The Global EVOH Resin Market was valued at USD 1.07 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.35 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.7% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This growth is being driven by increasing demand for high-barrier packaging solutions, particularly in food preservation applications where shelf-life extension is crucial, and the accelerating adoption of sustainable materials across food, pharmaceutical, and automotive sectors.

As the packaging industry transforms toward eco-friendly operations and extended product protection, the spotlight is on the key resin suppliers who are driving innovation, barrier performance, and greener alternatives. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the EVOH Resin Industry—a mix of chemical giants, specialized manufacturers, and regional innovators shaping the future of global barrier packaging.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: EVOH barrier resins, multilayer film solutions, and sustainable co-polymers

BASF SE stands as a global leader in chemical innovation, providing high-performance EVOH resins tailored for demanding packaging applications. Their portfolio supports multilayer structures in food and pharmaceutical packaging, emphasizing oxygen and gas barrier properties that prevent spoilage and maintain product integrity. With a focus on sustainability, BASF integrates EVOH into recyclable designs, serving major converters worldwide and contributing to reduced food waste through advanced barrier technologies.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based EVOH variants to replace petroleum feedstocks

• Partnerships with packaging firms for circular economy solutions

• Commitment to carbon-neutral production by 2050

Download FREE Sample Report: Global EVOH Resin Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Plantic Technologies Ltd.

Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia
Key Offering: Plant-based EVOH alternatives, biodegradable barrier films

Plantic Technologies specializes in sustainable barrier materials, offering EVOH-like resins derived from renewable sources for flexible packaging. Operating primarily in the Asia-Pacific and global markets, the company addresses the demand for eco-friendly options in food preservation, where traditional EVOH’s recycling challenges are mitigated through plant-starch formulations. Their innovations have gained traction in reducing plastic waste while maintaining high gas barrier efficiency.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on fully compostable EVOH substitutes

• Collaborations with food brands for zero-waste packaging

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8️⃣ 3. Evergreen Packaging LLC

Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Key Offering: EVOH-integrated paperboard packaging, barrier laminates

Evergreen Packaging combines EVOH resins with paper-based structures to create hybrid solutions for beverage and food cartons. As a key player in North America, they supply to major retailers, leveraging EVOH’s moisture and oxygen resistance to enhance shelf life in liquid packaging. Their approach bridges traditional packaging with modern barrier needs, supporting the shift toward recyclable multilayer formats.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in recyclable EVOH-paper composites

• Targets for 100% renewable content in barrier layers by 2030

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7️⃣ 4. Sinopec Sichuan Vinylon Works

Headquarters: Chengdu, China
Key Offering: Cost-effective EVOH resins, industrial-grade barrier polymers

Sinopec’s Sichuan Vinylon Works is a prominent producer in China, supplying EVOH for the booming Asian packaging market. They focus on large-scale production for food and household applications, where EVOH’s gas barrier properties are essential for humid climates. The company supports local manufacturers with customized grades, contributing to the region’s 45% share of global EVOH demand.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expansion of low-emission production facilities

• R&D in bio-derived feedstocks for EVOH synthesis

Download FREE Sample Report: Global EVOH Resin Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. SK Functional Polymer

Headquarters: Ulsan, South Korea
Key Offering: High-barrier EVOH grades, automotive and packaging resins

SK Functional Polymer delivers specialized EVOH for automotive fuel systems and packaging in the Asia-Pacific region. Their resins excel in chemical resistance, supporting lightweight fuel tanks that meet emission standards. With growing EV production in Korea, the company is expanding into battery encapsulation, where EVOH prevents gas permeation and enhances safety.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Certified EVOH for electric vehicle components

• Programs for recycled content integration

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5️⃣ 6. Arkema S.A.

Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: EVOH copolymers, specialty barrier materials for Europe

Arkema leads in European EVOH production, offering resins for pharmaceutical and food packaging that comply with strict EU regulations. Their products feature excellent clarity and barrier performance, ideal for blister packs and medical devices. The company invests in co-extrusion technologies to reduce material usage while upholding efficacy, aligning with sustainability directives.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Bio-attributed EVOH development

• Goal of 50% recycled plastics in supply chain by 2030

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4️⃣ 7. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Advanced EVOH films, multilayer co-extrusion solutions

Mitsubishi Chemical is renowned for its innovative EVOH applications in flexible packaging and automotive sectors. They partner with North American converters to integrate EVOH into high-performance films, reducing oxygen transmission by up to 99%. Their focus on Asia’s growing processed food market drives expansions, supporting shelf-life extension in ready-to-eat products.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Alliances for integrated recycling of EVOH structures

