High-Performance Films: The U.S. Market

Report Code: PLS039F

Publish Date: Jul 2012

Publisher: BCC Publishing

Category: Plastics

Customize This Report

Explore Our Services

Already a member? Login to access this report free.

Report Highlights

The U.S. market for high-performance films was valued at $12.4 billion in 2011, and is projected to reach $14.9 billion in 2017, a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2012 to 2017.

SCOPE AND FORMAT

High-performance films can be defined in any of several ways: by volume, price, performance, end-use markets, resin types, or a combination of two or more of these characteristics. 

For this study, high-performance films are defined as thin-gauge, mostly extruded or solution cast-polymer sheets that generally meet at least one of the following criteria: pricing above commodity film levels, continuous-use temperature above commodity plastics, and end-uses requiring technical capability and thickness at or below 30 mils.  These are films that are used primarily for their performance characteristics, not because of their price.  Emphasis is on those markets and products where opportunities are the greatest. 

Therefore, the distinguishing characteristics of high-performance films are as follows:

  • Relatively expensive.
  • Thin gauge (compared to sheet).
  • Possess special performance characteristics.

High-performance films generally are fabricated (or converted) in relatively small volumes (at least compared to commodity films).  Much of their value is created after the film is extruded.

The focal point is on high-performance resin chemistries, including the following:

  • Polyesters.
  • Nylons.
  • Polyolefin-based specialties.
  • Polycarbonates (PCs).
  • Fluoropolymer.
  • Polyimides (PIs).
  • Cyclic olefin copolymers.
  • Acrylics.

Basic polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are not included.  Also excluded are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene.  Specialty polyolefin-based films are included, particularly when multilayer construction is involved.  They are ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), ionomers, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and polymethyl pentene (PMP). 

Fluoropolymer films are an important of this report.  They include the following:

  • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
  • Polyvinyl fluoride (PVF).
  • Fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP).
  • Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE).
  • Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF).
  • Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA).
  • Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE).
  • Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE).

Other resin chemistries are also covered, but in less detail because their roles in films are not as well developed.  They include polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), polysulfones, polyetherimides (PEIs), polyetheretherketones (PEEKs) and benzocyclobutene (BCB).

The geographic scope of this report is the U.S. market.

Analyst Credentials

Douglas A. Smock was the chief editor of Plastics World Magazine from 1986 to 1994 at Cahners Publishing Co./Reed Business Information (RBI)..  He also served as a senior editor of Modern Plastics at McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., associate publisher and editorial director of Modern Mold & Tooling at the McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., chief editor of Purchasing Magazine at Reed Business Information and senior technical editor of Design News at UBM Canon.

At RBI-US, Smock also served as cochairman of the corporate editorial board.  He is the coauthor of Straight to the Bottom Line and On-Demand Supply Management, two leading books in the field of supply management.  Smock has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio).

Need pricing for multiple titles, a complete report bundle, or something specially curated to fit your budget? EXPLORE OFFERS
Let us assist you! Our analysts are ready to tailor this report to your specific need. Talk to Our Analyst

Table of Contents

All reports provided in PDF format. For shared licensing options (5+ Users), please call a representative at (+1) 781-489-7301 or contact us at info@bccresearch.com
Title/Chapter NamePagesMember Price
Full Report: High-Performance Films: The U.S. Market186Free
Chapter- 1: INTRODUCTION4Free
Chapter- 2: SUMMARY3Free
Chapter- 3: MARKETS BY MATERIALS99Free
Chapter- 4: MARKETS BY APPLICATION38Free
Chapter- 5: PLASTIC FILM FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY17Free
Chapter- 6: INDUSTRY STRUCTURE AND COMPETITION7Free
Chapter- 7: C. CRAMER & CO. GMBH16Free
Chapter- 8: APPENDIX : QUICK GUIDE TO HIGH-PERFORMANCE FILMS2Free

Related Reports

Global Markets, Technologies and Materials for Thin and Ultrathin Films

Published - Feb 2012 | Publisher - Margareth Gagliardi | Code - SMC057B

The global market for thin film materials increased from $6.9 billion in 2009 to nearly $8.4 billion in 2010 and it is estimated to be valued at nearly $9.3 billion in 2011.  BCC projects this market to reach nearly $14.9 billion by 2016 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%.

Conductive Polymers: Technologies and Global Markets

Published - Oct 2011 | Publisher - Melvin Schlechter | Code - PLS043C

The global market for electroactive polymers was $1.9 billion in 2010 and is expected to be about $2.1 billion in 2011. It is forecast to grow to over $3 billion by 2016 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%.

Track the Latest Global Tariff Developments

In today's fast-paced global economy, tariffs are no longer static—they are dynamic levers shaped by geopolitical realignments, supply chain vulnerabilities, inflationary pressures, and sustainability-driven trade reforms. As governments worldwide recalibrate their trade strategies, businesses are left to navigate a maze of shifting rules, rising costs, and regulatory uncertainty.

