Million
The water soluble films market is driven by leading players such as Cortec Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, Ecopol S.p.A, Arrow GreenTech Ltd., AMC (UK) Limited, Mondi, 3M, KURARAY CO., LTD, and AICELLO CORPORATION, who focus on material innovation, eco-friendly product development, and global expansion strategies. These companies emphasize biodegradable and high-performance film solutions to meet growing demand in household cleaning, agriculture, and personal care sectors. Regionally, North America leads the market with a 34% share, supported by strong adoption of unit-dose detergent pods, advanced retail infrastructure, and stringent regulations encouraging sustainable packaging practices.
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The Water Soluble Films Market size was valued at USD 402.6 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 566.43 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 4.36%.
Rising demand for eco-friendly packaging and unit-dose detergent pods is a key driver, supported by regulations reducing single-use plastics.
Growing adoption of biodegradable and high-performance films in household cleaning, agriculture, and personal care highlights an important trend shaping the market.
Competitive dynamics are defined by players such as Cortec Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, Ecopol S.p.A, Arrow GreenTech Ltd., Mondi, 3M, Kuraray, AMC (UK) Limited, and Aicello Corporation focusing on innovation and global expansion.
North America leads with a 34% share, while household cleaning dominates end-use applications, reflecting strong consumer preference for convenience and sustainable solutions across the region.
Market Segmentation Analysis:
By Type
Cold water soluble films dominate the market, holding the largest share due to their wide use in packaging household detergents, agrochemicals, and cleaning agents. Their ability to dissolve quickly in normal water temperatures makes them cost-effective and convenient for consumers. Growing environmental regulations against single-use plastics and rising demand for safe, unit-dose packaging further drive adoption. Hot water soluble films remain important in applications requiring controlled solubility, but their market share lags as industries increasingly prefer cold-soluble solutions for broader efficiency and sustainability benefits.
For instance, Ashland has commercialized the easy-wet™ 300 n super wetting agent platform. This product is biodegradable per OECD Test No. 302B; field trials over a full year demonstrated substantial reduction in spray drift and superior wettability at lower concentrations when compared to benchmark non‐ionic surfactants.
By Material Type
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) accounts for the highest market share among material types, driven by its strong water solubility, biodegradability, and film-forming properties. PVA-based films are widely used in packaging detergents, agrochemicals, and personal care products, aligning with sustainability goals. Starch-based films are gaining momentum due to their renewable nature, but their performance limitations keep them secondary. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and other materials serve niche uses, but the cost-effectiveness and compatibility of PVA with mass-scale production continue to secure its leading position in the market.
For instance, BASF bio-acrylamide capacity globally, including the opening of a plant in Nanjing, China, that produces more than 50,000 metric tons annually.rfactants.
By End User
Household cleaning emerges as the dominant end-user segment, capturing the largest market share owing to the growing adoption of unit-dose detergent pods and eco-friendly cleaning products. Rising consumer awareness about reducing plastic waste and the convenience of pre-measured packaging support segment growth. Agriculture, textiles, and food & beverage follow as key contributors, with applications in seed packaging, laundry bags, and food portioning. Cosmetics and personal care, though smaller, are expanding steadily as brands explore water-soluble packaging to align with sustainable product positioning and consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives.
Key Growth Drivers
Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Packaging
The global shift toward sustainable packaging strongly drives the water soluble films market. These films reduce plastic waste and align with environmental regulations on single-use plastics. Industries such as household cleaning, agriculture, and food & beverages adopt them for safe, biodegradable solutions. Growing consumer preference for eco-conscious products boosts demand for detergent pods, agrochemical pouches, and unit-dose packaging. This eco-friendly appeal positions water soluble films as a mainstream choice, creating long-term growth opportunities across developed and emerging economies.
For instance, DuPont’s ultrafiltration membrane product line, PES In-Out (Multibore™), features inner pores of approximately 20 nanometers, enabling virus rejection above 4 log units without pre-coagulation.
