Laminating is a mechanism in which a polymer film is applied to the face of a printed graphic medium. Laminating provides color enhancement and durability, along with protection from UV rays and longevity to a printed graphic. These graphic films are anti-bacterial, easy to clean, low maintenance, and resistant to moisture, scratch, fire, and impact, and hence suitable for use in various applications. They are highly preferred in end-use industries such as automotive, packaging & labeling, and building & construction. They can be used to relay information to the consumers, which may include the name of the product, its ingredients, and its value. Additionally, graphic film also play a crucial role in the branding and marketing of the product.

MarketsandMarkets projects that the graphic film market will grow from USD 24.17 Billion in 2017 to USD 31.10 Billion by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.17% from 2017 to 2022. Rise in population, increase in in disposable income levels, growth in construction, automotive, promotional & advertisement, and retail industries, and favorable trends in the e-commerce industry are expected to drive the market.

This market is segmented on the basis of polymer, film type, end use, printing technology, and region. In terms of end use, the promotional & advertisement segment accounted for the largest share. Graphic film are used in a variety of applications such as promotional banners, advertisement pamphlets, and anti-graffiti applications; it thus accounts for the largest market share. On the basis of film type, the opaque segment accounted for the largest share. These films are preferred due to their ease of use, light weight, excellent printability, and high durability.

In terms of polymer, the PVC segment accounted for the largest share, and is also projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth has been witnessed owing to its properties such as recyclability, cost-effectiveness, excellent printability, and high durability.

In terms of region, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share in 2016. Asia Pacific is a developed market due to the rise in population, rapid urbanization, and increase in disposable income capability. China accounted for the largest country-level market for graphic film, globally. The growth can be attributed to high technological development, high disposable income, and good construction & automotive industrial scenarios.

Laminated graphic film mediums are light-weight and cost-effective for promotional activities. However, fluctuation in prices of raw materials and unorganized market structure serve as potential restraints in the graphic film market.

Strategies such as mergers & acquisitions and agreements & expansions were largely adopted by most of the players in this market. The global market for graphic film is dominated by large players such as Avery Dennison Corporation (U.S.), 3M Company (U.S.), E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (U.S.), CCL Industries, Inc. (Canada), Amcor Limited (Australia), Constantia Flexibles Group (Austria), Hexis S.A. (U.S.), and DUNMORE Corporation (U.S.)

Innovators are the players in the subject market, which have a strong focus on innovation and invest strongly in their R&D endeavors. These players hold subject market-specific patents and have launched new products in the recent past.

Major innovators in the global graphic film market including Kay Premium Marking Films (KPMF) Ltd (US), Hexis S.A. (France), Agfa Graphics N.V. (Belgium), Johnson Window Films, Inc. (US), DUNMORE Corporation (US), and Drytac Corporation (U) fall under the innovator quadrant; they score relatively higher in the emerging strength criteria as well.

The global graphic film market also includes some emerging players, which either recently included the subject market-related products in their portfolios, have a limited product portfolio catering to the subject market, or are comparatively smaller in operations. In terms of geographical reach as well, they have a limited footprint. Apart from that, at present, their operational & financial strength is comparatively limited.

Some of the emerging players in the global graphic film market include Catalina Graphic Films, Inc. (US), ARC Window Films Ltd. (UK), Graphic Image Films Ltd (UK), Arlon Graphics, LLC (US), and Kay Premium Marking Films (KPMF) Ltd (UK).

Graphic Film Market (Global) Competitive Leadership Mapping, 2017

Source: MarketsandMarkets Proprietary Model Results based on the data available in the public domain, including company websites, annual reports, and presentations