Top 10 Companies in the Water Soluble Film Industry (2026): Market Leaders Advancing Sustainable Packaging

In Business Insights
January 18, 2026

The Global Water Soluble Film Market was valued at USD 361 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 479 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This expansion is primarily driven by stringent environmental regulations against single-use plastics, rising demand for unit-dose packaging in the detergent and agrochemical sectors, and increasing adoption in medical and textile applications.

As the packaging industry pivots towards circular economy principles and waste reduction, focus intensifies on the material innovators developing eco-friendly alternatives. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Water Soluble Film Industry—a group of chemical specialists and packaging pioneers who are shaping the future of dissolvable and biodegradable materials.


🔟 1. Kuraray Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: POVAL™ PVA Films, Cold & Hot Water-Soluble Films

Kuraray is the global leader in water soluble films, holding approximately 30% of the market share. The company’s proprietary POVAL™ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films are renowned for their high tensile strength, precise dissolution rates, and excellent gas barrier properties. Kuraray supplies major global brands in the detergent, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of high-clarity films for premium packaging applications

  • Expansion of production capacity in Asia and North America

  • R&D into bio-based PVA feedstocks for enhanced sustainability

Download FREE Sample Report: Water Soluble Film Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Aicello Corporation

Headquarters: Aichi, Japan
Key Offering: AquaSolve™ Water Soluble Films, Specialty Packaging Films

Aicello Corporation is a key Japanese manufacturer specializing in functional films, with a strong portfolio of water soluble products. The company’s AquaSolve™ films are widely used for unit-dose detergent pods, agricultural chemical packaging, and embroidery backings. Aicello focuses on high-performance films that dissolve quickly and cleanly across various water temperatures.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Patented multi-layer film technology for controlled dissolution

  • Customized solutions for specific agrochemical formulations


8️⃣ 3. Mitsubishi Chemical Gohsei (Nippon Gohsei)

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: GOHSEFIMER™ Water Soluble Films, PVA Resins

Operating under Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings, Nippon Gohsei is a leading producer of PVA resins and films. The company’s GOHSEFIMER™ brand offers excellent water solubility and biodegradability, serving diverse applications from packaging to industrial uses. Their vertical integration from resin to film production provides significant cost and quality advantages.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of low-temperature soluble films for cold-water applications

  • Focus on films compliant with EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive


7️⃣ 4. Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Hi-Selon® Water Soluble Films, Specialty Chemicals

Sekisui Chemical is a diversified chemical company with a growing presence in water soluble films through its Hi-Selon® brand. The company has been strategically expanding its film business through acquisitions and partnerships, particularly focusing on the Chinese and Southeast Asian markets where demand for sustainable packaging is rapidly increasing.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Strategic investment in Chinese film manufacturers

  • Development of high-barrier films for sensitive applications

Download FREE Sample Report: Water Soluble Film Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Cortec Corporation

Headquarters: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: EcoFilm® Water Soluble Films, VCI Packaging

Cortec Corporation is a leading North American provider of environmentally friendly packaging solutions, including its EcoFilm® water soluble films. The company specializes in films that dissolve in water, leaving no toxic residues, making them ideal for industrial chemical packaging, detergent pods, and agricultural applications. Cortec’s strong distribution network across the Americas supports its market position.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of antimicrobial water soluble films for medical applications

  • Focus on USDA BioPreferred® certified products


5️⃣ 6. Monosol LLC (A Kuraray Company)

Headquarters: Merrillville, Indiana, USA
Key Offering: Unit-Dose Water Soluble Films, Custom Formulations

MonoSol, now part of Kuraray, was a pioneer in water soluble film technology and remains a significant player, particularly in the North American market. The company developed the first commercially successful detergent pods using water soluble films and continues to innovate in unit-dose packaging for various consumer and industrial products.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Pioneering work in unit-dose packaging technology

  • Custom film development for specific customer requirements


4️⃣ 7. Aquapak Polymers Ltd.

Headquarters: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Hydropol™ Thermoplastic Polymer, Bio-based Soluble Films

Aquapak is a UK-based innovator developing next-generation biodegradable and soluble polymer technologies. Their Hydropol™ polymer can be processed into water soluble films that offer high performance while being non-toxic and marine-safe. The company positions itself as a solution to plastic pollution with its truly biodegradable materials.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of marine-safe biodegradable polymers

  • Focus on home-compostable film solutions


3️⃣ 8. Solupak Ltd.

Headquarters: Stockport, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Specialty Water Soluble Films, Custom Packaging Solutions

Solupak is a European specialist in water soluble packaging solutions, serving markets across the UK and continental Europe. The company focuses on high-value applications including medical packaging, industrial chemicals, and specialty detergents. Solupak’s strength lies in its ability to provide customized solutions for specific customer needs.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of films for medical and pharmaceutical packaging

  • Custom printing and packaging services


2️⃣ 9. AMC (Advanced Microfilm Co., Ltd.)

Headquarters: Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: PVA Water Soluble Films, Embroidery Backing Films

AMC is one of China’s leading water soluble film manufacturers, with significant production capacity and growing export business. The company serves both domestic Chinese markets and international customers, particularly in the textile and embroidery sectors. AMC benefits from China’s strong chemical manufacturing infrastructure and competitive production costs.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Expansion of production capacity to meet growing export demand

  • Development of cost-effective films for price-sensitive markets


1️⃣ 10. Ecopol S.p.A.

Headquarters: Chieti, Italy
Key Offering: ECOPOL® PVA Films, Biodegradable Polymers

Ecopol is an Italian company specializing in biodegradable polymers and water soluble films, with a focus on European markets. The company’s ECOPOL® films are designed to meet strict EU environmental regulations and are used in various applications including packaging, textiles, and agriculture. Ecopol emphasizes the complete biodegradability and non-toxic nature of its products.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of films compliant with European environmental standards

  • Focus on circular economy principles and waste reduction

Get Full Report Here: Water Soluble Film Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Water Soluble Films Is Sustainable and Smart

The water soluble film market is undergoing significant transformation. While traditional packaging materials still dominate volume, the industry is increasingly investing in bio-based alternatives, advanced manufacturing technologies, and smart packaging solutions.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid adoption of unit-dose packaging in household and industrial sectors

  • Regulatory push for biodegradable packaging materials across major economies

  • Development of smart films with temperature and pH-sensitive dissolution properties

  • Strategic partnerships between film manufacturers and major consumer brands

Get Full Report Here: Water Soluble Film Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only providing packaging solutions—they’re driving the sustainable transformation of multiple industries.