Expansion of Household Cleaning Applications
The household cleaning sector fuels strong adoption of water soluble films. Detergent pods, dishwasher tablets, and cleaning agents increasingly use these films for pre-measured, convenient packaging. Rising urbanization and changing lifestyles drive consumer preference for time-saving and safe products. Leading manufacturers focus on developing films with improved solubility and barrier properties to meet evolving needs. With major retail chains supporting sustainable cleaning solutions, this segment anchors market dominance, ensuring steady revenue growth for film producers and packaging solution providers worldwide.
For instance, Solvay introduced a new grade of Rhodianyl polyamide 6.6, produced at its Santo André plant, made from 100% pre-consumer recycled content, achieving SCS Recycled Content Certification.
Advancements in Material Innovation
Continuous innovation in film materials significantly supports market expansion. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) remains the most used, but starch-based and bio-derived films are gaining traction. Enhanced solubility, strength, and barrier properties broaden application scope in textiles, agriculture, and personal care. Companies invest in R&D to develop biodegradable blends that meet both performance and sustainability goals. Such advancements attract industries seeking alternatives to conventional plastics. By balancing cost-efficiency and functionality, innovative water soluble films strengthen market penetration and foster global adoption across multiple sectors.
Key Trends & Opportunities
Growth of Unit-Dose Packaging
Unit-dose packaging is a growing trend that benefits the water soluble films market. It ensures safety, convenience, and accurate dosing in household cleaning, agrochemicals, and healthcare products. Rising health and hygiene awareness drives adoption of single-use packaging solutions. Leading brands leverage water soluble films to produce pods and sachets with exact formulation, reducing risks of spillage and overuse. This opportunity is further enhanced by strong retail support and e-commerce penetration, making unit-dose packaging one of the most profitable avenues for film applications.
For instance, Kuraray’s SEPTON™ BIO-series, made from beta-farnesene and styrene blocks, has biomass content between 50-80%, offering strong adhesive force and damping properties.
Adoption in Agricultural Applications
Agriculture presents a significant growth opportunity for water soluble films. Seed coatings, pesticide pouches, and fertilizer packaging use these films to enhance safety and reduce environmental impact. Farmers benefit from reduced exposure to chemicals while ensuring efficient input utilization. Increasing global food demand and focus on sustainable farming practices support adoption. Government incentives for eco-friendly agricultural inputs further accelerate this trend. With growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture, water soluble films are poised to become a preferred packaging solution in the farming sector.
For instance, Akzo Nobel holds a patent for controlled-release polymers whose water solubility toggles with pH and salt concentration: the polymers are copolymers or terpolymers containing 2 to 60 mole % of an amine functionality that is neutralised with a fixed acid.
Key Challenges
High Production Costs
The cost of producing water soluble films remains a major challenge. Advanced raw materials like PVA and starch blends require specialized processing, increasing manufacturing expenses. Compared to conventional plastic packaging, these films often carry higher price tags, limiting adoption in cost-sensitive markets. Small-scale users, particularly in developing regions, hesitate to switch due to affordability issues. Balancing eco-friendly benefits with cost competitiveness remains essential for market expansion. Manufacturers need to scale operations and optimize processes to reduce costs and encourage wider adoption.
Performance Limitations in Certain Applications
Despite benefits, water soluble films face limitations in moisture-sensitive environments. Exposure to humidity can affect film strength, solubility, and overall packaging performance. Industries dealing with storage and transportation under varied climatic conditions struggle to maintain quality assurance. This restricts broader usage in sectors like food packaging and pharmaceuticals, where shelf life and stability are critical. Overcoming these performance challenges through material innovations and protective layering is necessary. Without addressing such limitations, market growth potential in certain high-demand applications may remain constrained.
Regional Analysis
North America
North America holds a 34% share in the water soluble films market, driven by strong demand in household cleaning and agrochemical packaging. The region’s mature retail infrastructure supports rapid adoption of unit-dose detergent pods and sustainable packaging. Stringent environmental regulations encourage manufacturers to replace conventional plastics with biodegradable films. The U.S. leads in consumption due to consumer preference for eco-friendly and convenient solutions, while Canada contributes through agricultural applications. Continuous innovation by key players and collaborations with packaging firms strengthen the region’s position, ensuring steady growth across household, industrial, and agricultural end-user sectors.
Europe
Europe accounts for 28% of the water soluble films market, supported by stringent sustainability regulations and high consumer awareness of eco-friendly packaging. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK lead adoption in household cleaning and personal care sectors. The European Union’s ban on single-use plastics accelerates the shift toward biodegradable packaging solutions. Household cleaning products dominate, with detergent pods gaining wide acceptance. Agriculture and textile applications further expand usage. Strong R&D investments by regional manufacturers in starch-based and bio-derived films enhance competitiveness. This regulatory and innovation-driven environment secures Europe’s leadership in sustainable water soluble film adoption.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific dominates with a 30% share, fueled by rapid industrial growth, expanding agriculture, and rising demand for sustainable packaging. China, India, and Japan lead consumption, driven by large-scale detergent usage and growing awareness of eco-friendly solutions. Expanding e-commerce platforms promote unit-dose packaging in household cleaning and food applications. Government initiatives supporting sustainable farming practices also accelerate film adoption in agrochemical packaging. Local manufacturers focus on cost-effective PVA and starch-based films to meet growing demand. With a rising middle-class population and evolving consumption patterns, Asia-Pacific represents the fastest-growing regional market for water soluble films globally.
Latin America
Latin America captures a 5% share in the water soluble films market, primarily supported by agriculture and household cleaning sectors. Brazil and Mexico drive regional demand with increasing adoption of agrochemical pouches and detergent pods. Growing awareness of sustainable farming practices encourages wider usage of biodegradable films in seed and fertilizer packaging. However, cost sensitivity and limited consumer awareness restrain broader penetration. Regional governments promoting eco-friendly practices and multinational companies expanding operations strengthen growth potential. As local markets adapt to sustainability trends, Latin America is expected to gradually increase its contribution to the global water soluble films market.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa region holds a 3% share, with adoption concentrated in agriculture and industrial packaging applications. Countries such as South Africa, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia lead regional demand, driven by agricultural modernization and urbanization. Water soluble films find application in agrochemical packaging and textiles, supported by growing sustainability awareness. Limited manufacturing capabilities and cost constraints hinder faster adoption. However, rising imports and strategic partnerships with international players improve availability. Increasing government support for sustainable agricultural practices and gradual consumer preference for eco-friendly products provide long-term opportunities for market growth in the region.
Market Segmentations:
By Type:
Cold Water Soluble Films
Hot Water Soluble Films
By Material Type:
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
Starch-Based Films
By End User:
Household Cleaning
Agriculture
By Geography
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East
Africa
Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape of the water soluble films market players such as Cortec Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, Ecopol S.p.A, Arrow GreenTech Ltd., AMC (UK) Limited, Mondi, 3M, KURARAY CO., LTD, and AICELLO CORPORATION. The water soluble films market is defined by continuous innovation, sustainability initiatives, and strategic expansions. Companies focus on developing films with enhanced solubility, durability, and biodegradability to meet the rising demand across household cleaning, agriculture, textiles, and personal care industries. Regulatory pressures on reducing single-use plastics push manufacturers to invest in eco-friendly material technologies, including starch-based and bio-derived blends. Strong emphasis is placed on R&D, partnerships, and scaling production to achieve cost efficiency. Market competition is further shaped by the growing importance of unit-dose packaging and the shift toward sustainable global supply chains.
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In January 2025, Bayer Crop Science launched a product for its crop health product Wojiarun, which is a new-generation water-soluble secondary fertilizer. Wojiarun is also a new-generation calcium fertilizer developed by Bayer. The launch of the product is a demonstration of Bayer’s strong commitment to fertilizer research and manufacture in China.
In August 2024, SNF announced that it has signed agreements to acquire Ace Fluid Solutions and PfP Industries. The company aims to offer advanced solutions to its upstream oil and gas customers. PfP Industries specializes in slurry friction reducer technologies and related applications, while Ace Fluid Solutions develops innovative products in fluid management.
