According to a new report by Allied Market Research, titled "Transparent Conductive Film (TCF) Market (Technologies, Applications and Geography) - Global Opportunity Analysis and Forecast - 2013 - 2020", the global transparent conductive film (TCF) market is forecast to reach $5.86 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 17.2% during the forecast period (2014 - 2020). About 24.7 million sq meter of TCF has been consumed globally in 2013. Volume consumption is expected to grow at a higher pace as result of price erosion during the forecast period.
Transparent conductive film market is in the progressive phase of its life cycle. However, many novel technologies are in its nascent stage. This market comprises of technologies implemented in TCF manufacturing as well as its application in electronic devices. It includes both glass and film based transparent conductors.
Transparent conductive film is primarily used in electronic devices such as Smartphones, TVs, AIO PCs, tablet PCs, and monitors. The rise in demand for touch UI in handheld as well as other devices has translated in the growth of TCF market. Technological advancements and increasing popularity of such devices even in developing nations have also widened the horizon for the TCF market. In addition, the low power consumption, minimal reflection, thinness and flexibility & robustness of TCF are the key drivers of this market. On the other hand, lack of one-size-fits-all solution and multiplicity of options for a specific application are the two key factors deterring the market growth. Displays and photovoltaic applications possess huge potential for the application of TCF in the future. Moreover, rising demand for tablet PCs and notebooks would also give the necessary momentum to the market during the forecast period.
Key technologies implemented in the manufacturing of TCF include ITO on glass, ITO on PET, non-ITO oxides, silver nanowire, graphene, carbon nanotubes, PEDOT, micro fine wire, and metal mesh. ITO dominates the technology market with a revenue share of approximately 90% while ITO on glass held about 76.6% of the share in 2013; however, its share is expected to witness considerable fall by 2020. ITO film and glass market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2020, witnessing a diminishing growth with a CAGR of 4.8%. Non-ITO oxide is the most promising segment followed by metal mesh and silver nanowire. PEDOT based TCFs are anticipated to register the lowest market share throughout 2020.
Smartphone, tablets and tablet PCs, notebooks, all-in-one PCs, monitors & TV displays, OLED lighting, OPV & DSSC are primary end use segments for TCF. The market is surging higher primarily due to rising demand for touch enabled devices and market penetration of tablets and tablet PCs. OLED lighting, OPV and DSSSC are also potential markets; however, they are expected to witness sluggish growth during the forecast period due to uncertainty in demand for the same. Smartphones hold the maximum revenue share in the current market, followed by the tablet and tablet PCs market. The unit consumption of TCFs in the Smartphone segment is much higher compared to tablets and tablet PCs. All-in-one PCs hold a smaller share in the market, yet they possess tremendous potential to thrive during the forecast period. OLED lighting and photovoltaic applications would have the smallest share in the market throughout the forecast period.
