Japan Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Film Market Assessment, By Film Thickness, By Application, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2019-FY2033F

Japan BOPP market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.91% during the forecast period FY2026-FY2033F, growing from USD 2.01 billion in FY2025 to USD 3.18 billion in FY2033F. Rising efforts for reducing food wastage are boosting the demand for premium packaging solutions such as BOPP films, which possess superior barrier properties and strength. In addition, the technological advancements in the country enable the manufacturing of high-performance films, and the market leaders invest in research and development to enhance clarity, strength, and printability. Furthermore, the Japan biaxially oriented polypropylene film market is experiencing a surge in demand due to the e-commerce industry's growth, leading to a need for robust packaging solutions.

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), an e-commerce market survey conducted in FY2023 to analyze the Japanese e-commerce (EC) market, the scale of the domestic B-to-C EC market increased to approximately USD 165 billion, up by 9.23% from USD 150 billion in the previous year. In addition, the scale of the domestic B-to-B EC market increased to USD 3.12 trillion, up by 10.7% from USD 2.8 trillion in the previous year.

Recyclability Driving Japan's BOPP Film Market

Recyclability emerges as one of the prominent growth drivers of the Japanese BOPP film market. The increment in environmental awareness and stringent regulations for reducing plastic pollution have diverted divert attention of companies to producing recyclable BOPP films to meet sustainability objectives. The films are strongly recyclable into flakes or pellets, and the recovered material is used again in the production of new products to foster circular economic practices. In addition, the innovative developments of enzymatic and solvent-based recycling technologies further promote recycling processes and render BOPP films eco-friendlier. Furthermore, the consumer preference for green packaging and strong commitments towards sustainability further propel the trend. The technological advancements in the country also ensure high-performance recyclable films with crucial properties such as barrier strength and clarity retained during the recycling process. These trends define recyclable BOPP films as a cornerstone in Japan's sustainable packaging.

In October 2024, TOPPAN, RM Tohcello, and Mitsui Chemicals developed a recycled biaxially oriented polypropylene film (BOPP) for mass production. The partnership has conducted a pilot test for horizontal recycling of printed BOPP flexible packaging film since August 2023. The new recycled BOPP film aligns with the Japanese Government's Resource Circulation Strategy for Plastics, which aims for 60% of plastic containers and packaging to be reused or recycled by 2030.

Growing Demand for Automotive Capacitor Film in The Electrified Vehicle Market

The expansion of electronic vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is significantly driving the demand for the automotive capacitor films, which are made up of BOPP films. The automotive capacitor films are responsible for power electronic applications such as inverters, DC-DC converters, and onboard chargers due to their capability for efficient energy storage and smooth power conversion between the battery and motor. BOPP films are increasingly used as dielectric films for capacitors due to their excellent electric insulation, heat stability, and climatic resistance. Since Japan is promoting sustainable mobility solution conversions at an accelerated pace, there is an increased demand for effective power management systems and consequently, creating robust demand for BOPP films. Furthermore, low weight and excellent ripple current resistance of BOPP films make them suitable to meet stringent automotive requirements. The trend underscores a central role in the facilitating production of efficient and high-performance electrified vehicles in the automotive sector in Japan.

In June 2023, Toray Industries, Inc. announced its plans to increase production capacity for Torayfan biaxially oriented polypropylene film at its Tsuchiura Plant in Ibaraki Prefecture to meet growing demand for automotive capacitor film in the electrified vehicle market. The upgraded facilities will lift Torayfan production capacity by 40% by 2025. Torayfan is a lightweight, tough, and strong plastic film used in industrial areas, film capacitors, and packaging.

Rising Demand for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions

Growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging is being driven by growing consumer awareness and stringent government control, such as prohibitions against single-use plastics. The consumers are progressively preferring packaging made from compostable, biodegradable, or recycled materials that reduce carbon footprints and environmental pollution. The recyclable and environmentally friendly packaging materials like paper, plant-based substances, and biodegradable plastics are on the rise with their ability to protect the products alongside conserving the environment. Additionally, companies are evolving by developing innovative packaging designs that minimize the use of material alongside eliminating unnecessary parts that consumers are gravitating towards when it comes to environmentally friendly products. Furthermore, the food and beverage packaging sector adopted a sustainable packaging trend with its resilience and inert quality that repels contaminants. The rise of climate climate-conscious generation like Gen Z further opened the way to the rapid adoption of green solutions, compelling companies to reach sustainability goals and increase operational effectiveness. The trend underscores the absolute necessity of sustainable packaging to mend global environmental concerns.

According to Japan Statement 29 May 2023, under agenda item 4, Japan expressed gratitude to France for hosting the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC2) to develop an international instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The Japanese delegation emphasized the urgent need to address the adverse impact of plastic pollution on the environment and human health. They proposed adding elements critical for an effective instrument, including objectives and a common goal, mechanisms to prevent plastic pollution release, provisions on National Action Plans and National Reporting mechanisms, and raising awareness about plastic circularity.

Food and Beverages Sector is One of the Prominent Applications of BOPP Films

The food and beverages sector is a major application area for BOPP films, as they have superior properties that ensure safety, freshness, and extended shelf life for the product. BOPP films offer effective barrier protection against moisture, oxygen, and contamination and are thus ideally suited for packaging snacks, bakery items, confectionery, dried fruits, and frozen foods. Their transparency enhances visibility on shelves, while their printability allows for colorful branding and informative labeling. In the packaging of soft drinks, water, and alcoholic beverages, BOPP films are widely applied to label bottles and cans due to their tear resistance and smooth application on curved surfaces. The films are also light in weight, cost-effective, and recyclable, keeping up with the growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging. Their flexibility offers customization of thickness and finishes to meet specific requirements in various food segments. With changing consumer preference towards convenience foods and eco-friendly packaging, BOPP films are still at the forefront of transforming the manner in which food and beverages are packaged in Japan.

In May 2022, Mitsui Chemicals Inc. unveiled the RePLAYER Renewable Plastics Layer System, intending to recover film waste from flexible packaging converters, removing any ink, pelletizing the remaining material, and converting the pellets into fresh flexible packaging film. Later in December 2022, TOPPAN, RM Tohcello, and Mitsui Chemicals began discussing the foundation for a collaborative pilot testing effort.

Future Market Scenario (FY2026- FY2033F)

The increasing popularity of packaged foods in Japan, driven by convenience and safety concerns, will continue to fuel the demand for BOPP films in food packaging.

Advancements in manufacturing technologies will enable the production of high-performance BOPP films with enhanced barrier properties and printability, catering to diverse applications.

The expanding automotive sector, particularly in electrified vehicles, will increase the demand for BOPP films used in automotive capacitor films, driving market growth.

The rise of e-commerce and the growing personal care industry will further enhance the demand for flexible and sustainable packaging solutions like BOPP films.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The key players in the Japanese BOPP film market are leveraging advanced technologies and focusing on innovation to meet higher demand for high-performance film across different end-user sectors. In addition, the companies are also emphasizing building product properties such as barrier strength, purity, and durability to meet applications such as food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Sustainability is a top priority, with an emphasis on developing recyclable and eco-friendly film solutions to meet environmental regulations and customer requirements. Furthermore, strategic initiatives such as capacity expansion and R&D investments enable them to suitably respond to shifting market demands. Their competitive strategies ensure steady supply and flexibility in the dynamic market landscape of Japan.

In March 2025 TOPPAN Inc. obtained ISCC PLUS certification from its Fukaya, Gunma, and Fukusaki plants in Japan to increase the use of recycled plastic in flexible packaging manufacturing. The certification aims to demonstrate businesses' sustainability standards and ensure transparency in supply chains. TOPPAN plans to offer packaging using recycled plastic in Japan and overseas markets.