In June 2024, Grove Bags introduced ExcIse, an environmentally friendly storage solution for preserving fresh frozen cannabis. ExcIse completely dissolves in water without leaving microplastic residue, making it biodegradable, compostable, and safe for marine environments. The product is UV-resistant, antimicrobial, anti-static, and highly durable, even at sub-zero temperatures.
In July 2023, Notpla partnered with home care and detergent MACK and launched a sustainable clothes detergent sachet, marking Notpla’s first commercial application of its film material in a refill cleaning product line.
Report Coverage
The research report offers an in-depth analysis based on Type, Material Type, End-User and Geography. It details leading market players, providing an overview of their business, product offerings, investments, revenue streams, and key applications. Additionally, the report includes insights into the competitive environment, SWOT analysis, current market trends, as well as the primary drivers and constraints. Furthermore, it discusses various factors that have driven market expansion in recent years. The report also explores market dynamics, regulatory scenarios, and technological advancements that are shaping the industry. It assesses the impact of external factors and global economic changes on market growth. Lastly, it provides strategic recommendations for new entrants and established companies to navigate the complexities of the market.
Future Outlook
The market will expand with rising adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Household cleaning will remain the leading application segment worldwide.
Agriculture will emerge as a strong growth area with eco-friendly chemical packaging.
Material innovation will focus on bio-based and starch-derived film development.
Demand for unit-dose packaging will grow across multiple consumer industries.
Asia-Pacific will record the fastest growth due to rising industrial and consumer demand.
Europe will maintain leadership through strict sustainability regulations.
Cost optimization in production will become a key industry priority.
Partnerships between film producers and FMCG companies will strengthen market reach.
Performance improvements in moisture resistance will open new application opportunities.
1. Introduction
1.1. Report Description
1.2. Purpose of the Report
1.3. USP & Key Offerings
1.4. Key Benefits for Stakeholders
1.5. Target Audience
1.6. Report Scope
1.7. Regional Scope 2. Scope and Methodology
2.1. Objectives of the Study
2.2. Stakeholders
2.3. Data Sources
2.3.1. Primary Sources
2.3.2. Secondary Sources
2.4. Market Estimation
2.4.1. Bottom-Up Approach
2.4.2. Top-Down Approach
2.5. Forecasting Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Introduction
4.1. Overview
4.2. Key Industry Trends 5. Global Water Soluble Films Market
5.1. Market Overview
5.2. Market Performance
5.3. Impact of COVID-19
5.4. Market Forecast 6. Market Breakup By Type
6.1. Cold Water Soluble Films
6.1.1. Market Trends
6.1.2. Market Forecast
6.1.3. Revenue Share
6.1.4. Revenue Growth Opportunity
6.2. Hot Water Soluble Films
6.2.1. Market Trends
6.2.2. Market Forecast
6.2.3. Revenue Share
6.2.4. Revenue Growth Opportunity 7. Market Breakup By Material Type
7.1. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
7.1.1. Market Trends
7.1.2. Market Forecast
7.1.3. Revenue Share
7.1.4. Revenue Growth Opportunity
7.2. Starch-Based Films
7.2.1. Market Trends
7.2.2. Market Forecast
7.2.3. Revenue Share
7.2.4. Revenue Growth Opportunity 8. Market Breakup By End User
8.1. Household Cleaning
8.1.1. Market Trends
8.1.2. Market Forecast
8.1.3. Revenue Share
8.1.4. Revenue Growth Opportunity
8.2. Agriculture
8.2.1. Market Trends
8.2.2. Market Forecast
8.2.3. Revenue Share