Our analysis empowers you with real-time updates and in-depth expert analysis on all facets of global tariff activity. From new trade agreements and sanctions to abrupt tariff hikes and retaliatory duties, we monitor developments across borders, sectors, and industries—so you don't have to.

Whether it's the ongoing U.S.–China trade dynamics, the evolving EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), or the emerging policies in India, ASEAN, and Latin America, we provide full-spectrum coverage. We also track multilateral trade negotiations, World Trade Organization (WTO) rulings, and sector-specific duty structures—ensuring you are always ahead of global trade shifts.

With our analysis, you can stay informed, identify risks, and confidently respond to tariff changes—no matter where you operate.

Ready to see what tariff means for your business?

Consult with our experts or request your custom Tariff Impact Brife today

Stay Informed, Stay Competitive

In today's interconnected and unpredictable global economy, staying ahead of tariff shifts is not just important—it's essential. BCC Research provides decision-makers with trusted, research-driven insights that turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Our in-depth market analysis and trade intelligence help you decode how tariff changes impact your specific sector—manufacturing, healthcare, technology, agriculture, or energy. We break down complex data into actionable knowledge through comprehensive reports, expert commentaries, and sector-focused forecasts.

Our analysis includes:

  • Thorough breakdowns of current and proposed tariff policies and how they affect regional and global trade flows.
  • Sector-specific implications, helping you understand the strategic impact on sourcing, pricing, and competitiveness.
  • Forward-looking insights to support risk management, planning, and response strategies for evolving trade conditions.

With BCC Research, you gain more than just information—you gain clarity and confidence to make well-informed decisions in a volatile trade environment.

Don't let tariffs catch you off guard—let our insights guide your strategy.

This is an Excel-only version of the report.

Report Includes

    Total Number of Tables in this Report: 39

  • Summary Table: U.S. MARKET FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE FILMS, THROUGH 2017
  • Table 1: U.S. HIGH-PERFORMANCE FILM MARKET BY RESIN VOLUME, THROUGH 2017
  • Table 2: COMPETITIVE OVERVIEW OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE FILMS BY APPLICATION
  • Table 3: U.S. MARKET FORECAST FOR POLYESTER FILMS BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2017
  • Table 4: EXAMPLES OF 48-GAUGE PET FILM PRICES
  • Table 5: DOMESTIC POLYESTER FILM PRODUCERS
  • Table 6: POLYESTER FILM APPLICATIONS
  • Table 7: U.S. MARKET FORECAST FOR POLYOLEFIN HIGH-PERFORMANCE FILMS BY RESIN VOLUME, THROUGH 2017
  • Table 8: U.S. POLYOLEFIN HIGH-PERFORMANCE FILM MARKET BY RESIN VALUE, 2012
  • Table 9: U.S. MARKET FORECAST FOR POLYOLEFIN-BASED FILMS BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2017
  • Table 10: U.S. NYLON FILM MARKET BY APPLICATION, THROUGH 2017
Sample Report

Recent Reports

Polymeric Foams: Global Markets

Published - Jun 2025 | Publisher - BCC Publishing | Code - PLS008K

The global market polymeric foam was valued at $148.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $197.8 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2025 through 2030.

Wood-Plastic Composites: Technologies and Global Markets

Published - Apr 2025 | Publisher - BCC Publishing | Code - PLS034D

The global market for wood-plastic composites (WPCs) is expected to grow from $4.7 billion in 2024 to $6.9 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2024 through 2029.

2024 Plastics Research Review

Published - Apr 2025 | Publisher - Various Analysts | Code - PLS051H

This 2024 Research Review of the plastics industry offers a sample of the types of quantitative market information, analysis, and guidance that has been aiding business decision-making since the inception of BCC Research in 1971.

2024 Packaging Research Review

Published - Mar 2025 | Publisher - Various Analysts | Code - PLS126A

This 2024 Research Review of Packaging Market provides a sampling of the type of quantitative market information, analysis, and guidance that BCC Research has been developing since its inception in 1971 to help its customers make informed business decisions.

Global Markets and Technologies for Bioplastics

Published - Mar 2025 | Publisher - BCC Publishing | Code - PLS050G

The global market volume for bioplastics is estimated to increase from 2,431.9 kilotons in 2024 to reach 5,634.6 kilotons by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.3% from 2024 through 2029.

Top Trending Reports

Global Pharmaceutical Drugs Industry: Competitive Landscape 2023

Published - May 2025 | Publisher - BCC Publishing | Code - PHM263B

This report discusses the global pharmaceutical drugs industry and its competitive landscape in terms of significant player market ranking and top pharmaceutical drugs. Company profiles of the top 50 pharmaceutical companies, innovative products and technologies, trends and market dynamics, competitive intelligence, and regional trends are well-researched and analyzed in this report.

Biologic Therapeutic Drugs: Technologies and Global Markets

Published - May 2025 | Publisher - BCC Publishing | Code - BIO079F

The global market for biologic therapeutic drugs is estimated to increase from $499.2 billion in 2024 to reach $794.5 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2024 through 2029.

