Global Release Coatings Market to Reach $6.20 Billion by 2021

The global release coatings market is expected to reach $6.20 billion by 2021, witnessing a CAGR of 5.6% from 2016 to 2021, according to a recent report published by MarketsandMarkets. Release coating  is used on paper or film that serves as a discardable backing. Proper curing of the release coating enables end users to peel the release liner (with its adhesive) easily from the backing, before sticking it on envelopes, labels, tapes, and postage stamps, among others. These applications drive the global release coatings market.

Release coatings are used in various applications, such as labels, tapes, hygiene, industrial, medical, and food & bakery. The labels application segment occupied the largest share of the global release coatings market in 2015, and this segment is anticipated to maintain its dominance by 2021. Release coatings provide many advantages in both primary and secondary label markets. High tensile and tear strength properties minimize web breaks during high-speed applications. Labeling systems are used in hospitals to maintain permanent records of patient treatment and progress.

In terms of material type, the silicone segment is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Silicone-based release coatings are utilized in postage stamps, envelopes, and bar code labels. Silicone, as additives, provides resistance to slip, moisture, and abrasion; improved adhesion; anti-blocking properties; gloss; and foam control. Rising demand for silicone-based release coatings from various end-use industries such as automotive, medical, and packaging will drive the growth of this segment in the coming years.

Based on geography, the Asia-Pacific region occupied the largest share of the global release coatings market in 2015. China is projected to account for the largest share of the Asia-Pacific release coatings market by 2021, while this market in India is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2016 and 2021.

However, the growth of the global release coatings market will be limited by thefactors such as differences in release control that may result in the failure of release coatings and preference of shrink sleeve labels over pressure sensitive labels.

Companies have adopted strategies such as new product developments, expansions, and agreements to increase their market share and widen their distribution network in the global release coatings market. These companies carry out intensive research & development activities to innovate and develop products that can open new areas of applications. For example, Dow Corning launched Syl-Off EM 7978 Coating, a high performance release coating for food packaging. It aims to meet  the increasing demand for packaged food products, thereby targeting cost reduction, increased productivity, and sustainability.