Battery separator film market set for globalization and financial growth

The global market for ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is forecast for annual growth (CAGR) of 8.8%, reaching an overall volume of more than 1.5 million tonnes in 2034 according to the latest market intelligence report released by MLT Analytics entitled HMWPE/UHMWPE Powder Market Study 2025— A detailed long-term analysis.

This impressive growth is set to be primarily fueled by skyrocketing demand for battery separator film (BSF) used in lithium-ion batteries to power electric vehicles (EVs). “Despite a temporary slowdown in the uptake of EVs, several automakers scaling back their rollout plans for electric cars, renewed uncertainty pertaining to green policies in the U.S. on the back of the recent U.S. elections, and even moves by some governments to revise EV policies, the long-term outlook remains positive for this key driver of HMWPE demand,” notes Stephen Moore, MLT Analytics CEO and co-author of the report.

The report also predicts that market penetration of solid state batteries will take time to eventuate, with battery technologies that require separators set to dominate for the foreseeable future. In addition, MLT Analytics foresees increased globalization of BSF for the EV sector driven in part by governmental support measures.

The newly-released report segments the market into high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) grades of molecular weight (MW) ranging from 400,000 up to less than two million, and ultra-high MW grades (UHMWPE) of two million or more. HMWPE grades are typically employed in BSFs, while key markets for UHMWPE include machinery components, medical implants, and lead acid battery separators. The latter is a market forecast for long-term decline as the share of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles declines while overall vehicle unit production stagnates and even declines in some developed markets.

On the (U)HMWPE supply side, a notable build-up of capacity is evident in China, undoubtedly chasing BSF demand as the country continues onwards with its march towards electrification of the transportation sector. “While we don’t expect all projects to proceed to fruition, we could potentially see upwards of 500,000 tonnes/year of additional capacity if just a couple of the more tentative projects go ahead,” notes Moore. “The good news Is that the market should be able to absorb this new capacity in the pace of a few years.”