by Water soluble film manufacturers are facing a number of challenges with the recent pandemic. The disease has triggered lockdown regulations in many nations and has disrupted Water Soluble Film trade globally. It is estimated that the disease will have three different impacts on the global economy: affecting the supply chain, the market, and the financial markets. Analysts are continuously monitoring the situation globally to determine the impact of the disease on the film industry. They also predict remunerative prospects for producers following the crisis. The report illustrates the latest scenario and gives a detailed analysis of the effects of the pandemic on the industry as a whole.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
The water soluble film market is driven by several industries, including packaging, pharmaceuticals, and the textile industry. As more consumers become aware of health issues and the need for environmentally friendly products, the market is expected to grow significantly. A recent report from the Indian Economic Survey suggests that the market for water soluble films will increase by almost three times by 2030. Increasing consumer awareness and technological advances are driving this growth.
Mitsubishi Chemical is a world leader in the production of vinyl alcohol resins, which are used in a variety of applications, including food packaging. Its EVOH resin, for example, is a high-gas barrier resin that helps reduce food waste and foodborne illness. Its SOARNOLTM resin offers high transparency and thermoformability, while its Nichigo G-Polymer is the next generation of vinyl alcohol resins.
Water soluble films are commonly used in packaging for detergents and agrochemicals. The growing population of the world will increase the demand for these films. Additionally, increasing consumer awareness of environmentally friendly products will increase demand for water soluble films globally.
Green Ocean Group
The water soluble film is a bio-based material, with the main ingredient being polyvinyl alcohol. It is odourless, biodegradable, and water-soluble. It can dissolve in boiling water, making it an ideal packaging material. Its certifications include EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 in the US. In Japan, it is GREENPLA certified. It is also working towards achieving AS4736 compostable material certification in Australia.
Water-soluble film is a natural and environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional plastic packaging. The Green Ocean Group, an Australian company, provides packaging materials that dissolve in water after use. As a result, the packaging is recyclable and biodegradable. This type of packaging is particularly useful for e-commerce retailers who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
MonoSol, a water soluble film manufacturer, is currently expanding its production capacity. The company’s new facility in Indiana, which is owned by the Kuraray Group, is designed to meet growing demand for water-soluble films in developing and emerging markets. The company has plans to expand its manufacturing capacity by 15% and has invested $95 million in this project.
Terrasol(r) films
Water soluble films are versatile and can be used for a number of different applications. They are particularly useful for packaging applications where precise dosing is important, as they form an excellent oxygen barrier while in use. These films are also resistant to many organic solvents and oils. In addition, they have a high tensile strength and are completely biodegradable.
The market for water soluble films in North America is currently dominated by the US and Canada, with Mexico representing the fastest-growing region. These countries are increasing their awareness of bio-degradable packaging, which reduces the cost of disposal and environmental impact. A leading manufacturer of water soluble films in the region is Monosol LLC, which was recently acquired by Kuraray Co. Ltd., and is now focusing on expanding its market share in North America. With the increase in awareness of bio-degradable packaging, Monosol LLC is focused on building its position in the region.
In this study, three different types of films were tested. MB AX films, which contained 25% sorbitol, had the lowest moisture content, while WB AX films, with 50% glycerol, had the highest water solubility (95%) and the highest water vapor transmission rate (90 g/m-2). The water soluble films were tested in a dry chamber at 50 degC for 48 h and then stored at 23 degC overnight.
PVA/PVOH films
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA/PVOH) films are environmentally friendly and safe to use. They are widely used in medical, household, and industrial packaging applications. Among these applications are food packaging, water treatment chemicals, unit-dose pharmaceuticals, artificial tears, contact lens lubricants, transfer printing, agrochemicals, and dust abatement.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film is used to manufacture polarizer films. These films are used in LCD panels, lenses, and optical filters. Currently, LCD panels consume 95% of the global polarizer market. The market is monopolized by two Japanese manufacturers: Nippon Gohsei Co. Ltd., and Kuraray Co. Ltd., all of which have manufacturing facilities in Japan.
The PVA/PVOH water soluble films are made with biodegradable materials. Their structure and permeability are determined by their degree of crosslinking. Their mechanical properties can also be altered by copolymerization with other monomers or compounds. Blending with other materials changes their chemical composition and mechanical properties, which greatly affects their water uptake.
