The Global Polyvinyl Alcohol in Medical Market was valued at USD 100.73 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 129.67 million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.30% during the forecast period (2024–2029). This consistent growth is being driven by the rising demand for advanced drug delivery systems, increasing pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the expanding application of PVA in medical devices due to its superior biocompatibility and film-forming properties.
As the healthcare sector intensifies its focus on patient-centric and efficacious treatments, the role of high-performance excipients like Polyvinyl Alcohol becomes increasingly critical. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Polyvinyl Alcohol in Medical Industry—a group of chemical innovators and specialty material suppliers that are foundational to the development of modern medical and pharmaceutical products.
Download FREE Sample Report: Global Polyvinyl Alcohol in Medical Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🔟 1. Kuraray Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: POVAL™ PVOH, Exceval® (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer)
Kuraray is a global leader in the production of specialty chemicals, including its high-purity POVAL™ Polyvinyl Alcohol. The company’s medical-grade PVA is renowned for its high solubility, excellent film strength, and biocompatibility, making it a preferred choice for pharmaceutical binders, tablet coatings, and ocular drug delivery systems.
Medical-Grade Innovation Initiatives:
-
Development of ultra-pure PVA grades for sensitive pharmaceutical applications
-
Investment in R&D for controlled-release drug formulations using PVA matrices
-
Strategic partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies for custom excipient solutions
Download FREE Sample Report: Global Polyvinyl Alcohol in Medical Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (Nippon Gohsei)
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Gohsenol™, Soarnol™ (EVOH)
Following the integration of Nippon Gohsei, Mitsubishi Chemical Group is a dominant force in the PVA market. Its Gohsenol™ brand of Polyvinyl Alcohol is extensively used in tablet film coating, serving to improve drug stability, mask unpleasant tastes, and control drug release profiles in oral solid dosages.
Medical-Grade Innovation Initiatives:
-
Expansion of production capacity for pharmaceutical-grade PVA
-
Focus on developing PVA-based materials for advanced wound care and tissue engineering
8️⃣ 3. Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Selvol™ Polyvinyl Alcohol
Sekisui Chemical produces Selvol™, a widely recognized brand of PVA with applications ranging from pharmaceuticals to medical films. Their products are critical for creating water-soluble packaging for unit-dose pharmaceuticals and as a key component in biodegradable medical materials.
Medical-Grade Innovation Initiatives:
-
Development of PVA films for transdermal drug delivery systems
-
Innovation in PVA-based hydrogels for medical applications
7️⃣ 4. Japan Vam & Poval Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: J-Poval™ Polyvinyl Alcohol
Japan Vam & Poval is a specialized manufacturer with a strong focus on the vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) and PVA markets. The company supplies high-quality PVA to the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for applications requiring precise viscosity and solubility characteristics.
Medical-Grade Innovation Initiatives:
-
Specialization in custom PVA grades for specific pharmaceutical processes
-
Commitment to stringent quality control standards for medical applications
6️⃣ 5. Jiangxi Alpha Hi-Tech Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
Key Offering: Alpha PVOH, Pharmaceutical-grade PVA
As a key Chinese manufacturer, Jiangxi Alpha Hi-Tech has grown significantly in the global PVA market. The company produces a range of PVA products suitable for pharmaceutical tablet coatings and other medical applications, serving both domestic and international markets.
Medical-Grade Innovation Initiatives:
-
Rapid expansion of production capabilities to meet growing global demand
-
Investment in R&D for bio-compatible PVA derivatives
Download FREE Sample Report: Global Polyvinyl Alcohol in Medical Market – View in Detailed Research Report
5️⃣ 6. Sinopec Sichuan Vinylon Works
Headquarters: Chongqing, China
Key Offering: Vilon™ Polyvinyl Alcohol
Sinopec Sichuan Vinylon Works, part of the Sinopec Group, is one of the largest PVA producers in China. The company supplies medical-grade PVA that meets pharmacopeia standards, supporting the pharmaceutical industry’s need for reliable and consistent excipients.
Medical-Grade Innovation Initiatives:
-
Focus on cost-effective production of high-quality pharmaceutical-grade PVA
-
Expansion of market reach in Asia-Pacific and emerging economies
4️⃣ 7. Anhui Wanwei Group Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Chaohu, Anhui, China
Key Offering: Wanwei PVA
Anhui Wanwei Group is a major player in the global PVA market, offering a wide range of products including grades suitable for pharmaceutical applications. The company’s scale and vertical integration allow it to be a competitive supplier to the medical sector.
Medical-Grade Innovation Initiatives:
-
Continuous process optimization for enhanced PVA purity
-
Development of specialized PVA types for niche medical uses
3️⃣ 8. DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Specialty Polymers including PVA-derived materials
While not a primary PVA producer, DuPont leverages its deep material science expertise to develop advanced polymers for healthcare. The company utilizes PVA and its copolymers in sophisticated drug delivery systems and medical device components.
Medical-Grade Innovation Initiatives:
-
R&D in PVA-based hydrogels for wearable medical sensors
-
Development of advanced encapsulation technologies for biologics
2️⃣ 9. BASF SE
Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Kollicoat® IR (PVA-PEG graft copolymer)
BASF is a leading supplier of pharmaceutical excipients, and its Kollicoat® IR product line, based on PVA, is specifically designed for instant-release tablet coatings. This highlights the trend of chemical giants creating value-added, PVA-based specialty products for the medical field.
Medical-Grade Innovation Initiatives:
-
Innovation in functional PVA copolymers for targeted drug release
-
Strong focus on formulation support and technical services for pharmaceutical customers
1️⃣ 10. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: PVA-based excipients, CMC, and other specialty additives
Ashland provides a range of excipients to the pharmaceutical industry, including PVA-based solutions for film coating and binding. Their expertise lies in formulating products that enhance drug performance, stability, and patient compliance.
Medical-Grade Innovation Initiatives:
-
Development of multifunctional PVA excipient systems
-
Investment in sustainable and natural polymer technologies alongside synthetic PVA
Read Full Report: Global Polyvinyl Alcohol in Medical Market – View in Detailed Research Report
💊 Outlook: The Future of Polyvinyl Alcohol in Medical Applications Is Advanced and Patient-Focused
The Polyvinyl Alcohol in Medical market is evolving beyond its traditional role as a simple excipient. It is becoming a key enabler for sophisticated drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine, and next-generation medical devices. The future will be characterized by highly engineered PVA formulations designed for specific therapeutic outcomes.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
-
Growing demand for orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) and film-based drug delivery
-
Increased use of PVA in 3D bioprinting inks for tissue engineering scaffolds
-
R&D into PVA-based nanofibers for advanced wound dressing and filtration
-
Regulatory emphasis on quality and consistency of pharmaceutical excipients
Read Full Report: Global Polyvinyl Alcohol in Medical Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies profiled above are not just supplying a chemical—they are providing the building blocks for medical innovation, enabling the development of safer, more effective, and more patient-friendly healthcare solutions worldwide.
- Top 10 Companies in the Temporary Wall Solutions Industry (2026): Market Leaders Driving Flexible Construction - January 29, 2026
- Top 10 Companies in the Wood Shingle Industry (2026): Market Leaders Shaping Global Building Envelopes - January 29, 2026
- Top 10 Companies in the Semiconductor Die Encapsulants Industry (2026): Market Leaders Powering Next-Generation Electronics - January 29, 2026
