Antifog Additives Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Glycerol Esters, Polyglycerol Esters, Sorbitan Esters of Fatty Acids, Ethoxylated Sorbitan Esters, Polyoxyethylene Esters, and Others), By Application (Food Packaging Films and Agricultural Films), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global antifog additives market size was valued at USD 370.0 million in 2023 and is expected to grow from USD 385.9 million in 2024 to USD 564.7 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the antifog additives market with a market share of 38.41% in 2023. Moreover, the antifog additives market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 98.6 million by 2032, driven by the introduction of the e-commerce industry supported by growing demand for packed food consumption.

Antifog additives are engineered additives made using various types of esters and fatty acids. The excellent properties offered by these additives prevent fog and water droplet formation on the surface of the polymer films consumed in food packaging and agriculture. The rise in the food and agricultural industries due to higher demand for packed food is expected to drive the antifog additives market growth. Additionally, the introduction of the e-commerce industry has supported the packed food demand consumption, further boosting the market. Hence, all the factors are expected to boost the market over the forecast period.

The COVID-19 pandemic broke at the end of 2019 and impacted economies, business operations, and manufacturing activities across the globe. It highly affected countries such as India, China, and the U.S. as restrictions were imposed on logistics, public transport, manufacturing activities, and business operations that disrupted the supply chain of the product. Despite uncertainties, the global market returned to pre-COVID-19 levels as consumers shifted to online food delivery websites after the pandemic. This has boosted the demand for packed food, further increasing the growth of product consumption in plastic food packaging films.

Antifog Additives Market Trends

Rapid Increase in Urbanization and Demand for Packed Food Are Prominent Trends in the Market

The growth of the market is associated with rapid urbanization as the increased population in urban areas creates massive demand for consumer goods and necessitates the higher consumption of food & beverage products. Thus, the manufacturers of polymer additives, such as antioxidants and antifog agents, have massive opportunities to expand their presence in the growing food & beverage market. This is attributed to the fogging agent, which is widely used to treat the layer of water droplets on food packaging films.

The growth in flexible packaging has been massive in the last decade. However, introducing online food & beverage shopping sites has boosted the packaging market, leading to a surge in demand for antifog agents. Moreover, the increasing number of food courts, online shopping sites, food marts, and super-marts are creating great opportunities for the existing and new manufacturers of antifog additives.

On the other side, various countries' governments have encouraged farming companies to use greenhouses for enhanced crop production. Thus, the number of greenhouses has increased over the past years. The increasing number of greenhouses has created a remarkable opportunity for the market, as it is the key raw material for mulching and greenhouse film.

Antifog Additives Market Growth Factors

Increased Demand for Fog-free Polymer Film in the Food Industry to Drive Market Growth

Antifog additives are widely consumed in the production of food packaging and agricultural films as they offer lower surface tension, leading to a thinner layer of hot or cold fog on the film surface. Additives, such as polyglycerol esters and glycerol esters, are utilized in manufacturing industrial fog-free food wrapping films due to their antifogging properties. The demand for packed food has gradually increased after the COVID-19 impact as consumers became more aware of health. Additionally, using antifog additives in the food polymer or plastic films increase the food's shelf life, protecting it from bacteria in the air.

Further, the demand for packed food increased rapidly owing to the busy lifestyle and change in consumer behavior regarding food consumption. This led to a massive demand for packaging materials. Plastic bags, bottles, micro flute paper bags, and different PP and PE packaging film types further surged the demand for polymer additives. On the other hand, rise in the e-commerce industry has boosted online shopping as consumers prefer to buy foods online to save time and maintain social distance after the massive hit of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, all these factors are expected to boost the global market.

Increasing Demand for Premium Crops from the Growing Population is Driving the Market Growth

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, increasing population, per capita income, and rise in innovation to increase crop productivity are driving the agricultural market. Thus, farmers and farming agencies are adopting innovative techniques such as hydroponics, aquaculture, and others. These techniques help agriculture films, including mulch plastic films, greenhouse nylon, silage film, antiseptic film, and irrigation films, maintain the required environment. All these films use a wide amount of polymers to maintain the product against the drastic weather changes and negative impacts of sunlight and to prevent the growth of weeds, pathogens, and microbes. These films are coated with antifog additives owing to their repelling nature against the water. Antifog additives help polymers maintain uniform transparency. All these techniques and the use of antifog films in agriculture applications increase crop production. Therefore, all these factors drive the market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Government Rules and Regulations for Plastic Films Production and Consumption are Likely to Hamper Market Growth

The consumption of antifog additives has grown in plastic packaging films over the past years. The government policies and strict regulations on the use of plastic films are anticipated to hinder the market's growth as the polymer films take a long time to degrade and are harmful to the environment.

The U.K. has imposed strict rules and regulations on plastic and its derivative products. Polymer films pollute the environment, which further affects human health. Also, the UN Government Program (UNEP) initiated the clean seas campaign in more than 50 countries to prevent plastic pollution. Hence, the increasing rules and regulations on the use of plastic in industries is key restraining factor for the market.

