Functional films offer a wide range of opportunities in the packaging industry. These include barrier films, which prevent air and water vapor from permeating the film and thus protecting goods. They can enhance the appearance of products. They also protect against damage from UV radiation and other environmental factors Advancements in polymer production methods have broadened the functional film market's perspective considerably. The increased versatility offered by these films can be attributed to the freedom they provide engineerss in shaping them into complicated shapes and the use of less energy-intensive processes by chemical companies. Deposition parameters like temperature, deposition rate, pressure, and alignment of vapor stream with substrate determine the film’s microstructure and physical properties. It is also crucial to manage these variables in order to obtain tailored morphology Optical functional film, which include polarizer/ retarder and surface treatment films are gaining traction. They help in regulating the reflection and penetration of light. This factor is fueling the demand in the automobile industry, as well as in ADAS technology.
The uses of Functional Films are numerous and varied. Their versatility means they are used across a range of industries including automotive, solar panels, and packaging. They are lightweight as compared to other packaging materials, durable and abrasion-resistant, and flexible. Some companies are pursuing backward integration by directly purchasing petrochemicals and manufacturing their films from scratch, while others focus on their brand name and marketing strategies to drive sales. The top five companies account for more than half of the total value share in the global market There has been an increasing demand from the packaging industry for products that are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable. The expanding medical sector is also boosting sales for barrier films such as PET and PVC. These materials protect against moisture and oxygen, thereby increasing product shelf life and preserving quality. Functional films are used in touchscreen displays in electronic devices such as tablets and mobile phones, for improving their durability and performance. However, fluctuating prices of raw materials required to manufacture functional film are a major challenged. New technologies are constantly influencing the market for functional film. A biopolymer-based films can be loaded with antimicrobials, antioxidants, flavors, natural pigments, and pharmaceutical or nutraceutical ingredients. This allows companies to create active food packaging that offers a wide range of benefits for consumers. Improved polymer production processes are also promoting growth for the Functional films market. They allow chemical companies to produce high-performance materials with fewer resources, which in turn reduces environmental pollution and production costs. These methods are less energy-intensive and are suited for developing regions Moreover, the use of renewable materials such as biomass has been gaining popularity globally. These environmentally friendly materials can be used to manufacture packaging that is biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable. Furthermore, they are also ideal for generating energy, which can help to mitigate climate change Researchers have fabricated a polyvinyl alcohol-co-ethylene (PVA-CoE) based film loaded with gallic acid and umbelliferone to investigate its antimicrobial properties. The film inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis and E. coli, and Rhizopus stolonifer (bread mold fungi). The film was found to be effective in enhancing the shelf life of food products. This work could be an important step towards developing functional film for food packaging applications.
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