Analysis of Future Market Trends of Medical Thermal Film

I. Market size and Growth drivers 

1.1 Current market size and growth forecast According to industry data, the market size of medical films in China exceeded 6.653 billion yuan in 2023, among which the demand for thermal films increased by 9.5% year-on-year and is expected to grow by 6.1% in 2024. This growth is mainly driven by an aging population, rising demand for diagnosis of chronic diseases and the widespread use of medical imaging technology. As the resolution of medical imaging equipment increases, the demand for highquality films continues to rise, and thermal films, with their high resolution, fast imaging, and environmental friendliness, have become one of the mainstream choices in the market. 

1.2 Growth drivers 

• Medical demand surges: The increase in the elderly population leads to a rise in the demand for diagnosis of chronic and geriatric diseases, directly driving up the demand for medical films. 

• Policy support: The government encourages the establishment of third-party medical imaging diagnostic centers, expands primary medical coverage, and further releases market demand. 

• Technological iteration: Breakthroughs in thermal film technology (such as the "dry thermal medical film" developed by Guangdong Guanhao High-Tech) achieve domestic substitution, reduce procurement costs and accelerate market penetration. 2. Technological innovation and product upgrading 

2.1 Breakthroughs in core technologies 

• Improved imaging quality: Thermal film achieves higher resolution and color reproduction by optimizing the photosensitive layer formula and thermal material, meeting the requirements of high-precision scenarios such as tumor diagnosis and orthopedic surgery. 

• Environmental performance optimization: Non-silver dry film technology reduces the use of polluting chemicals such as silver nitrate and lowers the cost of waste disposal, meeting the requirements of the "dual carbon" strategy. • Intelligent integration: Thermal film combined with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, through algorithms to automatically analyze images, helps doctors quickly locate lesions and improve diagnostic efficiency. 

2.2 Product form innovation 

• Cloud film popularization: Thermal film systems based on cloud storage enable patients to view image data anytime and anywhere, reduce the use of physical films, and lower storage costs for medical institutions. 

• Multi-functional integration: New thermal films integrate functions such as anticounterfeiting labels and QR code traceability to enhance the safety and traceability of medical processes. 

Iii. Market Competition Pattern and Participant Dynamics 

3.1 Market concentration and competitive situation • Leading enterprises dominate: Companies such as Lekai Adhesive, Juding Medical, and Ruike Medical have dominated the market share by virtue of their technological accumulation and brand advantages, and have consolidated their market position through mergers and acquisitions and strategic cooperation. 

• Emerging enterprises rise: Enterprises represented by Weifang Hengcai break monopolies through technological innovation, promote the process of domestic substitution, and form differentiated competition. 

3.2 Corporate strategy adjustment 

• Increased investment in research and development: Leading enterprises increase their R&D efforts in areas such as AI image analysis and environmental protection materials to enhance the added value of their products. 

• Service model innovation: Some companies offer an integrated solution of "film + image management system" to enhance customer stickiness. 

• Internationalization: Domestic enterprises expand into emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Africa through technology export and building factories overseas. 

4. Policy and regulatory environment 

4.1 Policy Support directions • Domestic substitution: The government encourages the development of domestic thermal films through measures such as financial subsidies and tax incentives to reduce reliance on imported products. 

• Upgrading environmental standards: Introducing stricter environmental standards for medical films to drive the industry towards green manufacturing. 

• Medical informationization: Include cloud film in medical insurance reimbursement coverage and accelerate the popularization of digital imaging systems. 

4.2 Regulatory Challenges 

• Enhanced quality supervision: Strengthen supervision over the production and distribution of medical films to ensure product safety and effectiveness. 

• Data security compliance: Cloud film systems must comply with regulations such as the Personal Information Protection Law to safeguard patient privacy.

V. Challenges and Risks 

5.1 Risks of technology substitution • All-digital imaging shock: With the popularization of PACS (Image Archiving and Communication Systems), some medical institutions may reduce the use of physical film and switch to pure digital storage. 

• Emerging technology competition: New technologies such as 3D printing and quantum dot imaging may disrupt the traditional film market landscape. 

5.2 Cost Pressures 

• Fluctuations in raw material prices: The prices of raw materials such as polyester (PET) sheet base and silver salts are affected by the international market, increasing the cost pressure on enterprises.

• Increased investment in environmental protection: More money is needed to meet environmental protection standards for equipment upgrades and waste disposal. 

5.3 Market competition intensifies • Risk of price war: Small and medium-sized enterprises may adopt a low-price strategy to compete for market share, squeezing the industry's profit margins. 

• Homogeneous competition: Some companies lack core technologies and their products are highly homogeneous, making it difficult to form a differentiating advantage. 

6. Future trends and suggestions 

6.1 Trends • Deep integration of digitalization and intelligence: Thermal films will be combined with technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things to enable intelligent analysis and remote transmission of image data. 

• Environmental protection and sustainability: Technologies such as non-silver dry film and biodegradable materials will become mainstream in the industry, driving green manufacturing. 

• Personalized and customized services: Develop specialized films for different departments (such as breast screening films) to increase product value. 

6.2 Corporate Response strategies • Strengthen technological research and development: Focus on core areas such as AI image analysis and environmentally friendly materials to enhance product competitiveness. 

• Expand service boundaries: Transform from a single film supplier to an image solution provider to enhance customer stickiness.

• Deepen international cooperation: Accelerate global expansion through technology introduction, joint venture factory building, etc. 

6.3 Industry Recommendations 

• Promote standardization: Industry associations should take the lead in formulating standards for medical film quality, environmental protection, etc., to regulate the market order. 

• Strengthening cooperation among industry, academia and research institutions: Universities, research institutions and enterprises jointly tackle key technological bottlenecks. 

• Pay attention to policy developments: Enterprises need to closely follow changes in policies such as medical insurance and environmental protection, and adjust their strategic directions in a timely manner. 

Vii. Conclusions 

The medical thermal film market will be characterized by "technology-driven, upgraded demand and differentiated competition" in the future. Despite the impact of full digital imaging and cost pressure, the industry still has broad room for growth through technological innovation, service upgrades and policy support. Enterprises need to grasp the trends of "intelligence, environmental protection and personalization", build core competitiveness and achieve sustainable development.