• Target: 20% bio-based EVOH production by 2028

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3️⃣ 8. Chang Chun Petrochemical

Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: Affordable EVOH resins, flexible packaging solutions

Chang Chun Petrochemical strengthens its position in China’s flexible packaging sector with competitive EVOH grades. They supply to the region’s massive food industry, where EVOH prevents spoilage in humid conditions. Recent capacity builds address the 38% projected demand growth from Asian processed foods, emphasizing cost-effective barrier performance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Local R&D for low-cost sustainable EVOH

• Collaborations to improve recycling infrastructure

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2️⃣ 9. Nippon Gohsei

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Soarnol® EVOH series, food and industrial applications

Nippon Gohsei captures significant Asia-Pacific demand with its Soarnol® EVOH, optimized for food packaging and capturing 68% of applications. They plan expansions at the Mizushima plant by 2025 to meet the 3.1% CAGR in flexible packaging. The company’s pricing strategies make high-barrier solutions accessible, supporting shelf-life in meat and dairy products.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expansion for sustainable packaging capacity

• Initiatives to reduce multilayer recycling challenges

Download FREE Sample Report: Global EVOH Resin Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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1️⃣ 10. Kuraray Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: EVAL™ EVOH resins, global barrier solutions

Kuraray Co., Ltd. commands approximately 60% of the global EVOH market with its pioneering EVAL™ brand, produced across Japan, the US, and Europe. They lead in technological advancements for multilayer packaging, serving food, pharma, and automotive needs. Recent 20% capacity increase at the Texas facility addresses growing demand, while vertically integrated operations ensure quality and supply reliability for high-barrier applications worldwide.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• 2023 expansion in Japan for Asian demand

• Focus on bio-EVOH and recycling technologies

• Strategic partnerships for circular packaging

Read Full Report: Global EVOH Resin Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of EVOH Resin Is Sustainable and Innovative

The EVOH resin market is undergoing a steady evolution. While traditional applications dominate in packaging volume, the industry is investing in bio-based alternatives, advanced recycling, and expanded uses in automotive and healthcare to overcome cost and sustainability hurdles.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rapid development of bio-based EVOH in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America

• Regulatory mandates for recyclable multilayer packaging by 2030

• Digital tools for optimizing EVOH layer thickness and emissions tracking

• Industry alliances for chemical recycling advancements

Read Full Report: Global EVOH Resin Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only barrier-protecting global products—they’re spearheading the sustainable transformation of packaging worldwide.

Ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer renowned for its exceptional gas barrier properties, making it one of the three major barrier resins alongside PVDC and PAN. EVOH resins are primarily used in multilayer packaging structures where oxygen barrier performance is critical. These polymers demonstrate outstanding resistance to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases, which makes them ideal for food packaging, pharmaceutical applications, and automotive fuel systems. The market growth is driven by increasing demand for high-barrier packaging solutions, particularly in food preservation applications where shelf-life extension is crucial. However, EVOH’s moisture sensitivity and relatively high cost compared to alternative materials present challenges for market expansion. Recent industry developments include Kuraray’s 2023 expansion of its EVOH production capacity in Japan to meet growing Asian demand, reflecting the material’s continued importance in specialized packaging applications.

The global push toward sustainable packaging materials is significantly driving the EVOH resin market. With increasing environmental regulations phasing out single-use plastics, EVOH’s superior barrier properties make it an ideal substitute for multilayer packaging applications. The material’s ability to extend food shelf life by preventing oxygen permeation has led to widespread adoption in food packaging, which accounted for over 68% of EVOH resin applications in 2024. Consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging coupled with retailer commitments to reduce food waste creates a favorable landscape for EVOH resin growth. Major brands are reformulating their packaging strategies to incorporate EVOH layers, with the flexible packaging segment projected to grow at 3.1% CAGR through 2032.

Automotive manufacturers are increasingly adopting EVOH resins for fuel tanks and interior components to meet stringent emission regulations and lightweight vehicle targets. The material’s high strength-to-weight ratio and chemical resistance make it particularly valuable for next-generation fuel systems. With global electric vehicle production expected to triple by 2032, EVOH’s use in battery component encapsulation is emerging as a new growth avenue. The automotive sector’s EVOH consumption grew by 4.2% year-over-year in 2024, with Asia-Pacific leading adoption due to concentrated automotive manufacturing hubs in China and Japan. For instance, recent innovations in co-extrusion technologies have enabled 15-20% material reduction in automotive fuel tanks while maintaining superior barrier performance compared to traditional materials.

