The global flexible electronics market size accounted for US$ 26,534 Mn in 2021 and is estimated to reach US$ 63,128 Mn by 2030, with a CAGR of 10.3% from 2022 to 2030.

Flexible electronics is the technology for arranging electronic circuitry by mounting the electronic devices on a platform of flexible substrates such as PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), polyimide or transparent conductive polyester film. Flexible electronics is more flexible and unbreakable so it is preferred for the small electronics devices which make it easy to mount a circuit in the small devices. Integrating a rigid active plastic display can be achieved in flexible electronics. Flexible electronics have witnessed considerable growth in the last few years, ranging from the extensive applications in flexible OLED electronics and flexible solar cell arrays which are made-up on a plastic substrate. Flexible circuits are simpler to assimilate into the end product and also tend to be lesser in weight. Their demand is stimulated by constant technological development in the field of electronics. Furthermore, the surging demand for smart and lightweight wearable devices is the current trend in the flexible electronics market.

Market Growth Drivers:

• Rising demand for portable and smart electronics
• Increasing employment of flexible electronic components for IoT applications
• Growing consumer preference for wearable devices

Market Restraint:

• High investment cost
• Complex assembly process

Market Opportunities:

• Continuous technological development
• Rising implementation of flexible electronics for healthcare applications

Market Dynamics

The growing awareness regarding the benefits of using flexible electronics in diverse applications is one of the key factors predicted to promote the growth of global market in near future. The rising use of thin-film solar modules and growing acceptance of wearable devices and smartphones are anticipated to drive the global market. Conversely, the existence of recognized substitutes like inflexible products is likely to act as a factor restraining the global flexible electronics market. Additionally, the flexible printed circuits are designed and made for particular application, the price of circuit design, photographic plate, and wiring is high. Moreover, flexible electronics is the latest technology, so it has a quite difficult manufacturing process which is time consuming and expensive. On the other hand, the increasing need for improvements in terms of technology for a wider end use adoption such as defense and healthcare sector is projected to offer lucrative opportunities in near future. The increasing government support for renewable energy projects and lighting technologies are expected to tender promising opportunities for the market players. Furthermore, rising implementation of flexible devices in healthcare applications is going to be a significant factor that will boost the flexible electronics market revenue in the coming years.

Flexible Electronics Market Segmentation

Type, application, and geography are all used to segment the worldwide flexible electronics market.

Flexible Electronics Market by Type

• Flexible Battery
• Flexible Sensors
• Flexible Display
• Flexible Memory
• Others

On the basis of type, the flexible display segment achieved maximum flexible electronics market share in 2021. A strong penetration of smartphones, tablets, notebooks, desktops and e-readers will fuel demand in the next 8 years. It is expected that growth in this segment will benefit from features like electricity efficiency and rapid micro-second pixel switching speeds. In the future, demand for flexible display panels, particularly OLED display panels, is expected to rise. Apple and Samsung have begun to incorporate flexible OLED displays into their flagship devices, such as the iPhone X and XS series as well as the Samsung Galaxy S and Note series.

Market by Application

• Consumer Electronics
• Healthcare
• Automotive
• Energy & Power
• Industrial
• Defense
• Others

In 2021, consumer electronics generated the maximum revenue in the application segment and is expected to continue its trend over the forecast timeframe from 2022 to 2030. It is primarily due in smart watches, laptops, e-papers, e-books, etc. to the widespread application of this technology. Additionally, in 2021, the automotive industry accounted for more than 16% of total sales and is projected to see steady growth over the next nine years. It is expected that the technology will revolutionize car designs, from the dashboard to the center console. On the other hand, healthcare industry is expected to attain the fastest CAGR throughout the projected years. The increasing prevalence of diseases and the growing geriatric population are major factors encouraging the implementation of intelligent and innovative devices that stimulates the growth of flexible electronics throughout the healthcare industry.

Flexible Electronics Market Regional Overview

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Latin America

• Mexico
• Brazil
• Rest of Latin America

Asia-Pacific

• India
• Japan
• China
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa