AMI Market Intelligence has released the 2026 update of its authoritative report on the global BOPP films market, offering industry stakeholders and investors a comprehensive and forward-looking analysis of the forces shaping this segment of the flexible films industry.
The latest research highlights a market that has demonstrated resilience in the face of sustained global disruption. In 2025, global demand for BOPP film reached nearly 11 million tonnes, continuing a steady upward trajectory despite a succession of challenges including the covid pandemic, inventory de-stocking cycles, tariff instability, geopolitical conflicts and economic downturns.
Between 2020 and 2025, demand grew at an average annual rate of 3%. This sustained growth underlines the essential role BOPP films play in global packaging, particularly in food and consumer goods applications where performance, cost-efficiency, and scalability are critical. Growth is also accelerating in high value technical applications including film capacitors, where BOPP films are a key component.
Emerging markets drive volume growth while mature regions shift to value
Growth over the past five years has been driven predominantly by emerging and developing economies, where improving economic conditions, rising disposable incomes, and population expansion are accelerating demand for packaged goods. Urbanisation alongside significant investment in modern retail infrastructure, are improving access to packaged food and consumer products in these regions.
In contrast, mature markets in North America, Western Europe, and parts of East Asia are increasingly characterised by value-driven rather than volume-driven growth. Here, brand diversification, premiumisation, and the proliferation of niche product segments are fuelling demand for high-quality printed and high-performance film solutions.
BOPP films are well positioned to capitalise on these trends. Their excellent printability, mechanical strength, and barrier properties make them ideal for premium packaging applications. In addition, the ongoing transition from rigid to flexible packaging - driven by cost, weight, and sustainability advantages - continues to support their adoption. Compatibility with Cast PP in mono-material film structures is also enhancing their appeal as brand owners seek packaging solutions that align with recyclability targets.
Market headwinds intensify in 2026
Despite its resilience, the market is entering a more challenging phase in 2026. A combination of persistent inflationary pressures, weakening consumer confidence, and ongoing geopolitical instability is beginning to weigh on demand growth.
At the same time, BOPP producers are facing mounting challenges. Volatility in raw material supply, elevated energy prices, continued disruption across global logistics networks and BOPP film overcapacity are increasing pressures. These dynamics are contributing to tighter margins, prolonged price negotiations, and a more cautious investment climate.
Cost-effectiveness and versatility underpin resilience
Even amid these challenges, BOPP continues to demonstrate strong competitive advantages. Its ability to deliver a cost-effective, high-performance substrate makes it a cornerstone material for a broad range of food packaging applications, particularly in staples and everyday consumer goods, and a growing range of high value niches.
Demand is reinforced by long-term consumer trends, including the rising popularity of convenience and snack foods, as well as the growing preference for smaller, portion-controlled packaging formats. These shifts, driven by changing lifestyles, urban living patterns, and demographic evolution, are expected to provide continued support for flexible packaging solutions in which BOPP plays a central role.
Sustained long-term growth expected despite global uncertainty
Looking ahead, AMI Market Intelligence expects the global BOPP films market to maintain steady growth despite ongoing uncertainty. Although demand may soften in certain regions in the near term, this is expected to be offset by continued expansion in high-growth markets.
Crucially, BOPP remains difficult to substitute in many of its core applications due to its unique combination of performance, cost, and processing advantages. Its sustained growth is underpinned by the fundamental global trend of increasing access to packaged goods.
Overall, global demand is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate exceeding 3% through to 2030. This growth will be supported by BOPP’s strong position in essential food packaging, its role in the expanding global snacks sector as well as greater penetration in retort pouches, and its increasing utilisation in emerging high-tech and new energy applications.
In the latest market report from AMI, titled "BOPP Films - The Global Market 2026", our expert consultants have combined first-hand industry insight across all polymer substrates with data analysis to give a comprehensive picture of this increasingly important sector. The research, which was released in June 2026, gives investors and industry participants a thorough grasp of the competitive challenges, market dynamics, and industry development. If you are interested in hearing more about the report you can request your free proposal that contains more detail on the structure and findings included in the report by visiting our website, just click here.