The pharmaceutical industry’s growing emphasis on blister packaging and medical device protection presents significant growth potential for EVOH resins. With global healthcare packaging demand projected to exceed $150 billion by 2025, EVOH’s moisture and gas barrier properties are becoming critical for drug preservation. Recent regulatory approvals for EVOH-based medical packaging in North America and Europe have opened new application avenues. The material’s compatibility with sterilization processes and ability to maintain drug efficacy makes it particularly valuable for temperature-sensitive medications, driving an estimated 6% annual growth in medical applications through 2032.

While EVOH resin offers superior performance characteristics, its relatively high production cost compared to conventional plastics hinders broader market adoption. The complex manufacturing process involving ethylene and vinyl alcohol copolymerization requires specialized facilities and precise control parameters, resulting in production costs approximately 35-40% higher than standard polyethylene alternatives. This cost premium makes EVOH less competitive in price-sensitive markets, particularly in developing regions where food packaging standards permit cheaper alternatives. Market analysis indicates that for every 10% reduction in EVOH pricing, adoption rates increase by nearly 15%, highlighting the material’s price sensitivity.

Despite being technically recyclable, EVOH’s integration in multilayer packaging structures creates operational challenges for recycling facilities. The material’s incompatibility with standard plastic recycling streams results in most EVOH-containing packaging being either downcycled or landfilled. With 78% of consumers considering recyclability when making purchasing decisions, this presents a significant brand reputation risk for companies using EVOH packaging. While chemical recycling solutions are emerging, the current lack of infrastructure limits their commercial viability, with only 12% of EVOH production currently entering dedicated recycling streams. Fluctuating crude oil and natural gas prices directly impact EVOH production costs, as ethylene remains a key feedstock. The 2024 ethylene price spikes in Asia increased EVOH production costs by nearly 8%, forcing manufacturers to either absorb margins or implement price hikes that slowed market growth. Stringent food contact material approval processes in major markets create lengthy product development cycles. New EVOH formulations typically require 18-24 months for regulatory clearance, delaying market entry and innovation adoption.

EVOH resin faces growing competition from emerging barrier technologies including nanoclay composites and metallized films that offer comparable performance at lower costs. These alternatives have captured nearly 18% of the barrier packaging market in price-sensitive segments. While EVOH maintains performance advantages in high-value applications, continuous improvements in competing technologies threaten its market position. For instance, recent advancements in graphene-enhanced barrier films have achieved oxygen transmission rates approaching EVOH performance levels at 60% of the material cost. The EVOH market remains concentrated among few producers, creating supply chain vulnerabilities. Disruptions at any major production facility can cause significant market shortages, as seen during the 2023 Kuraray plant maintenance shutdown that reduced global supply by 12% for three months. Precise EVOH grade selection remains critical for end-use performance, requiring extensive technical support from suppliers. The lack of standardized testing protocols across regions complicates material specification processes, particularly for multinational manufacturers.

The emergence of bio-based EVOH resins derived from plant-based feedstocks presents significant growth potential. With 63% of packaging buyers willing to pay premium prices for bio-based materials, manufacturers are actively developing sustainable EVOH alternatives. Recent breakthroughs in catalytic conversion processes have enabled commercial-scale production of bio-EVOH with identical performance characteristics to petroleum-based versions. The first commercial bio-EVOH production lines are expected to come online in 2026, potentially capturing 15-20% of the specialty packaging market by 2032.

Rapid urbanization and refrigeration infrastructure expansion across developing Asian markets will drive EVOH demand for food preservation applications. China’s cold chain logistics network, projected to grow 40% by 2027, requires advanced packaging materials to prevent food spoilage during transportation. This creates opportunities for EVOH in both flexible and rigid packaging formats, with the Asian processed food packaging sector forecasted to account for 38% of global EVOH demand growth through 2032.

Innovations in molecular recycling technologies specifically designed for EVOH-containing multilayer structures could overcome current recycling limitations. Several major chemical companies have announced pilot programs for EVOH-specific recycling solutions, with commercial-scale operations expected between 2026-2028. Successful implementation would address one of EVOH’s key sustainability challenges while creating new revenue streams from recycled content materials. Early testing indicates these processes can recover over 90% of EVOH resin from post-consumer packaging waste streams.

The global EVOH resin market is segmented based on ethylene content (mol%) into: Ethylene(mol%) Below 29, 29-35 Ethylene(mol%), 35-38 Ethylene(mol%), 38-44 Ethylene(mol%), Ethylene(mol%) Above 44. The ethylene content 29-35 mol% segment leads due to optimal barrier performance in food packaging.

The market is segmented based on application into: Food Packaging Material, Household Wrapping Material, Automotive Gas Tanks, Pipes For Floor Heating Systems, Wall Coverings. The Food Packaging Material segment dominates market share owing to rising demand for extended shelf life.

The market is segmented based on end-user industries into: Food & Beverage Packaging, Pharmaceutical Packaging, Automotive, Construction, Consumer Goods. The Packaging Industry holds major share due to increasing demand for high-barrier solutions.

The global EVOH resin market features a moderately consolidated landscape dominated by specialized chemical manufacturers with strong technological capabilities. Kuraray Co., Ltd. maintains a commanding position with approximately 60% global market share in 2024, owing to its pioneering EVAL™ brand resins and vertically integrated production facilities across Japan, the United States, and Europe. While Kuraray leads in technological innovation, Nippon Gohsei and Chang Chun Petrochemical have gained traction through competitive pricing strategies and regional market specialization. Nippon Gohsei’s Soarnol® EVOH series captures notable demand in Asia-Pacific food packaging applications, whereas Chang Chun has strengthened its foothold in China’s rapidly growing flexible packaging sector. These industry leaders are actively expanding production capacities to meet projected demand spikes from the food packaging sector, expected to grow at 3.1% CAGR through 2032. Kuraray recently announced a 20% capacity increase at its Texas facility, while Nippon Gohsei plans to expand its Mizushima plant operations by 2025. Strategic collaborations are reshaping market dynamics, evidenced by recent partnerships between resin producers and packaging converters. Mitsubishi Chemical’s alliance with North American film manufacturers illustrates the industry’s shift toward integrated supply chain solutions. Meanwhile, emerging players are entering niche segments like pharmaceutical packaging and sustainable barrier films, intensifying competition in specialized applications.

The global EVOH resin market is experiencing steady growth, fueled by increasing demand for high-performance barrier materials in food packaging. With environmental concerns rising, EVOH’s recyclability and ability to extend shelf-life align perfectly with sustainability goals. Major brands are adopting EVOH-based multilayered packaging as it reduces food waste – a critical factor considering nearly 30% of all food produced globally is wasted annually. Recent innovations in co-extrusion technologies have enabled thinner EVOH layers without compromising barrier properties, making solutions both cost-effective and eco-friendly. These developments are particularly influential in meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat meal packaging where oxygen barrier properties are crucial.

EVOH resin consumption in automotive applications is growing significantly as manufacturers transition toward lightweight, emission-reducing fuel systems. The material’s excellent hydrocarbon barrier properties make it ideal for plastic fuel tanks, with global automotive plastic fuel tank penetration expected to exceed 75% by 2032. This shift is driven by stringent environmental regulations and the need for improved fuel efficiency. Recent design innovations allow EVOH to maintain performance even in flex-fuel applications, opening new opportunities in emerging markets adopting biofuel standards.

The Asia-Pacific region now accounts for over 45% of global EVOH resin demand, with China leading both production and consumption. This dominance stems from massive food processing industries, rapid urbanization, and growth in packaged food consumption. Local manufacturers are investing heavily in capacity expansions – China’s EVOH production capacity grew by 12% year-over-year in 2024 alone. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian countries are emerging as attractive destinations for EVOH applications in medical packaging and agricultural films, supported by growing healthcare infrastructure and precision farming adoption.

Asia-Pacific dominates the global EVOH resin market, accounting for over 45% of total consumption in 2024. The region’s leadership stems from its robust packaging industry and rapidly expanding food processing sector. China and Japan collectively represent about 65% of regional demand, driven by their well-established manufacturing ecosystems and growing middle-class population. The EVOH resin market in Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% through 2032, outpacing the global average of 2.8%. Key applications include food packaging, particularly for meat and dairy products, where EVOH’s superior oxygen barrier properties are critical. The concentration of major EVOH resin producers like Kuraray and Nippon Gohsei in Japan creates supply chain efficiencies. Local production capabilities reduce logistics costs and enable faster response to market demands compared to imported alternatives. Rising packaged food consumption across China, India, and Southeast Asia drives EVOH adoption. The region’s hot and humid climate creates strong needs for extended shelf-life products, where EVOH multilayer packaging excels in preservation performance. Emerging applications in pharmaceutical packaging and liquid detergent containers present new avenues for market expansion. Additionally, government initiatives promoting sustainable packaging materials are accelerating EVOH adoption as a preferred barrier solution. Price sensitivity remains a key obstacle, particularly in developing markets where cheaper alternatives like PVDC coatings are still prevalent. Furthermore, limited recycling infrastructure for multilayer packaging containing EVOH presents sustainability concerns that may impact future regulations.

