Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) packaging material is used in various end-use industries such as personal care, food and beverages, medical, and others, owing to its properties such as light weight, good impact strength, resistance to oil, grease and chemicals, and others. The high versatility of plastic enables in reuse and recycling.

Market Dynamics

PVC packaging requires less fuel to produce as compared to that of other packaging materials such as metal and glass. According to Plastics Europe, the energy required for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high density polyethylene) was 82.7 GJ (gigajoule) per ton and 76.7 GJ per ton whereas, for PVC was 56.7 GJ per ton. Furthermore, it also protects against contamination by helping to prevent the spread of germs during manufacturing and distribution. These factors are propelling the PVC packaging materials market growth.

Growing demand from processed food is also expected to drive growth of PVC packaging market. This is owing to high use of PVC packaging in processed foods, due to its aforementioned properties. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, in Germany, the processed food and drinks market was valued at US$ 190 billion in 2016 and the food industry represented the third-largest processing industry in Germany.

However, use of PVC packaging has been restricted in various countries such as Spain, Canada, Czech Republic, and South Korea, owing to health risk associated with the use of it. This is expected to hinder growth of PVC packaging materials market. According to Legislative Council, State of California, the California Assembly passed bill no. AB 1329, which prohibits a retail establishment from selling, distributing or importing a flexible or rigid polyvinyl chloride packaging container.

Market Trends

Among end-use industry, the food and beverages segment is expected to witness a significant growth in the near future, owing to increasing growth of this industry. According to U.S. Census Bureau, in the U.S., the total food sales in 2016 was US$ 1,594.06 billion. Furthermore, increasing consumer spending on food and drink results in growth of this segment. According to Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs, the total consumer expenditure on food, drink and catering increased by 0.9% in 2014 to US$ 231.10 billion.

The rigid packaging application segment is expected to show a significant growth in the global PVC packaging materials market over the forecast period. According to Coherent Market Insights’ analysis, the global rigid packaging market was valued at US$ 529.97 billion in 2016 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.05% during the forecast period (2017-2025).

Key manufacturers are focusing on launching new products and plant expansion to expand their product portfolio and to cater to increasing consumer demand. For instance, in February 2018, Westlake Chemical Corp. announced plans to expand their Geismar polyvinyl chloride plant to boost its annual volume of PVC products.

Market Outlook

Europe holds a significant position in the global PVC packaging materials market growth, owing to growing personal care and cosmetics industry in the region. This is owing to increasing use of PVC in packaging of cosmetic products as these are resistant to oil, grease, and chemicals. According to Cosmetic Europe, cosmetics and personal care industry in Europe was valued at US$ 94.13 billion in 2015 with Germany (US$ 15.89 billion) positioned as the largest market, followed by the U.K. (US$ 14.06 billion), France (US$ 13.94 billion), and Italy (US$ 12.10 billion), respectively.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in global PVC packaging materials market over the forecast period. Increasing demand for PVC packaging products in pharmaceutical industry in China and India is one of the factors fueling growth of PVC packaging materials market. According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the pharmaceutical industry in India accounted for 2.4% of the global pharmaceutical industry and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 12.89% during 2015 – 2020.

Furthermore, increasing consumer preferences for packaged goods coupled with growing retail industry is expected to significantly affect growth of the market in the forecast period. For instance, India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), Government of India, the retail market is expected to nearly double to US$ 1 trillion by 2020 from US$ 600 billion in 2015.

Key Players

Some of the leading players operating in the global PVC packaging materials market are Reliance Industries Limited, Palram Industries Ltd., Bilcare Singapore Pte Limited, Jinhua Zhong Bang packaging materials Co., Ltd. and Teknor Apex Company, Inc.

Key Development

In August 2019, Loftwall Inc., provider of versatile and modular divider solutions for residential and office spaces. The company selects Vycom’s Celtec® expanded PVC sheet material for dividers printed with customers’ branding or photo images, or for their unique webbed cut-out design

In July 2017, Braskem, one of the leading manufacturer of thermoplastic resins, developed an innovative solution with PVC. The company launched Infinity Line, a series of Perfiltec products based on the polyvinyl chloride and medium density fiberboard (PVC/MDF) composite. This line includes construction applications, outdoor furniture, and agricultural market.

In October 2017, Aurora Plastics, LLC, one of the leading player in polyvinyl chloride compounds announced the acquisition of S&E Specialty Polymers. The acquisition represents the expansion of company’s flexible PCV capabilities and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The acquisition offers a wide range of custom compounding and technologies which includes Rigid and flexible PVC pellets, Rigid cellular PVC (Auroralite), Rigid cellular PVC (Auroralite), Rigid PVC powders and others.

In Ineos, a leading chemical producer made a 50-50 joint venture to create a sustainable and competitive business from PVC global producers.

PVC Packaging Materials Market

On the basis of application, the PVC packaging materials market is segmented into:

Rigid

Flexible

Others

On the basis of end-use industry, the PVC packaging materials market is segmented into:

Food & Beverages

Industrial

Personal Care

Medical

Others

On the basis of region, the PVC packaging materials market is segmented into: