Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Films Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films market is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Films Market is expected to see growth owing to its versatile applications across different industries. The growth of the market is especially driven by the growing demand for TPU films in various different sectors such as electronics, automotive, and even medical where TPU’s exceptional qualities can come to use such as their transparency, high flexibility as well as abrasion resistance which are highly valued. Not only this but the market is expected to benefit from advancements in TPU film manufacturing technologies and the growing preference for eco-friendly materials. 

• The booming automobile industry is one significant growth driver which is expected to drive the growth of the TPU films in multiple automobile applications such as in acoustic panels, door panels, airbags, and anti-vibration panels. The automotive industry is a major consumer of TPU films, and the growth in this sector is expected to continue, driving the demand for TPU films.
• Also, a steady rise in sales of TPU films for the leisure sports industry especially in socks, footwear, and hats enhances the demand for TPU films. TPU films are gradually finding their way to applications in the production of breathable socks, shoes, and headwear with the aid of their extremely outstanding characteristics. Such films show the attribute of moisture control, the ability of the garment to keep the skin dry during exercise its in. This is especially the case in athletics, for instance where the athlete needs the best quality of his or her attire to handle the physical strains that are associated with athletic activities. The application of TPU films in leisure products used in sporting activities also increases the ability of sports leisure products to withstand wear and tear and flexibility. In addition, TPU films are widely employed in the manufacturing of sports apparel that needs to offer highly breathable riding sportswear, including Athleisure-wear, athletic socks, and sports shoes. The increasing need for creating technically sophisticated comfortable allowing for proper breathing performances sportswear affects the usage of TPU films in leisure sports thus positively influencing the growth of the market.
• TPU films from China are quickly expanding their market as the medical industry requires more of this material than ever before. TPU films are applied for various medical purposes, for example, as components for wound dressings, implantable products and medical devices and equipment, because of biocompatibility, flexibility and resistance to chemicals, including sterilizing agents. The quest for superior materials in the medical industry has triggered the growing consumption of TPU films in medical devices. In addition, the growth of the medical industry directly related to TPU films, including thrust in developing countries, has been anticipated to drive the growth of the TPU films market as well.

THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE (TPU) FILMS MARKET DRIVERS:

The polyester segment by type is likely to be the fastest-growing type during the forecast period

Looking ahead to the growing years, the polyester category is anticipated that it will witness the highest CAGR in the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films market during the forecast period. Currently, over 60% of TPU films within the market are polyester TPU films, and this is expected to remain strong because of the various promotional aspects of properties and versatility. As a result, the polyester TPU films are highly flexible, very hard, tensile, and provide high resistance to abrasion making it suitable for use in many applications. This is because polyester TPU films are continually in demand in textile applications, footwear industries, and the production of sports equipment, all of which are expected to register higher growth rates in the near future. In the textile industry, polyester TPU films are utilized in manufacturing relevant products like moisture-resistant clothing and canopy equipment like wear and outdoor apparel. Furthermore, an increase in the frequency of participation in leisure sports and the requirement for apparel relevant to higher-level competition likewise enhances polyester TPU films’ application in this segment.

The growing application of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films in the footwear and apparel industry

 The expanding use of the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films on the footwear and apparels is driving the growth of the market.  Currently, TPU films have been incorporated into the application used in high-end footwear and clothing manufacturing due to its numerous virtues. These films are great for abrasion and tear strength, and flexibility, which is essential for use where the product needs to be strong and comfortable. In footwear, TPU films are used in producing fabric that forms the outsole and in-soling that provides breathability and prevents moisture build-up, thus improving the functionality of athletic wears and outdoor products. In a similar way, in apparels TPU films are utilized in order to produce fabrics that offer stretchability, fit recovery abilities, and UV-protection. Lifestyle sporting and the use of sustainable material so as to achieve enhanced high stature performance are some of the driving forces in the sportswear shoes and apparel that have led to adoption of TPU films. Further, the advancement in leisure sports and the requirement of fabric quality, which should be durable and breathable, to provide comfort to the sportsperson in his/her game is also fuelling the market.

Asia Pacific region to dominate the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films market during the forecast period.

The major economies like China, Japan, India, and South Korea dominate the Asia-Pacific region. Some of the fastest-growing emerging economies are from this region such as ASEAN countries. India and China have about 35.5% of the world's population. The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films market during the forecast period owing to the region being the home of several countries as mentioned above constituting of significant production capacities which driving the demand for eco-friendly materials.  

Furthermore, this dominance is due to large number of countries from Asia especially China and Japan that has increased the market demand of TPU films. Its segment aspects with the region’s developing infrastructure industries, such as construction and building, will also help elaboration of the market. Also, most industries particularly in the regions in automobile industry has been experiencing a hype in use of light weight material which TPU films can fill. The market is also partially moved by the BASF and Covestro AG companies, which are the leading vendors in the region. Besides, the government policies and favorable investments in new product launches and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) undertaken by the key market players have also provided enough impetus to the market in the last couple of years. Therefore, it can be asserted that the Asia-Pacific region will keep its status as the largest consumer of TPU films in the international market and dominate the aforementioned market during the forecast period.

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films Market Key Developments

• In October 2023: Covestro’s TPU films were launched in its Platilon range with a building up of the production capabilities in Bomlitz, Lower Saxony, Germany and the infrastructure and logistics in the same region, amounting to a low double-digit million euros.

The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films market is segmented and analyzed as follows:

By Chemical Class

• Polyester
• Polyether
• Polycaprolactone

By End-User Industry

• Footwear and Apparel
• Medical Supplies
• Sports Equipment
• Building and Construction
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Rest of Middle East and Africa
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Rest of Asia-Pacific