North America represents the second-largest EVOH resin market, characterized by stringent food safety regulations and advanced packaging technologies. The United States accounts for approximately 80% of regional demand, primarily for high-end food packaging and specialty applications like automotive fuel tanks. The market benefits from well-established recycling programs for EVOH-containing packaging, though adoption remains constrained by higher material costs compared to traditional barrier solutions. Recent developments include increased use of EVOH in medical packaging and flexible food pouches.

The European EVOH resin market is shaped by strict environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives. Germany, France, and Italy lead regional consumption, driven by their sophisticated food processing industries. EU packaging directives favor materials like EVOH that enable lightweighting and extended shelf life while reducing food waste. However, the market faces challenges from emerging bio-based barrier materials and increasing regulatory scrutiny of multilayer plastic recycling. Market growth is projected at 2.4% annually through 2032, with particular strength in pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging applications.

South America presents growing but uneven demand for EVOH resin, with Brazil accounting for nearly 60% of regional consumption. The market is primarily driven by the food processing sector, particularly meat packaging. While economic volatility impacts investment in advanced packaging solutions, increasing export requirements for food products are driving gradual EVOH adoption. Infrastructure limitations for multilayer packaging collection and recycling remain significant barriers to broader market penetration across the region.

The EVOH resin market in this region is nascent but growing, supported by expanding food processing capabilities and urbanization. GCC countries lead adoption due to their developed packaging industries and high per capita consumption of packaged goods. Challenges include limited local production capacity and reliance on imports, which increases costs. However, the region’s extreme climate conditions create strong demand for premium barrier packaging where EVOH excels in protecting product quality during storage and distribution.

The global EVOH resin market is projected to grow from USD 1.07B (2024) → USD 1.35B (2032) at a 2.7% CAGR, driven by escalating demand for high-barrier packaging solutions across industries. Food packaging applications account for 68% of EVOH resin consumption, with flexible packaging expected to grow at 3.1% CAGR through 2032, fueled by shelf-life extension requirements and sustainability initiatives. Beyond packaging, EVOH is gaining traction in automotive fuel systems (4.2% YoY growth in 2024), pharmaceutical blister packs, and emerging roles in electric vehicle battery encapsulation. High production costs (35-40% above conventional plastics), recycling complexities (only 12% current recycling rates), and competition from alternative barrier materials capturing 18% market share in price-sensitive segments. Bio-based EVOH development (potential 15-20% specialty market share by 2032) and Asia-Pacific infrastructure expansion, where China’s EVOH production capacity grew 12% YoY in 2024. Kuraray Co. dominates with ≈60% global share, while Nippon Gohsei and Chang Chun Petrochemical strengthen regional positions through targeted capacity expansions and technical partnerships.

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the global and regional markets for EVOH Resin, covering the period from 2024 to 2032. It includes detailed insights into the current market status and outlook across various regions and countries, with specific focus on: Sales, sales volume, and revenue forecasts; Detailed segmentation by type and application. In addition, the report offers in-depth profiles of key industry players, including: Company profiles; Product specifications; Production capacity and sales; Revenue, pricing, gross margins; Sales performance. It further examines the competitive landscape, highlighting the major vendors and identifying the critical factors expected to challenge market growth. As part of this research, we surveyed EVOH Resin companies and industry experts. The survey covered various aspects, including: Revenue and demand trends; Product types and recent developments; Strategic plans and market drivers; Industry challenges, obstacles, and potential risks.

What is the current market size of Global EVOH Resin Market? Global EVOH Resin market was valued at USD 1.07 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.35 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 2.7%. Which key companies operate in Global EVOH Resin Market? Key players include Kuraray, Nippon Gohsei, and Chang Chun Petrochemical, among others. What are the key growth drivers? Key growth drivers include rising demand for high-barrier food packaging, increasing automotive fuel tank applications, and growth in pharmaceutical packaging. Which region dominates the market? Asia-Pacific leads in both market share and growth rate, driven by expanding packaging industries in China and India, while North America remains strong in technical applications. What are the emerging trends? Emerging trends include development of recycled EVOH grades, multilayer co-extrusion technologies, and expansion into medical packaging applications.