MDO Films Market Research Report Information by Film Type (MDO-PE Film and MDO-PP Film), by Application (Packaging, Labels, Agro Textiles, Tapes, Others), by End-Use Industry (Food & Beverages, Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Agriculture, Others), by Thickness (Less than 20 microns, 20 to 30 microns, Above 30 microns), by Transparency Level (Opaque, Transparent, Translucent) and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South America) - Forecast till 2035

Global MDO Films Market Overview

The MDO Films Market was valued at USD 4.52 Billion in 2024. The MDO Films Market industry is projected to grow from USD 4.78 Billion in 2025 to USD 7.49 Billion by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% during the forecast period (2025-2035).

The increasing product demand in the packaging industry and rising demand for higher shelf life cerating scope for expansion are driving the growth of the MDO Films Market.

As per the Analyst at MRFR, MDO films are widely used due to their enhanced mechanical, barrier, and optical properties. In line with this, the widespread product utilization in the food and beverage (F&B) industry due to the rising inclination for convenient packaging solutions is favoring market growth. 

Moreover, the increasing demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) products and ready-to-cook packaging among consumers owing to hectic schedules and busy lifestyles is acting as another growth-inducing factor. Apart from this, the widespread adoption of MDO films manufactured using natural biodegradable compounds that are environmentally friendly, and recyclable is providing an impetus to market growth.

FIGURE 1: MDO FILMS MARKET VALUE (2019-2035) USD BILLION

 Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

MDO Films Market Opportunity

SUSTAINABILITY AND REDUCED CARBON FOOTPRINT IN FOOD PACKAGING

The rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions has created significant opportunities for the MDO films market. Consumers and governments are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly materials, compelling manufacturers to adopt MDO films for food packaging due to their lower environmental impact. MDO films, produced using advanced orientation technology, offer several sustainability benefits. These films reduce material usage without compromising mechanical strength, enabling thinner, lighter packaging that minimizes waste. Additionally, MDO films can be made with recyclable mono-material structures, enhancing the circular economy in the packaging industry. 

For example, Amcor, a leading global packaging company, has developed recyclable MDO-PE films under its "AmLite HeatFlex" range. These films provide high-barrier properties to protect food while being fully recyclable, aligning with their commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of their packaging solutions. Similarly, Berry Global offers MDO-PE films that are lightweight, reducing transportation emissions, and compatible with existing recycling streams. The focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions is also driving the adoption of MDO films. By replacing traditional multi-layered packaging that combines non-recyclable materials, MDO films support carbon reduction goals. For instance, switching to mono-material MDO films has been reported to cut carbon emissions by approximately 30%, as seen in trials conducted by several European food brands. 

As global food brands aim to achieve their net-zero targets, the MDO films market is poised for growth. Leveraging their eco-friendly attributes, MDO films not only meet regulatory requirements but also appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, marking a significant opportunity in the shift towards sustainable food packaging solutions.

MDO Films Market Segment Insights

MDO Films by Film Type Insights

Based on Film Type, this segment includes MDO-PE Film and MDO-PP Film. The MDO-PE Film segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the MDO-PP Film segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. MDO PE stands for Machine Direction Oriented Polyethylene Film commonly driven by several unique factors, including the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, as these films are recyclable and offer an alternative to multi-material laminates, reducing environmental impact. 

Their enhanced durability and strength meet industries' needs for packaging that can withstand transportation and storage conditions. Additionally, MDO PE films' lightweight nature reduces transportation costs while still providing excellent mechanical properties. With their superior surface qualities, these films are also becoming a popular choice for high-quality printing and branding in consumer goods packaging. Moreover, MDO PE films' ability to offer excellent barrier protection is fueling growth in food and pharmaceutical packaging.

FIGURE 2: MDO FILMS MARKET SHARE BY OFFEERING 2024 AND 2035 (USD BILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

MDO Films by Application Insights

Based on Application, this segment includes Packaging, Labels, Agro Textiles, Tapes, Others. The Packaging segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Agro Textiles segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. MDO films extensively utilized in packaging applications due to their enhanced mechanical properties, such as increased tensile strength, improved barrier performance, and reduced thickness.

These films are used across applications such as food packaging, where they provide excellent moisture and gas barrier for snacks, frozen foods, and ready-to-eat meals. They are also used in the pharmaceutical industry where they maintain the integrity of medical products. Additionally, they are used in consumer goods packaging, offering durability and high-quality printing surface for branding. In May 2023, RKW Group expanded the RKW ECORE® sustainability portfolio to include mono-axially stretched PE films (MDO PE), which are marketed under the brand name RKW Horizon® which includes highly transparent MDO films and print carriers, with oxygen barriers if desired, as well as white opaque variants.

MDO Films by End-Use Industry Insights

Based on End-Use Industry, this segment includes Food & Beverages, Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Agriculture, Others. The Food & Beverages segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the agriculture segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. MDO films are increasingly integral to the food and beverage industry's packaging solutions, offering enhanced performance and sustainability. In the food and beverage sector, MDO films are utilized to create flexible packaging that provide superior barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and contaminants. 

This ensures extended shelf life and maintains product quality. The films' improved mechanical strength allows for thinner packaging, reducing material usage and waste. Growing environmental concerns have led to a demand for recyclable and eco-friendly packaging. MDO films, particularly those made from polyethylene (MDO-PE), are recyclable and align with sustainability goals. There is an increasing consumer preference for packaging that preserves freshness and ensures safety, driving the adoption of high-barrier MDO films in food packaging.

MDO Films by Thickness Insights

Based on Thickness, this segment includes Less than 20 microns, 20 to 30 microns, above 30 microns. The 20 to 30 microns segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Less than 20 microns segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. The 20 to 30 Microns segment of the MDO films industry refers to films that are thicker than those under 20 microns, typically ranging between 20 and 30 microns in thickness. 

These films strike a balance between strength and flexibility, offering enhanced durability and improved barrier properties compared to thinner films. The 20 to 30 microns range is often used in applications that require a moderate level of performance, such as increased tear resistance, better protection, and stronger structural integrity, without the high material cost of thicker films.

MDO Films by Transparency Level Insights

Based on Transparency Level, this segment includes Opaque, Transparent, Translucent. The Opaque segment dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Opaque MDO films are completely non-transparent, offering a solid, uniform appearance that conceals the product inside. 

These films are designed to block visible light and UV radiation, making them ideal for packaging products that need protection from light degradation, such as light-sensitive foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products. The opacity is achieved through the addition of pigments, fillers, or other additives during the manufacturing process. Opaque MDO films provide excellent barrier properties, resisting moisture, gases, and UV rays, which help to preserve the freshness and integrity of the packaged products.

MDO Films Regional Insights

Based on the Region, the Global MDO Films is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America. The Asia-Pacific dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Major demand factors driving the Asia-Pacific market are the increasing product demand in the packaging industry and rising demand for higher shelf life cerating scope for expansion. 

Asia Pacific MDO films market consists of countries including China, Japan, India, ASEAN, Australia, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is experiencing significant growth in the MDO films industry driven by various factors. The Asia Pacific region, particularly countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia nations, is undergoing rapid industrialization. The rapid economic growth has resulted in a surge in demand for MDO films across diverse industries. Rising urbanization, higher disposable incomes, and a growing middle-class population in APAC are driving consumption in packaged goods, especially food, beverages, and personal care products.

FIGURE 3: MDO FILMS MARKET VALUE BY REGION 2024 AND 2035 (USD BILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Further, the countries considered in the scope of the Application Tracking System Market are the US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Argentina, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina and others.

Global MDO Films Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Many global, regional, and local vendors characterize the MDO Films Market. The market is highly competitive, with all the players competing to gain market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront market growth. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and government regulations. Vendors must provide cost-efficient, high-quality products to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market.

The major competitors in the market are SAES Coated Films, Qingdao Cloud Film Packaging Materials Co., Ltd., NOWOFOL GmbH & Co. KG, Lenzing Plastics GmbH & Co. KG, POLIFILM, Profol GmbH, Walki Group Oy, RKW Group, Soparkar and Kothari, Rani Group are among others. The MDO Films Market is a consolidated market due to increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers and other strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.

Key Companies in the MDO Films Market include

• SAES Coated Films
• Qingdao Cloud Film Packaging Materials Co., Ltd.
• NOWOFOL GmbH & Co. KG
• Lenzing Plastics GmbH & Co. KG
• POLIFILM
• Profol GmbH
• Walki Group Oy
• RKW Group
• Soparkar and Kothari
• Rani Group

MDO Films Market Industry Developments

January 2023: The RKW Group has invested a single-digit million sum at its Echte site to be able to print even more brilliant, printed images in the future. With the new state-of-the-art machine, RKW is at the same time further expanding its production capacity in the field of industrial packaging and in this way securing jobs in the region. The new ten-color printing line is the latest of several investments at the Lower Saxony site.

July 2023: Walki and Rovema, announced that they have developed a pouch concept that offers recyclable and easy-to-open solution to chocolate, package nuts, dried fruit, and other snack products. According to the companies, this pouch is made of a LDPE-based film with a laminate of an MDO-PE film.

November 2020: SAES Coated Films in collaboration with RKW Group announced that they developed a high-barrier PE film that aims for performance and recyclability. According to the companies, the base film is RKW’s MDO-PE, designed to combine high temperature resistance, processability, and use of recycled materials.

August 2020: NOWOFOL announced that it has made an investment in a new production facility worth 13.5 million Euros to manufacture specialized films for high-tech applications in Siegsdorf.

MDO Films Market Segmentation

MDO Films by Film Type Outlook

• MDO-PE Film
• MDO-PP Film

MDO Films by Application Outlook

• Packaging
• Labels
• Agro Textiles
• Tapes
• Others

MDO Films by End-Use Industry Outlook

• Food & Beverages
• Healthcare
• Consumer Goods
• Agriculture
• Others

MDO Films by Thickness Outlook

• Less than 20 microns
• 20 to 30 microns
• Above 30 microns

MDO Films by Transparency Level Outlook

• Opaque
• Transparent
• Translucent

MDO Films Regional Outlook

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Finland
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • ASEAN
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America

Report Attribute/Metric	Details
Market Size 2024	USD 4.52 Billion
Market Size 2025	USD 4.78 Billion
Market Size 2035	USD 7.49 Billion
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)	4.6% (2025-2035)
Base Year	2024
Forecast Period	2025-2035
Historical Data	2019-2023
Forecast Units	Value (USD Billion)
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Segments Covered	By Film Type, By Application, By End-Use Industry, By Thickness, By Transparency Level
Geographies Covered	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America
Countries Covered	The US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Argentina, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina
Key Companies Profiled	SAES Coated Films, Qingdao Cloud Film Packaging Materials Co., Ltd., NOWOFOL GmbH & Co. KG, Lenzing Plastics GmbH & Co. KG, POLIFILM, Profol GmbH, Walki Group Oy, RKW Group, Soparkar and Kothari, Rani Group
Key Market Opportunities	·         Sustainability and Reduced Carbon Footprint in Food Packaging ·         Impact Analysis of COVID-19 ·         Impact on Overall Packaging Industry
Key Market Dynamics	·         Increasing product demand in the packaging industry ·         Rising demand for higher shelf life cerating scope for expansion