South America Speciality Films Market Outlook, 2028

The specialty film coating industry in South America is experiencing a transformative period, characterized by steady growth, technological advancements, and increasing demand across diverse sectors. As the region's economy continues to expand, various industries are recognising the value of specialty film coatings in enhancing product performance, protecting against environmental factors, and improving overall aesthetics. From flexible packaging solutions to electronics and automotive applications, South America's specialty film coating industry is poised to unlock significant growth potential in the coming years. South America's developing consumer products industry, fueled by a growing middle class and shifting customer preferences, has resulted in an increase in demand for new packaging materials. Specialty film coatings are gaining popularity in flexible packaging applications, where their barrier qualities and customizability provide an advantage in product freshness preservation and branding distinction. Furthermore, the region's electronics and automotive industries are expanding, fueling the use of specialty film coatings for touchscreens, displays, and lightweight components. With environmental concerns gaining traction in South America, specialty film coatings that are eco-friendly and recyclable have sparked significant interest. Manufacturers in the region are focused on the development of biodegradable and compostable films in order to meet customer demand for greener options. Government programmes supporting ecologically responsible practises encourage the use of environmentally friendly, specialised film coatings. Manufacturers in South America are spending money on R&D to stay competitive in the global market. The development of specialty films with better functions, such as anti-microbial coatings for medical applications, anti-fog coatings for automobile windscreens, and UV-resistant coatings for agricultural films, has been made possible by advancements in coating technology. These developments meet the various demands of various sectors and create fresh chances for market growth.

According to the research report "South America Speciality Film Market Outlook, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the South America Speciality Film market is anticipated to add USD 1.48 Billion from 2023 to 2028. The rise in e-commerce and increased consumer demand for packaged goods drove the need for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Specialty films, such as barrier films and shrink films, found extensive use in food and beverage packaging, which contributed to the market's growth. South America is known for its significant agricultural activities. Specialty films like greenhouse films, mulch films, and silage films were gaining popularity in the region as they helped improve crop yield and protect plants from adverse weather conditions. The industrial sectors, such as automotive and electronics, were adopting specialty films for applications like automotive wrapping, surface protection, and electronic display components. The region's growing urban population and construction activities increased the demand for specialty films used in building construction and infrastructure projects. Advancements in film manufacturing technology allowed the development of new specialty films with improved properties, such as higher barrier performance, enhanced adhesion, and better optical clarity. Based on the end use industries packaging, Personal care products, electrical and electronic, automobiles, construction, agriculture, aerospace, and others (Textiles, Stationery, etc.), in South America, the Packaging industry has the highest market share. Specialty films offer unique properties and performance characteristics that standard packaging materials cannot match. Companies in the region were looking to differentiate their products in the competitive market by using specialty films to enhance the packaging's appearance, functionality, and protection. Further, the food and beverage industry is a major consumer of specialty films due to the demand for flexible and innovative packaging solutions. As the population and disposable incomes grew in South America, the demand for processed and packaged foods also increased, leading to a higher usage of specialty films. In South America, personal care products are also a growing market as end users, and the cosmetic industry was a significant contributor to the demand for specialty films in the personal care market. The popularity of cosmetics, including makeup, skincare, and hair care products, drove the need for innovative and visually appealing packaging options. Further, as the middle-class population expanded in South America, there was a growing preference for premium personal care products that offered added value and a luxurious feel. Specialty films were used to create premium packaging that conveyed a sense of sophistication and elegance.

Based on the report, the South American market is segmented into three countries, including Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. Of these, Brazil leads the market. Brazil has the largest economy in South America, making it a significant player in various industries, including manufacturing and packaging. The country's large consumer base and industrial capacity create a robust demand for specialty films in various applications. Brazil has a diverse range of industrial sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics, agriculture, and automotive. Many of these sectors require specialty films for packaging, protection, and other applications, contributing to the market's growth. Furthermore, Brazil has invested in advanced film manufacturing technologies, enabling local manufacturers to produce high-quality specialty films that meet international standards. This has led to increased export opportunities and competitiveness in the global market. Based on the material types segment, which includes polyester, Nylon, Polycarbonate, Polyacrylamide, Fluoropolymer, Polyimide, polyolefin, and Others (including Polyvinylidene Chloride, Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol, etc.), in South America, polyolefin holds the highest market share. Further the Polyester is growing segment; films are commonly used as label facestocks due to their printability and resistance to moisture and chemicals. They are also employed in printing applications such as advertising banners and point-of-sale displays. Polyester films are used in industrial applications as release liners, protective films, and adhesive tapes. In the construction industry, polyester films are utilised for insulation, waterproofing, and architectural membranes.

The functionality segment includes barriers, Safety and Security, Decorative, Microporous, Conduction and Insulation, and others (Antistatic, Anti-fog, Waterproof, Heat-resistant, Release, Light Control, UV Protection, etc.). In South America, the functionality segment holds the highest market share. As consumers in South America become more health and environmentally conscious, there is a higher demand for products with extended shelf life, reduced food waste, and improved safety. Barrier films help meet these consumer expectations and requirements. South America has significant agricultural activities, and specialty barrier films are extensively used in greenhouse applications. These films create a controlled environment for optimal plant growth, protecting crops from adverse weather conditions and pests. Further, safety and Security will grow at the highest rate as a functionality segment in the South American market. As crime rates and security concerns rise in some regions of South America, there will be an increased demand for specialty films that offer safety and security features. For instance, security films with shatter-resistant properties could be used for windows and glass surfaces to improve resistance against break-ins and reduce the risk of injuries from shattered glass.

Start-ups Scenario:



NanoSperse is a Brazilian start-up that specializes in developing nanotechnology-based specialty films. They focus on creating films with enhanced properties such as improved barrier performance, antimicrobial properties, and advanced adhesion capabilities.

BioFilms is an Argentinian start-up that concentrates on producing eco-friendly and biodegradable specialty films. Their films are targeted at reducing plastic waste and environmental impact, catering to the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

Luminex Films is a Colombian start-up that focuses on specialty films for the lighting industry. They develop films that offer unique optical properties, light diffusion, and anti-glare features for use in LED displays, signage, and lighting applications.

BreatheTech is a Chilean start-up that specializes in breathable films for agriculture and horticulture applications. Their films enable controlled release of gases and humidity, creating an optimal environment for crop growth and post-harvest storage.

FlexiPrint is a Peruvian start-up that focuses on specialty films for the flexible packaging industry. They offer high-quality printed films with barrier properties for use in food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods packaging.

Companies Covered in this Report:

Covestro AG, Honeywell International Inc., Saudi Arabia's Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Toray Industries, Inc, Avery Dennison Corporation, 3M Company, Mondi plc, Toppan Printing Co., Ltd, Sealed Air Corporation, Solvay NV/SA, Amcor plc, Eastman Chemical Company, Berry Global, Inc., Klöckner Pentaplast, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, Borealis AG, Formosa Plastics Corporation and The RKW Group.

Considered in this report

• Geography: South America
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• South America Speciality Film market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Speciality Film market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia

By Material Type

• Polyester
• Nylon
• Polycarbonate
• Polyacrylamide
• Fluoropolymer
• Polyimide
• Polyolefin
• Others (including Polyvinylidene Chloride, Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol, etc.)

By industrial End User Type

• Packaging
• Personal care products
• Electrical & Electronic
• Automobiles
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Aerospace
• Others (Textiles, Stationery, etc.)

By Functionality Type:

• Barrier
• Safety and Security
• Decorative
• Microporous
• Conduction and Insulation
• Others (Antistatic, Anti-fog, Waterproof, Heat-resistant, Release, Light Control, UV Protection, etc.)

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organisations related to the artificial lawn industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.