PVB Film Market Size | Research Report, 2025 To 2033

PVB Film Market Overview

Global PVB Film market size is estimated at USD 2842.73 million in 2024 and expected to rise to USD 3908.14 million by 2033, experiencing a CAGR of 3.6%.

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film is a thermoplastic resin widely used in laminated safety glass for automotive and architectural applications. The global PVB film market is shaped by increasing safety standards, construction growth, and renewable energy installations. In 2023, more than 2.8 billion square meters of laminated glass incorporated PVB films globally. Automotive applications accounted for over 55% of global demand, largely driven by the production of more than 86 million vehicles worldwide, of which over 60 million used laminated glass with PVB interlayers.

The architectural sector, supported by approximately 1.5 million high-rise constructions globally, drives significant consumption of PVB films for shatterproof windows. PVB films also exhibit acoustic and UV filtering properties, with noise reduction ratings of up to 35 decibels and UV filtration up to 99%. Demand is further fueled by the photovoltaic sector, with over 400 GW of global solar installations in 2023, where PVB films are employed as encapsulants or laminates for glass modules.

The increasing requirement for energy-efficient and safe building materials has boosted the usage of laminated glass with PVB films in commercial and residential buildings, particularly in urbanized regions. As sustainability and safety remain key priorities, PVB film consumption continues its upward trajectory.

Key Findings

Top Driver Reason: Rising demand for laminated safety glass in vehicles and buildings due to strict safety regulations and energy-efficient requirements.

Top Country/Region: China leads the market, accounting for over 30% of global PVB film production capacity and consumption.

Top Segment: Automotive segment dominates, contributing over 50% of the total market volume for PVB film in 2023.

PVB Film Market Trends

The PVB film market is undergoing dynamic changes influenced by regulatory shifts, technological advancements, and evolving end-user needs. One prominent trend is the increased adoption of acoustic PVB films in the automotive industry. In 2023, over 32 million vehicles globally integrated acoustic laminated glass, with a significant portion using advanced PVB interlayers offering sound reduction by more than 35 decibels. These films enhance cabin quietness, contributing to vehicle comfort and luxury positioning.

The building and construction sector shows growing use of colored and UV-resistant PVB films. In 2023, more than 600 million square meters of architectural laminated glass integrated colored PVB films, mainly for aesthetic and solar control applications. Over 50% of new commercial buildings in developed economies now use UV-filtering laminated glass with PVB layers capable of blocking 99% of ultraviolet rays.

A notable trend in renewable energy is the integration of PVB films in photovoltaic (PV) panels. With over 400 GW of solar capacity added globally in 2023, nearly 20% of PV module glass used PVB-based encapsulants or interlayers due to their superior bonding and durability properties.

PVB Film Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Growing Demand for Laminated Safety Glass

The rising emphasis on occupant and pedestrian safety in automobiles and structural integrity in buildings is driving demand for laminated safety glass. In 2023, over 65 million vehicles globally adopted laminated windshields and side windows incorporating PVB films. Regulatory frameworks such as UNECE R43, FMVSS 205, and EU Directive 2009/661EC mandate laminated glass in specific applications, directly boosting the PVB film market. Similarly, urban construction booms in major cities—like 4,200 high-rise buildings under construction globally—demand PVB-laminated glass to meet impact resistance, acoustic insulation, and UV shielding requirements.

RESTRAINT

Limited Raw Material Availability

The PVB film industry is highly dependent on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and butyraldehyde as key feedstocks. Fluctuations in raw material availability and cost volatility pose significant challenges. In 2023, prices of butyraldehyde surged by over 18% due to restricted supply in Asia-Pacific, directly impacting production costs of PVB films. Additionally, regional dependencies—such as over 60% of PVA capacity being located in China—pose risks due to geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions. These limitations can delay delivery schedules and reduce profit margins for manufacturers and end-users alike.

OPPORTUNITY

Surge in Photovoltaic Installations

The renewable energy transition opens major opportunities for PVB films in the solar industry. In 2023, global solar capacity additions surpassed 400 GW, with laminated glass accounting for over 70% of PV module protection. PVB films are being increasingly adopted as encapsulants due to their excellent optical transmission (over 91%), moisture resistance, and strong adhesion to glass and EVA. Major installations in India, the U.S., and Germany are driving demand, especially with the rise of bifacial and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), where PVB films serve dual roles of protection and aesthetics.

CHALLENGE

Recycling and End-of-Life Issues

One of the most persistent challenges in the PVB film market is the recycling of end-of-life laminated glass. Globally, over 2 million tons of laminated glass waste are generated annually, of which only 10–15% is efficiently recycled. Separating PVB from laminated glass remains technically difficult and cost-intensive. Existing processes can recover less than 70% of usable PVB content, often contaminated with impurities. This leads to environmental concerns and regulatory scrutiny, especially in Europe and North America, which collectively dispose of more than 500,000 tons of such waste each year.

PVB Film Market Segmentation

The PVB film market is segmented based on product type and application. Product differentiation is essential due to the varying requirements of automotive, architectural, and solar applications. Standard films continue to dominate due to their wide applicability, while high-performance films are witnessing increased uptake in high-specification environments. Applications range from automotive windshields to laminated facades and photovoltaic module interlayers. Customized thicknesses, colorations, and performance features further refine segmentation strategies.

By Type

Standard Film: Standard PVB films account for over 60% of total volume, with thicknesses typically ranging from 0.38 mm to 0.76 mm. These films are primarily used in conventional laminated glass applications across both vehicles and buildings. In 2023, more than 2.2 billion square meters of standard PVB film were produced globally. Their affordability and availability make them the default choice in cost-sensitive markets like Southeast Asia and Latin America.
High Performance Film: High-performance PVB films offer advanced acoustic insulation, UV protection above 99%, and enhanced impact resistance. These films are often 1.14 mm or thicker. In 2023, nearly 750 million square meters of high-performance PVB film were used, mostly in premium automotive models and high-rise commercial buildings. Adoption is growing in urban centers such as New York, Shanghai, and Dubai.

By Application

Automotive: Over 55% of global PVB film consumption is attributed to automotive glazing. In 2023, more than 47 million vehicles featured laminated windshields, with around 30 million adopting side and roof glazing with PVB interlayers.
Architectural: The construction industry consumed over 900 million square meters of PVB film in 2023, mostly in facades, doors, and curtain walls requiring high transparency and impact resistance.
Photovoltaic Glass: In 2023, over 80 million square meters of glass in solar modules incorporated PVB interlayers for moisture resistance and electrical insulation, particularly in BIPV applications.
Others: Smaller applications include specialty laminates, bulletproof glass, and artistic installations, accounting for approximately 5% of total demand.

PVB Film Market Regional Outlook

The global PVB film market demonstrates varied performance across regions, driven by differences in automotive production, infrastructure development, and solar adoption. Each region shows distinct trends based on regulatory, economic, and climatic conditions.

North America

In 2023, North America consumed more than 450 million square meters of PVB film, with the U.S. accounting for over 85% of regional demand. Automotive manufacturers such as Ford, GM, and Tesla integrated laminated glass with acoustic PVB films into over 8 million vehicles. The architectural segment also gained traction, with over 280,000 new commercial buildings constructed in the U.S., 60% of which utilized safety laminated glass. Building codes across Florida, California, and Texas mandate hurricane- or impact-resistant glass, significantly driving PVB demand.

Europe

Europe consumed over 600 million square meters of PVB film in 2023. Germany, France, and the UK are key contributors, accounting for more than 70% of regional usage. Laminated glass is a building code requirement under EU regulations EN 356 and EN ISO 12543. Over 35 million square meters of PVB films were used in photovoltaic applications, especially in Germany and Spain, with 65% of newly installed PV capacity integrating laminated glass. The region also leads in acoustic glazing, with 20% of all buildings using sound-dampening laminated panels.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific remains the largest market, with over 1.4 billion square meters of PVB film consumed in 2023. China alone represented 950 million square meters, with 32 million vehicle units using PVB laminated windshields. In India, over 120 million square meters of architectural PVB laminated glass were installed in 2023 due to the urbanization of Tier 2 cities. Japan and South Korea are advancing in the adoption of high-performance films in both automotive and solar sectors, driven by energy efficiency mandates.

Middle East & Africa

The region consumed over 180 million square meters of PVB film in 2023. The UAE and Saudi Arabia lead, accounting for over 65% of demand. Major skyscraper projects like the Riyadh Metro, Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Central, and Dubai Creek Tower integrated safety and decorative laminated glass. Solar adoption is also accelerating, with over 6 GW of installed capacity in the Middle East in 2023 using PVB-interlayered glass in utility-scale PV farms.

List of Top PVB Film Market Companies

Eastman Chemical
Sekisui Chemicals
Kuraray
EVERLAM
ChangChun Group
Kingboard Chemical Holdings
Huakai Plastic
Zhejiang Decent Plastic
Rehone Plastic
Tanshan Jichang New Material
Wuhan Honghui New Material
Weifang Liyang New Material

Top Two Companies with the Highest Share

Kuraray: Produced over 950 million square meters of PVB film globally in 2023, with manufacturing sites in Japan, Europe, and the U.S., making it the largest global supplier. Kuraray's SentryGlas® and Trosifol® brands dominate the high-performance PVB segment.