Antifog Additives Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Ethoxylated Sorbitan Esters to Remain Largest Segment Owing to its Usage in Food Packaging Films

In terms of type, the market is segmented into glycerol esters, polyglycerol esters, sorbitan esters of fatty acids, ethoxylated sorbitan esters, polyoxyethylene esters, and others. Among these, ethoxylated sorbitan esters segment held the largest market share in 2022. The growth of ethoxylated sorbitan esters segment is associated with the high demand for fog-free food packaging and agricultural films. These esters are preferred due to their properties, including controlling hot and cold condensation and enhancing film transparency.

The demand for glycerol esters is expected to grow from food packaging films and cosmetics industries due to their chemical functions such as emulsifiers and thickening agents. Additionally, these additives enhance the shelf life and stability of the finished beverages. Polyglycerol esters offer amphiphilic properties when used in food packaging films. Thus, the segment is anticipated to grow considerably during the forecast period.

The sorbitan esters of fatty acids are widely utilized as an emulsifier and solubilizer, exhibiting low toxicity. Additionally, these esters modify viscosity when used in the food packaging industry. Polyoxyethylene ester is used in polymer films to enhance light transmission and works as a water-repellent. Hence, the superior properties of these additives will boost the market during the forecast period.

By Application Analysis

Food Packaging Films Segment to Exhibit a Significant Growth Rate Due to Demand for Packed Foods

Based on application, the market is bifurcated into food packaging films and agricultural films. The demand for food packaging films has increased over the past years due to increasing demand for packed food and the growing e-commerce industry. In recent years, consumers have become more aware of online shopping, which has increased multiple businesses for food, consumer goods, and medicines. Thus, rapid increase in these businesses boosted the demand for packaging materials. The products, including ready-to-eat food, drugs, cold drinks, and household products are delivered through micro-flute containers or plastic bags and films. Antifog additives are used in these packaging materials, especially frozen or hot food. Thus, all these factors are expected to boost the food packaging films segment.

The agricultural films segment's growth is attributed to the high demand for packed fresh vegetables, fruits, pulses, and other agricultural products. Moreover, to fulfill consumer demand, the agriculture companies have increased farming activities, including crop production using greenhouses. These increased activities are expected to boost the market.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market size in Asia Pacific was USD 142.1 million in 2023. The region had the highest global antifog additives market share, owing to the higher consumption of packed food. The demand for packed food is associated with the rise in population, and changing consumer preferences toward online food ordering websites. On the other side, countries in the region, such as India and China, are the leading producers of agricultural products. This further leads to higher consumption of antifog additives as they are widely utilized in mulching and greenhouse films.

The market growth in North America is associated with the increased demand for packaged food, owing to the modern and busy lifestyle. Additionally, the number of packed food manufacturers is high in the region, further surging the demand for antifog additives.

In Europe, the market had moderate gains owing to the modern lifestyle and high per capita income. Moreover, after the pandemic hit the region, consumers became aware and started buying food products from e-commerce websites. On the other side, the presence of key regional manufacturers is anticipated to boost market growth during the forecast period in Europe.

The market growth in Latin America is associated with the rise in industrialization. The number of packaging and food manufacturers has increased along with supermarkets and mega markets. This is expected to boost the market growth in the region. In the Middle East and Africa, the market is expected to grow at a moderate growth rate during the forecast period owing to the entrance of the key polymer additives manufacturers and suppliers.

List of Key Companies in Antifog Additives Market

Key Players to Strengthen their Position by Offering Products to the Packaging Industry

The foremost producers, including Croda International Plc, Avient, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., SABO S.p.A., Emery Oleochemicals, Corbion, Evonik Industries AG, Polyvel Inc., Primex Plastics Corporation, and Palsgaard are the key companies of antifog additives. 

Croda International Plc has a strong presence in Europe and manufactures antifog additives. The company also has presence in North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa regions. Similarly; the other key players have established a strong regional presence, robust distribution channels, and varied product offerings.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Croda International Plc (U.K.)


• Avient (U.S.)


• LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. (U.S.)


• SABO S.p.A. (Italy)


• Emery Oleochemicals (U.S.)


• Corbion (Netherlands)


• Evonik Industries AG (Germany)


• Polyvel Inc. (U.S.)


• Primex Plastics Corporation (U.S.)


• Palsgaard (Denmark)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• October 2022- Emery Oleochemicals announced a partnership with Sukano. The partnership aims to develop and launch the PET antifogging compound made from natural oils and fat.


• November 2022- SABO S.p.A. announced the acquisition of TAA derivative business of Evonik Industries. The acquisition aims to establish a presence in polymer additive manufacturing.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides detailed market analysis and focuses on crucial aspects such as types, applications, and leading companies. It provides quantitative data in terms of volume and value, research methodology for market size estimation, and insights into market trends. It highlights vital industry developments and the competitive landscape. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation