Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Film Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Type (Stretch Films, Shrink Films, Polyethylene Films and Other Types), Material, Packaging, Functionality, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Film Market is accounted for $1.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) film is a protective packaging material that prevents metal corrosion during storage and transportation. It is infused with corrosion-inhibiting compounds that vaporize, creating a protective layer on metal surfaces. This layer prevents moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive elements from reacting with the metal, halting the rusting process. VCI films are made from polyethylene or other polymer bases, making them flexible, lightweight, and easy to use.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increased demand for corrosion prevention

As industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and oil and gas grow, the need to prevent corrosion in manufacturing processes and supply chains becomes more critical. This has led to a significant expansion of the VCI film market, as more industries recognize its cost-saving potential in preventing corrosion and associated costs. VCI films are becoming a staple in corrosion management due to their high demand for corrosion-resistant components in these sectors, particularly in demand for protecting parts and equipment during transit and storage.

Restraint:

Environmental concerns

Governments worldwide are implementing stricter environmental regulations on plastics, packaging materials, and hazardous chemicals. VCI films, which often contain plastic polymers, contribute to plastic pollution. The Plastic Waste Directive limits non-biodegradable materials, forcing manufacturers to modify their products or face penalties. Volatile corrosion inhibitor, released to protect metal surfaces, can harm air quality and contribute to ozone depletion and smog formation hampering the market growth.

Opportunity:

Advancements in volatile corrosion inhibitor film technology

The demand for VCI films has led to the development of advanced materials and functionalities, enhancing corrosion protection under harsh environmental conditions. These films now offer extended protection times, higher volatility, multi-metal protection, and resistance to high-temperature or high-humidity environments. Smart technologies, such as sensors and indicators, are also being integrated into volatile corrosion inhibitor films to track the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors and monitor packaging integrity over time.

Threat:

Availability of alternative corrosion prevention solutions

The global focus on environmental sustainability is leading to a shift towards eco-friendly alternatives to traditional volatile corrosion inhibitor films. Industries are seeking biodegradable, non-toxic, and recyclable corrosion inhibitors that don't rely on plastic or hazardous chemicals. This shift threatens the market for conventional VCI films. Alternative materials like paper-based packaging and plant-based biodegradable films are seen as more sustainable and environmentally friendly, reducing demand for volatile corrosion inhibitor films.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) film market by causing supply chain interruptions, labor shortages, and a slowdown in manufacturing across various industries. With reduced production and delayed shipments, demand for VCI films, particularly in sectors like automotive and aerospace, declined. However, as industries recovered and manufacturing resumed, the market saw a rebound. Increased focus on safe packaging during transportation and storage also led to a gradual rise in VCI film adoption post-pandemic, though challenges remained in the short term.

The stretch films segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

During the forecast period, the stretch films segment is anticipated to register the largest market share owing to providing a physical barrier and corrosion protection. This dual-layer approach gives VCI film manufacturers a competitive advantage by positioning their products as part of an all-encompassing solution, rather than just a standalone product. This comprehensive protection allows businesses to protect their goods from both physical damage and corrosion.

The reusable films segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The reusable films segment is expected to witness substantial growth during the projection period owing to the surge in demand for hybrid packaging solutions that combine the physical protection of reusable films with the corrosion protection of VCI films. This approach would offer cost-efficiency and reusability benefits for the outer layer, while still providing effective corrosion protection with VCI films, thereby benefiting industries in shipping and handling driving the market growth.

Region with largest share:

The North America region is anticipated to account for the largest market share during the forecast period driven by reshoring and domestic revival efforts, has led to a surge in corrosion protection solutions like VCI films. As the region shifts towards localized production and supply chains, there's a growing need for effective corrosion prevention during storage and shipping, particularly for products transported globally.

Region with highest CAGR:

During the estimation period, the Asia Pacific region is forecasted to record the highest growth rate owing to China, India, Japan, and South Korea, is experiencing significant growth in manufacturing activities, including automotive, electronics, machinery, and heavy equipment. This growth is driving a demand for VCI films to prevent corrosion of metals and equipment during transportation, storage, and long-term storage. For instance, the rapid expansion of automotive manufacturing in these countries has increased the need for corrosion protection.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Film market include Aicello Corporation, Armor Protective Packaging, Branopac, Cortec, Daubert Cromwell, Inc., Harita-NTI Ltd., MetPro Group, Nantong Yongyu Anti-Rust, Nokstop Chem, Propagroup, Shenyang VCI, Superior Industries, Inc., Zavenir Daubert, Crayex Corporation, Patkar Extrusiontech (Pvt.) Ltd and Intertape Polymer Group.

Key Developments:

In November 2024, Aicello Corporation and Aicello-Harke GmbH announced their participation in SEMICON Europa. The collaboration focuses on developing and producing clean technology solutions, including containers and packaging materials, to meet the stringent requirements of the microelectronics sector.

Types Covered:

• Stretch Films
• Shrink Films
• Polyethylene Films
• Other Types

Materials Covered:

• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Polyvinyl Chloride
• Other Materials

Packaging's Covered:

• Bags & Pouches
• Sheets
• Rolls
• Other Packaging's

Functionalities Covered:

• Single-use Films
• Reusable Films

Applications Covered:

• Automotive
• Electronics & Electrical
• Aerospace
• Metal Processing
• Construction
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
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• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
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