Water Soluble Films Market Reaches USD 794.99 Mn by 2034

Water Soluble Films Market Size, Share, Trends, Segments, and Regional Insights (NA, EU, APAC, LA, MEA)

The global water soluble films market, valued at USD 450.25 million in 2024, is anticipated to reach USD 794.99 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.85% over the next decade. In 2024, North America held the largest market share, contributing heavily to the demand for water-soluble films, especially for detergent packaging and agrochemical packaging. The cold-water soluble films segment led the market in 2024 with 65% share, while the hot-water soluble films segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate over the next decade.

Last Updated: 31 October 2025 Category: Others Packaging Insight Code: 5875 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The water soluble films market is forecasted to expand from USD 476.59 million in 2025 to USD 794.99 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.85% from 2025 to 2034. The market includes segments such as cold-water soluble films, hot-water soluble films, and applications like detergent packaging, agrochemical packaging, and pharmaceutical packaging. North America dominates the market with a 30% share, while Asia Pacific is expected to see significant growth, driven by industrialization and sustainability trends.

Water Soluble Films Market Growth and Trends 2025

Major Key Insights of the Water Soluble Films Market

  • In terms of revenue, the market is valued at USD 476.59 million in 2025.
  • The market is projected to reach USD 794.99 million by 2034.
  • Rapid growth at a CAGR of 5.85% will be observed in the period between 2025 and 2034.
  • By region, North America dominated the global market by holding highest market share of 30% in 2024.
  • By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
  • By type, the cold-water soluble films segment contributed the biggest market share of 65% in 2024.
  • By type, the hot water soluble films segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034.
  • By application, the detergent packaging segment contributed the biggest market share of 40% in 2024.
  • By application, the agrochemical packaging segment is expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034.
  • By form, the films segment contributed the biggest market share of 70% in 2024.
  • By form, the bags segment is expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034.

What is Water Soluble Films?

Water soluble films (WSF) comprise biodegradable polymer-based films that dissolve upon contact with water, offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging. These films are primarily composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and are utilized across various applications, including detergent pods, agrochemical packaging, pharmaceutical sachets, and textile processing. Their rapid solubility and minimal environmental impact make them suitable for single-use applications, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. The market's expansion is driven by increasing environmental awareness, stringent regulations against plastic waste, and the adoption of sustainable practices across industries.

Water Soluble Films Market Outlook

  • Market Growth Overview: The market is expected to raise significantly, influenced by growing demand for convenient and sustainable packaging in segments such as pharmaceuticals, detergents, and agrochemicals.
  • Global Expansion: Regions such as North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe are witnessing sustainability, convenience, and efficacy are the major factors behind the growth of this market.
  • Major Market Players: Water soluble films market comprises Kuraray Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., Aicello Corporation, Mondi Group Plc, Cortec Corporation, Arrow GreenTech Ltd.
  • Startup Ecosystem: The startup industries are majorly influenced by the development of sustainable and innovative packaging. The significant opportunities comprise developing progressive films, safeguarding patents for new preparations, and joining with larger corporations to arrive the market.

Key Technological Shifts in Water Soluble Films Market

The water soluble films market is experiencing major technological shift with enhanced PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) preparations for greater stability and strength, the innovation of cold-water-soluble films, and the usage of innovative, compostable, and biodegradable resources such as polysaccharide proteins to fulfil sustainability demands. These inventions are improving film presentation for usages in pharmaceuticals, detergent pods, agrochemicals, and more, influencing market development and growing its acceptance. This is a noteworthy enhancement that permits convenient usage, mainly in dishwasher and laundry pods, as they soften efficiently even in cold water. This invention makes the goods easier to utilize and more environment-friendly.

  • Trade Analysis of Water Soluble Films Market: Import & Export Statistics
  • Vietnam: It leads the water soluble imports with 23,382 shipments.
  • Hong Kong: It stands in the second spot in importing water soluble with 2,755 shipments.
  • United States: It is the third leading importer of water soluble with 1,326 shipments.

Water Soluble Films Market - Value Chain Analysis

Raw Material Sourcing

The major raw materials utilized in this market are Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide, starch-based polymers, and hemicellulose.

  • Key Players: Jony Impex, Mithra & Company

Component Manufacturing

The component manufacturing in this market comprises the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), plasticizers, polysaccharides, and additives.

  • Key Players: Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, MonoSol, LLC

Logistics and Distribution

This segment comprises product quality, confirming safety, and fulfilling detailed end-user needs.

  • Key Players: Vopak, Zeus Air Services Pvt Ltd

Type Insights

Why Cold Water Soluble Films Segment Dominated the Water Soluble Films Market In 2024?

The cold water soluble films segment dominated the market with highest share in 2024 due to its efficacy in softening in cooler temperatures. These films are utilized in an extensive variety of goods, comprising agrochemicals, laundry pods, and dishwasher capsules. The rising demand for environment-friendly packaging resolutions helps in the extension of the cold-water soluble films section. The films offer safe management of dangerous chemicals and safeguard precise medicating, minimalizing waste and worker experience. This segment supports in reducing energy consumption by not necessitating the usage of hot water, which pleas to sustainability-attentive customers and businesses.

The hot water soluble films segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment is growing due to enhancing durability and stability. These films are patterned to endure complete until visible to hot water, offering a safe package for a diversity of contents. They struggle premature dissolution and ambient moisture, creating them appropriate for long-term transport and storage. It allows operators to avoid management and measurement traditional packing.

Application Insights

Why Detergent Packaging Segment Dominated the Water Soluble Films Market In 2024?

The detergent packaging segment dominated the market with highest share in 2024 due to product innovation and consumer convenience. It offers a pre-portioned dose, hassle-free, eradicating the necessity for customers to handle or measure messy, possibly risky materials. The biodegradable properties of these films align with rising ecological consciousness and the upsurge in the demand for sustainable packing. The packaging decreases the danger of accidental falls or acquaintance to severe chemicals, which is mainly significant for household cleaning goods. These pre-portioned pods hold focused detergent and soften entirely during the wash cycle.

The agrochemical packaging segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment is growing due to shift in the direction of sustainable and single-dose packaging. This packaging avoids handlers from having to manage focused chemicals straight. It confirms the exact quantity of agrochemical is utilized, which enhances performance and efficiency.

Form Insights

Why Films Segment Dominated the Water Soluble Films Market In 2024?

The films segment dominated the market with highest share in 2024 due to their versatility. Rising apprehensions about ecological influence are boosting the demand for environment-friendly and biodegradable packaging resolutions. Huge demand for convenience and time-saving solutions among consumers boosts the usage of single-use and pre-portioned water-soluble films, like in cleaning products and laundry pods. The demand for such laundry bags which are water-soluble in hotels and hospitals is growing, particularly to avoid cross-pollution and expand infection regulator in healthcare surrounding.

The bags segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment is growing due to huge demand for convenience and hygiene. The widespread acceptance, mainly in industrial and medical applications raised the innovation in this segment. The bags are manufactured from resources such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) which are biodegradable, providing a sustainable substitute to old-style plastic bags. Their convenience of using is a major benefit for both producers and customers.

Regional Insights

Strong Demand for packaging in North America Promote Dominance

North America held the largest share in the water soluble films market in 2024, due to strong demand for packaging. Strict government guidelines and rising customer apprehension on plastic waste are boosting industries to accept environment-friendly and biodegradable substitutes such as water soluble films. Constant venture in R&D for emerging new and enhanced water-soluble films additionally fortifies the position of the market. A strong economic base and well-established organization for green resolutions boost this market in this region.

Huge Consumers Demand Boost Water Soluble Films Market in the U.S.

U.S. is dominating in the market in North America region due to enhanced consumers demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging. Rapidly growing techniques in the production of biodegradable film has enhanced the demand for this market. This constant and advanced investment in the direction of sustainable resources is predictable to lead to a high-evolved eternity for several years.

Asia Pacific’s Rapid Industrialization

Asia Pacific expects the significant growth in the water soluble films market during the forecast period. This market is growing due to rapid industrialization, rising customer demand for suitability goods, and noteworthy development in the agriculture and packaging sectors. The region profits from a strong engineering base and cost-operative manufacture competences, resulting in widespread acceptance of water soluble films in several applications. Furthermore, robust government creativities and savings in sustainability determination the expansion and utilization of environment-friendly solutions.

Large Scale Production in China Promote the Water Soluble Films Market Growth

China has a huge market due to its large-scale production capacity. It has a compact system of producers and chemical parks who accomplish the complete process from raw resource sourcing to the final goods, offering to efficacy and lower charges. The demand for water soluble films is rising and influenced by companies such as medical packaging, agrochemicals, industrial detergents. It's capacity to generate at a huge volume and its inexpensive rating.

Europe is Notably Growing Region in the Water Soluble Films Market

Europe is notably growing due to increasing demand for sustainable packaging solution has influenced the development of the market. Its robust position is influenced by strict ecological guidelines, customer demand for sustainable packing, and noteworthy acceptance in industries such as agriculture, detergents, and pharmaceuticals. Supportive government guidelines, the rising e-commerce industry, and constant research and growth in sectors such as polymer blends and bulge techniques are pushing development.

Strict Ecological Guidelines in Germany Promote the Water Soluble Films Market Growth

Germany has a huge market due to the presence of strict ecological guidelines. A noteworthy portion of the consumers choose biodegradable packing, generating robust market jerk for environment-friendly goods and resolutions. Its sturdy industrial base offers a fertile ground for invention and manufacture, reinforced by an extremely skilled labor force and government support.

Recent Developments

  • In October 2025, Novacel introduces the primary water-soluble procedure and shielding film. It has been capable to preserve all the potentials of an adhesive procedure and defensive film shared with the benefits of a water-soluble resolution.
  • In October 2024, Arrow Greentech Ltd. presented an advanced water-soluble packaging solution at PMFAI ICSCE 2024. It is focus on protection, mono dosing & sustainability, and the rising demand for environment-friendly choices in agriculture.

Top Companies in the Water Soluble Films Market

  • KURARAY CO., LTD.: A main player in the water-soluble films business, with an emphasis on emerging and providing resources for several applications.
  • Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation: It is a leading chemical corporation with a noteworthy occurrence in the water-soluble films marketplace, well-known for its inventions in resource science.
  • SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.: It is a major Japanese chemical firm that is an imperative player in the water-soluble films market.
  • AICELLO CORPORATION: It is a Japanese firm that is a well-known name in the water-soluble films sector.
  • Arrow GreenTech Ltd.: It is an active participant in the water-soluble films market, recognized for its participation in emerging and engineering these films.
  • Others: Cortec Corporation, Changzhou Kelin PVA Water Soluble Films Co., Ltd., Dezhou Huamao Textile Co., Ltd., Ecopol S.p.A., Fujian Zhongsu Biodegradable Films Co., Ltd., Greencradleland Macromolecule Materials Co., Ltd., Jiangmen Proudly Water-soluble Plastic Co., Ltd., AMC (UK) Ltd., Noble Industries, Neptun Technologies GmbH, 3M Company, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Hyosung Chemical Corporation, Celanese Corporation, Innovia Films.

Water Soluble Films Market Segments Covered

By Type

  • Cold Water Soluble Films
    • Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-based Films
    • Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-Grafted Films
  • Hot Water Soluble Films
    • Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-based Films
    • Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-Grafted Films
  • Other Water Soluble Films
    • Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-based Films
    • Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-Grafted Films

By Application

  • Detergent Packaging
    • Laundry Pods
    • Dishwasher Pods
  • Agrochemical Packaging
    • Fertilizer Packaging
    • Pesticide Packaging
  • Pharmaceutical Packaging
    • Unit-dose Medication Packaging
    • Medical Device Packaging
  • Textile Packaging
    • Embroidery Films
    • Garment Packaging
  • Food Packaging
    • Single-serve Food Packaging
    • Seasoning Packets
  • Others
    • Industrial Applications
    • Personal Care Packaging

By Form

  • Films
  • Bags
  • Pouches

By Region

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Denmark
    • Norway
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Thailand
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
    • South Africa
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Kuwait

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  • Insight Code: 5875
  • No. of Pages: 400
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 31 October 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021–2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Yogesh Kulkarni is an experienced Research Analyst specializing in the packaging sector, with a strong foundation in statistical analysis and market intelligence. He currently contributes his expertise to Towards Packaging.

Learn more about Yogesh Kulkarni

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in packaging market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards Packaging 's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

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Related Insights

FAQ's

The global water soluble films market is valued at USD 476.59 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 794.99 million by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.85% during the forecast period (2025–2034).

Water soluble films are biodegradable polymer-based films that dissolve in water without leaving harmful residues. They are primarily composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and are used in detergent pods, agrochemical packaging, pharmaceutical sachets, and textile processing, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging.

North America dominates the global water soluble films market, accounting for around 30% share in 2024, driven by high adoption in household cleaning applications and strong regulatory support for sustainable packaging.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to register the highest CAGR between 2025 and 2034, attributed to rapid industrialization, growing demand for sustainable products, and rising adoption in agriculture and detergent packaging applications.

The cold-water soluble films segment held the largest share of 65% in 2024, owing to its ability to dissolve efficiently in cooler temperatures, reducing energy consumption and appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

The detergent packaging segment accounted for the largest share (40%) in 2024, driven by the popularity of pre-measured detergent pods that enhance user convenience and reduce exposure to harsh chemicals.

The market is moderately consolidated, with leading players such as Kuraray, Mitsubishi Chemical, and Aicello holding significant shares due to their strong R&D capabilities and global distribution networks, while regional manufacturers focus on cost-effective and customized film production.

The market outlook remains highly positive, supported by the global shift toward sustainable packaging, stringent anti-plastic regulations, and expanding industrial adoption across detergents, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Continuous innovation in biodegradable materials and solubility performance will further accelerate market growth through 2034.