The global market for functional and barrier coatings is expected to show consistent annual volume growth of almost 4% a year to 2030, says a new report by UK market researcher Smithers. In 2025, consumption of functional and barrier coatings for paper and paperboard packaging is expected to reach 3.6 million tonnes, the study says.

Functional and barrier coatings used in paper and paperboard packaging materials encompass a diverse array of substances. Their primary purpose is to establish a barrier against the penetration or exit of water, water vapor, oils, greases, oxygen, and aromas, thereby ensuring the integrity of the packaged products. The functional and barrier materials covered by the Smithers report are thermoplastic polymers, high-barrier polymers, aluminum, wax, silicone, and fluorochemicals. 

The growth of this market is predicted to bring about a further $2 billion increment in the market’s value from 2025-30, using constant 2024 prices, suggesting a strong expansion in the sector. A uniform regional volume spread characterized 2020; however, by 2025, the evidence shows a concentration shifting to Asia-Pacific. Thermoplastic polymers will capturing two-thirds of the global market volume in 2025, the report predicts.