A new study published by MarketsandMarkets on the beathable films market reports the global market size of breathable films, which was $2.1 billion in 2015, is projected to reach $3.21 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2016 and 2021.

Increasing demand for premium hygiene products in developing countries along with rising per capita GDP, high birth rate, and rising awareness regarding health and hygiene are the factors driving the breathable films market during the forecast period.

Hygiene accounted for the maximum share of the market, in terms of value as well as volume, in 2015. Breathable films are used in disposable baby diapers, disposable sanitary napkins, and disposable incontinency adult diapers. These films are used as backsheet materials which provide improved comfort, better skin breathability, and help reduce skin rashes and sores. High birth rate is the major factor driving the baby diapers market, whereas increasing aging population is fueling the adult diapers market growth. The increasing demand for premium diapers will drive the breathable films market during the forecast period.

The growing popularity of various types of breathable films such as polyethylene, polyurethane, and polypropylene in various end-use applications also plays a significant role in driving the market. Polyethylene breathable films account for the maximum share, in terms of value, of the overall market due to its excellent customizability and mechanical properties. There is rising demand for high performance and efficient breathable films, which is expected to drive the market for this segment.

North America and Asia-Pacific together accounted for more than 60% share of the breathable films market in 2015.

Asia-Pacific is the prime market for breathable films, globally. The region accounted for the maximum share of the breathable films market in 2015. Asia-Pacific is also projected to register the highest CAGR between 2016 and 2021, backed by the increasing demand from the rapidly emerging economies of the region.

North America is expected to maintain its position during the forecast period. The U.S. and Canada have a higher percentage of old age population than Mexico, whereas Mexico has the highest birth rate in North America. So, the former two will be driving the breathable films market in adult diapers, while Mexico will be driving the breathable films market in baby diapers. High investments from manufacturers and capacity expansion in new markets will be the growth strategies for market dominance.