Next-Generation Advanced Batteries: Global Markets

Published - May 2025 | Publisher - BCC Publishing | Code - FCB062B

The global market for next-generation advanced batteries is estimated to grow from $1.5 billion in 2024 to reach $5.3 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.5% from 2024 through 2029.

Global Markets and Manufacturing Technologies for Protein Drugs

Published - Apr 2025 | Publisher - BCC Publishing | Code - BIO021G

The global protein drugs market is expected to grow from $441.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $655.7 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029.

Global Markets for Emerging Medical Device Technologies

Published - Mar 2025 | Publisher - BCC Publishing | Code - HLC191C

The global market for emerging medical devices is estimated to increase from $136.6 billion in 2024 to reach $223.9 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% from 2024 through 2029.

Published - Feb-2010| Analyst - Doug Smock| Code - PLS039E

Report Highlights

  • The total U.S. market for high-performance films was 11.3 billion in 2010. This market will increase at a 3.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach $13.5 billion in 2015.
  • Sales of in the high-performance films sector, which includes polyester, specialty polyolefins, nylon, PC, fluoropolymers, PMMA, PI, COCs, PEN, LCP, PSU, PEI, polyketones, and others,will grow from 1.3 billion in 2010 to $1.7 billion in 2015, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%.
  • The commodity films sector is worth $10 billion in 2010. This sector is expected to reach $11.8 billion in 2015, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4%.
Published - Sep-2006| Analyst - Doug Smock| Code - PLS039D

Report Highlights

  • The U.S. consumption rate for high performance films was 12.8 billion pounds in 2005 and reached almost 14 billion pounds in 2006. Growing at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 2.9%, national consumption should cross 16 billion pounds by 2011.
  • Correspondingly, most high-performance resins had a very significant increase in value in the same time frame, but only a minor increase in average price, from $2.77 to $2.98. Part of the reason was the market devastation wreaked on much of the polyester-based film market due to the dramatic swing to digital formats described in this report.
  • There was a tilt toward higher-value, higher cost high-performance materials, a trend that will accelerate in the next five years. This is partly by design and partly a result of market forces. Major players, such as DuPont, made corporate decisions to sacrifice markets, particularly in polyesters that had become commoditized, in favor of market development in areas with greater potention, such as solar cells and structural glass laminates.
Published - Dec-2003| Analyst - Melvin Schlechter| Code - PLS039C

Report Highlights

  • The North American market for high-performance films is estimated to be 1.3 billion pounds in 2003 and is expected to rise at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 3.1% to 1.5 billion pounds in 2008.
  • Based on volume, polyesters, nylons, and polyolefin-based high-performance films account for almost 95% of the total
  • Lower volume, higher-priced films become account for about 26% of the value, but only 5% based of the volume.
  • In regard to applications, packaging (mostly foods), photographic/ reprographic, and magnetic media make up about 62% of total film volume.
  • Polyesters make up some 70% of the volume, but this percentage is slipping slightly.

Published - Jan-2000| Analyst - Charles Forman| Code - PLS039B

Report Highlights

  • The high-performance films market is made up of six major resin classes: polyesters (almost exclusively PET films), nylons, polyolefin-based films such as EVOH and PVdC, polycarbonates, fluoropolymers, and polyimides. Also, we discuss and forecast markets for an additional category of newer films, most of which are still developmental; we call this last group "definable other" performance films.
  • The total market in 1998 is estimated to be about 1.1 billion pounds, which is forecast to grow to almost 1.4 billion pounds by 2003. The value of this market is multibillion dollars; based on the prices of bulk resins it is about $1 billion in 1998 and more than $1.4 billion in 2003. Since films, whose prices vary widely even when fabricated from the same polymer, cost on average two to three times the price of the base resin, the actual dollar value of the performance films market is probably more like $3 billion today and up to $5 billion in 2003.
  • Polyesters, the dominant performance films, find use in most applications markets and are virtually alone in such end uses as magnetic media and photo/reprographic films. Their market of 825 million pounds in 1998 should grow to about 968 million pounds in 2003.

Become A Member

BCC Research offers a comprehensive library of reports, granting members unlimited access to data, insights, and market intelligence for informed business decisions, while actively supporting members in their evolving journeys and prioritizing high-quality, relevant topics based on continuous engagement with the research community.

Find Out More

Custom Consulting

BCC Research emphasizes the importance of organizations leveraging highly customized market insights aligned with specific strategic business objectives through direct engagement with primary sources and proprietary forecasting models for profitable decision-making in maximizing growth opportunities and minimizing risks.

Customize Now

Scorecard

The Venture Scorecard provides commercialization offices and decision makers with expert analysis, offering strategic insights crucial for aligning objectives with market realities at various stages of commercializing new products or evaluating investment opportunities, from opportunity assessment to growth planning.

Find Out More

Innovation Spotlight

Our industry experts offer strategic guidance to maximize the market potential of commercialized products, patents, and IP by providing insights into market trends, competitive dynamics, and effective positioning, using the Innovation Spotlight service for enhanced exposure to thought leaders and the wider community.

Find Out More
High-Performance Films: The U.S. Market
Customize Report