High-performance films

High-performance film manufacturers

I   Outlook of High-Performance Film Market

• Responding to 6G, advanced aerial mobility, and soft robotics
• Delivering high-performance solutions to create new markets and establish as business pillar
• In low-end segments such as optical materials, PI, and MLCC release films, localized production in China is progressing steadily
• Next-generation core product development is finally gaining momentum
• Increasing demand for ultra-high performance and the ability to overcome conventional trade-offs
• Beyond enhancement required to meet evolving needs

II   PET Film Market Analysis

• The SKMW–KOLON joint venture has launched, and discussions continue toward streamlining and integrating production operations
• Other companies are also restructuring production lines, leading to gradual improvements in operating rates
• After two consecutive years of negative growth, the market expects to see double-digit year-on-year growth in 2024
• Despite uncertainties including Trump tariffs, the market is growing stably at annual rate of 3–5%
• In optical materials, Toyobo has secured a strong market share in PET polarizers through the expansion of its Cosmo Shine SRF® product line
• High-value-added materials developed by individual companies are gaining industry attention
• In optical sub-materials, TAK and Mitsubishi Chemical, both with in-house processing facilities, together occupy 70% of the market
• The sale of business units by Korean manufacturers is reshaping the supply chain for protective films
• In MLCC release films, raw film manufacturers like Toray and Mitsubishi Chemical are introducing ultra-flat grades
• In the DFR segment, Toray leads the high-end market, while Nan Ya  expands its share in Taiwan
• Toyobo’s inline coating facility in Utsunomiya is scheduled to start commercial production by the end of 2025
• TAK and Nan Ya plan to start operation of new silicone coating facilities in 2026

• Toray Industries, Inc.
• TOYOBO CO., LTD.
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
• TORAY ADVANCED MATERIALS KOLEA Inc.
• SK microworks Co., Ltd.
• NAN YA PLASTICS CORPORATION
• SHINKONG MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD.

III   Noteworthy High-Performance Film Market Trends

• Polyimide (PI) film
• MLCC Release Film
• Film-to-Film Recycling (MLCC Release Films, Label Liner)
• High-Performance Film for Next Generation Market

IV    Perspectives and Strategies at Industrial High-Performance Film Manufacturers

• PI Advanced Materials Co.,Ltd. 
• DU PONT-TORAY CO., LTD.
• COSMO AM&T CO.,LTD.
• Mitsui Chemicals ICT Materia, Inc. 
• TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC. (Next Generation High-Performance Film)
• Xenomax Japan Co., Ltd.
• ZEON CORPORATION
• FP CORPORATION
• TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC. (Film Sustainability Innovation Promotion)
• TOYOBO Co., Ltd. (Resouce Circulaton Project)
• NEION Film Coatings Corp. (Resource Circulation Project)