Film Core Market Report: CAGR of 4.2% from 2025 to 2031

According to the film core market report released by YH Research, this report provides the film core market situation, definition, classification, application, and industrial chain structure, while also discussing development policies and plans, manufacturing processes, and cost structures, analyzing the current development status and future market trends of the film core market. It also analyzes the main production areas, main consumption areas, and main manufacturers of the film core market from the perspectives of production and consumption.

In today's era of booming industrial production, film cores are an indispensable key component in many industrial processes, and their market development trend has attracted much attention. According to YH Research statistics, the global film core revenue scale will reach approximately 20.34 billion yuan in 2024. This figure clearly demonstrates that the film core market has already reached a significant scale. Looking ahead, the revenue scale is projected to approach 269.5 billion yuan by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the 2025–2031 period. This growth trend indicates that the film core market will continue to maintain a steady development trajectory in the coming years, harboring immense market potential.

In 2025, the strategic restructuring of U.S. tariff measures will be like a giant stone thrown into the global economic lake, creating ripples that are reshaping global economic governance rules. Adjustments to tariff policies not only affect the landscape of international trade but also have complex implications for corporate investment decisions, regional trade networks, and strategic material supply systems. For the film core industry, tariff changes may lead to fluctuations in raw material import and export costs, as well as adjustments in product prices across different regions. For example, some film core manufacturers reliant on imported raw materials may face rising cost pressures, while export-oriented enterprises may encounter uncertainties in market demand. This undoubtedly presents new challenges and opportunities for participants in the film core market, prompting companies to reassess their market strategies and planning.

Film cores are cylindrical hollow tubular components used to support and wind film materials, typically made of high-strength paper tubes, plastic, or metal. Their core function is critical, as they serve as carriers to ensure that film remains flat and wrinkle-free during slitting, transportation, and storage, while also meeting the mechanical strength requirements for high-speed winding and unwinding. In the packaging industry, film cores ensure the flatness and stability of packaging film, enhancing packaging efficiency and quality; in printing and labeling applications, they guarantee the clarity and accuracy of printed patterns; in the electronics industry, film cores provide reliable support for the production and processing of electronic film materials; and in industrial manufacturing and textiles, they play an indispensable role. It can be said that film cores are widely used in the production processes of packaging, printing, electronic film materials, and other industrial sectors, serving as a critical safeguard for the smooth operation of these industries.

From the perspective of major global market participants, international companies such as Sonoco, Greif, Kurimoto, Corex (VPK Group), and Abzac hold significant positions in the global film core market due to their advanced technology, high-quality products, and comprehensive sales networks. These companies have significant advantages in R&D investment, production processes, and quality control, continuously driving the development and innovation of film core technology. For example, Sonoco has been dedicated to researching and developing new materials and manufacturing processes to enhance the performance and quality of film cores, meeting the diverse needs of different customers.

This article focuses on the market development situation in multiple countries or regions worldwide. In the North American market (United States, Canada, and Mexico), where manufacturing is well-developed, there is strong demand for film cores. According to industry reports, procurement volumes of film cores in the packaging and electronics sectors in North America increased by 12% year-over-year over the past six months, reflecting robust market demand. The European market (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, and other European countries) also has high demand for film cores, particularly in high-end manufacturing and eco-friendly packaging sectors.

The Asia-Pacific market (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, etc.) is an important growth driver for the film core market. Taking China as an example, with the upgrading and transformation of domestic manufacturing and the continuous expansion of the consumer market, the demand for film cores continues to grow. In 2024, the scale of China's film core market grew by 18% year-on-year, and domestic companies such as Weihai Weiying Plastic have made significant progress in technological research and development and market expansion. These companies have introduced advanced technologies and equipment, strengthened independent innovation, continuously improved product quality and competitiveness, gradually secured a certain market share domestically, and begun to expand into international markets.

Although the South American market (Brazil, etc.) and the Middle East and Africa region currently have relatively small market sizes, demand for film cores is also expected to grow gradually with economic development and infrastructure construction.

By product type, film cores are categorized into paper cores, plastic cores, and other types. Different product types vary in performance, cost, and application scenarios, catering to the needs of various industrial sectors. For example, paper cores offer advantages such as low cost and environmental friendliness, making them suitable for industries sensitive to cost; plastic cores, on the other hand, feature high strength and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for applications with stringent performance requirements. By application, film cores are primarily used in the packaging industry, printing and labeling, electronics industry, industrial manufacturing, textile industry, and other fields. In the packaging industry, the demand for film cores is the highest, accounting for a significant share of the market.

However, the film core market also faces some challenges in its development. For example, fluctuations in raw material prices, increased environmental requirements, and intensified market competition. In the future, companies need to strengthen technological innovation to enhance product value and competitive differentiation; optimize supply chain management to reduce costs; and increase environmental protection investments to achieve sustainable development. Meanwhile, the government should also introduce relevant policies to support the development of the film core industry, promoting industrial upgrading and transformation. With the joint efforts of all parties, the film core market is expected to usher in broader development prospects and make greater contributions to the growth of global industrial production.