Eastman Chemical: Accounted for over 800 million square meters in 2023. The company’s Saflex® product range leads in acoustic and UV-resistant PVB films, widely used in over 70% of premium vehicle models in North America and Europe.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the PVB film market continues to intensify, particularly across Asia-Pacific and Europe. In 2023, over 40 new manufacturing lines were installed globally, with a combined production capacity exceeding 1.5 billion square meters. China alone witnessed investments exceeding $500 million across six major PVB production expansions, with over 300,000 square meters of daily output added.

Multinational firms are increasingly directing capital toward high-performance and value-added films. Kuraray’s expansion in Germany added 45,000 tons of annual capacity focused on acoustic and colored PVB films, serving the luxury automotive and premium architectural markets. Similarly, Sekisui Chemicals invested in a new PVB lamination plant in the U.S. with a 150,000 square meter per day output to meet rising North American automotive demand.

New Product Development

Recent innovations in the PVB film market are transforming how the material is applied across industries. In 2023 and early 2024, new product launches emphasized performance enhancements, functional integration, and sustainability.

One major area of development is the introduction of ultra-clear and low-iron PVB films with enhanced optical properties. Kuraray released a high-transparency variant of its Trosifol® product line with light transmission exceeding 91%, specifically designed for photovoltaic and architectural glazing. Over 8 million square meters of this ultra-clear variant were deployed in premium commercial projects in Europe.

Digitally printed PVB films are gaining popularity in decorative architectural applications. EVERLAM introduced a digitally printable PVB substrate that allows high-resolution inkjet printing for corporate branding, privacy solutions, and design aesthetics. In 2023, over 1,000 buildings across 25 countries integrated printed PVB films into glass partitions and facades.

Eastman Chemical enhanced its acoustic PVB film offering by developing a next-gen Saflex® Q series product with a noise reduction coefficient of 0.37, translating to over 36 decibels of soundproofing. Over 2.5 million vehicles in 2023 were equipped with this advanced glazing solution, significantly boosting comfort in electric and luxury cars.

In the field of antimicrobial safety glass, Huakai Plastic launched a silver-ion infused PVB film certified to inhibit 99.9% of bacterial growth. This film has been adopted in healthcare infrastructure in China, with over 300 hospitals installing laminated safety glass using the new antimicrobial PVB variant. The adoption rate rose by 40% compared to 2022, particularly for intensive care and surgical wing windows.

Five Recent Developments

Kuraray Europe GmbH: expanded its production line in Troisdorf, Germany in mid-2023, adding 45,000 tons of annual capacity for acoustic and ultra-clear PVB films targeting high-end automotive markets.
Eastman Chemical Company: launched Saflex® Horizon in Q2 2023, a solar-optimized PVB interlayer designed for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), with light transmission of 91.3% and weather resistance over 5,000 hours in QUV testing.
EVERLAM: introduced digitally printable PVB films with high-adhesion coatings in November 2023. Over 120 architectural projects used this innovation within 6 months, with notable adoption in Dubai and Singapore.
Huakai Plastic: began commercial production of antimicrobial PVB films in January 2024. Over 4 million square meters have been distributed across healthcare and educational institutions in China.
Weifang Liyang: New Material commissioned a laminated glass waste recycling unit in March 2024, targeting recovery of 12,000 tons of post-consumer PVB annually, with an expected purity rate of 85%.

Report Coverage of PVB Film Market

The PVB film market report covers an extensive range of insights that provide stakeholders with a detailed and factual understanding of the market structure, performance, and future trajectory. The scope includes comprehensive market sizing in square meters, production capacity data, regional consumption patterns, and detailed segmentation by product type and application.

This report analyzes over 50 global manufacturers across 12 countries, with production capacities ranging from 5,000 to over 150,000 tons per year. It includes plant locations, product portfolios, and recent investment activities, enabling a clear view of competitive positioning. Market data spans 2019 to 2024, supported by historical trends and current operational metrics such as utilization rates, thickness availability, and optical performance benchmarks.

The coverage extends to all major end-use sectors: automotive, architectural, photovoltaic, and specialty. For automotive, the report includes vehicle installation rates, glazing specifications, and acoustic performance indices across regions. In architecture, data includes application in façade, roof, and door glass, with country-level penetration data. In photovoltaics, the scope includes encapsulation technologies, BIPV installations, and module glass performance data specific to PVB use.