8.2.4. Revenue Growth Opportunity 9. Market Breakup by Region
9.1. North America
9.1.1. United States
9.1.1.1. Market Trends
9.1.1.2. Market Forecast
9.1.2. Canada
9.1.2.1. Market Trends
9.1.2.2. Market Forecast
9.2. Asia-Pacific
9.2.1. China
9.2.2. Japan
9.2.3. India
9.2.4. South Korea
9.2.5. Australia
9.2.6. Indonesia
9.2.7. Others
9.3. Europe
9.3.1. Germany
9.3.2. France
9.3.3. United Kingdom
9.3.4. Italy
9.3.5. Spain
9.3.6. Russia
9.3.7. Others
9.4. Latin America
9.4.1. Brazil
9.4.2. Mexico
9.4.3. Others
9.5. Middle East and Africa
9.5.1. Market Trends
9.5.2. Market Breakup by Country
9.5.3. Market Forecast 10. SWOT Analysis
10.1. Overview
10.2. Strengths
10.3. Weaknesses
10.4. Opportunities
10.5. Threats 11. Value Chain Analysis 12. Porters Five Forces Analysis
12.1. Overview
12.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
12.3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
12.4. Degree of Competition
12.5. Threat of New Entrants
12.6. Threat of Substitutes 13. Price Analysis 14. Competitive Landscape
14.1. Market Structure
14.2. Key Players
14.3. Profiles of Key Players
14.3.1. Cortec Corporation
14.3.1.1. Company Overview
14.3.1.2. Product Portfolio
14.3.1.3. Financials
14.3.1.4. SWOT Analysis
14.3.2. Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
14.3.2.1. Company Overview
14.3.2.2. Product Portfolio
14.3.2.3. Financials
14.3.2.4. SWOT Analysis
14.3.3. Ecopol S.p.A
14.3.3.1. Company Overview
14.3.3.2. Product Portfolio
14.3.3.3. Financials
14.3.3.4. SWOT Analysis
14.3.4. Arrow GreenTech Ltd.
14.3.4.1. Company Overview
14.3.4.2. Product Portfolio
14.3.4.3. Financials
14.3.4.4. SWOT Analysis
14.3.5. AMC (UK) Limited
14.3.5.1. Company Overview
14.3.5.2. Product Portfolio
14.3.5.3. Financials
14.3.5.4. SWOT Analysis
14.3.6. Mondi
14.3.6.1. Company Overview
14.3.6.2. Product Portfolio
14.3.6.3. Financials
14.3.6.4. SWOT Analysis
14.3.7. 3M
14.3.7.1. Company Overview
14.3.7.2. Product Portfolio
14.3.7.3. Financials
14.3.7.4. SWOT Analysis
14.3.8. KURARAY CO., LTD
14.3.8.1. Company Overview
14.3.8.2. Product Portfolio
14.3.8.3. Financials
14.3.8.4. SWOT Analysis
14.3.9. AICELLO CORPORATION
14.3.9.1. Company Overview
14.3.9.2. Product Portfolio
14.3.9.3. Financials
14.3.9.4. SWOT Analysis
14.3.10. AMC (UK) Limited
14.3.10.1. Company Overview
14.3.10.2. Product Portfolio
14.3.10.3. Financials
14.3.10.4. SWOT Analysis 15. Research Methodology
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the current market size for Water Soluble Films Market, and what is its projected size in 2032?
The market size was USD 402.6 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 566.43 million by 2032.
At what Compound Annual Growth Rate is the Water Soluble Films Market projected to grow between 2025 and 2032?
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.36% during the forecast period.
Which Water Soluble Films Market segment held the largest share in 2024?
Cold water soluble films held the largest share in 2024 due to their wide applications.
What are the primary factors fueling the growth of the Water Soluble Films Market?
Key drivers include demand for eco-friendly packaging, unit-dose convenience, and material innovations.
Who are the leading companies in the Water Soluble Films Market?
Key players include Cortec Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, Ecopol S.p.A, Mondi, 3M, Kuraray, and Aicello Corporation.
Which region commanded the largest share of the Water Soluble Films Market in 2024?
North America led with a 34% share in 2024, driven by strong household cleaning applications.
About Author
Ganesh Chandwade
Senior Industry Consultant
Ganesh is a senior industry consultant specializing in heavy industries and advanced materials.
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