Overall situation of polarizers: companies and opportunities related to the industry chain

In modern display technology, polarizers play a crucial role. It can control the direction of light propagation, enabling liquid crystal displays (LCDs) to achieve changes in image brightness. With the development of the global electronics industry and continuous technological innovation, the production and application of polarizers have also shown new trends and development opportunities. This article will delve into the current situation of the polarizer industry, the key companies in the industry chain, and future investment opportunities. The basic principle and function of polarizing film polarizing film is a thin film material that uses the polarization characteristics of light to control the direction of light passing through. Its main function in LCD panels is to eliminate reflected light, increase contrast, and improve viewing angle. Polarizing film is usually composed of multiple layers of polymer, including protective film, TAC (cellulose triacetate) layer, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) layer, etc. The analysis of the polarizing film industry chain mainly includes suppliers who provide various raw materials for the upstream supply of polarizing films. For example, manufacturers of chemicals used to make TAC layers, materials used to manufacture PVA, and manufacturers used for coating polarizers and other additives. These enterprises directly affect the cost and performance of polarizers. At this stage, midstream polarizer manufacturers purchase upstream raw materials, then carry out processing, coating, slitting and other processes to ultimately produce polarizer products that meet specific specifications. Internationally renowned polarizer manufacturers include Nitto Denko, Sumitomo Chemical, LG Chem, and others. The main domestic manufacturers include Shanshan Corporation, Shengbo Optoelectronics, Sanlipu, etc. The downstream application field of polarizers is very extensive, covering consumer electronics products such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, televisions, and other displays. In addition, the automotive industry is also one of the important markets for polarizers, especially in head up display systems (HUDs) and high-definition in car entertainment systems. In the future, with the development of IoT engineering and smart homes, the demand for polarizers will further expand to more application scenarios. With the increasing demand for higher resolution and thinner products, the technology of polarizers is also continuously upgrading. For example, developing ultra-thin polarizers to adapt to the trend of flexible display screens; Using circular polarization technology to solve the problem of viewing angle; Introducing automatic dimming glass technology to facilitate the application of smart windows, etc. The environmental pressure is due to the use of various chemicals in the production process of polarizers, and the increasingly strict environmental regulations have brought considerable pressure to the industry. Therefore, how to reduce the discharge of pollutants, recycle and reuse waste, and effectively treat wastewater has become a problem that enterprises need to consider. The market competition is intensifying globally, and the competition in the polarizer market is becoming increasingly fierce. On the one hand, established Japanese companies have leading advantages in technology and quality; On the other hand, Chinese enterprises are rapidly expanding their production capacity and have strong price competitiveness, gradually occupying an important position in the market. In this situation, technological innovation and cost control will become the key for enterprises to maintain competitiveness. For investors, the following points in the polarizer industry are worth paying attention to: new material research and development: seeking new environmentally friendly materials to replace traditional high polluting raw materials, or developing high-performance new polarizer materials. Advanced equipment and process transformation: Invest in advanced automated production lines and energy-saving and emission reduction equipment to improve production efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Diversified market layout: In addition to traditional consumer electronics products, the rapid growth of emerging fields such as automotive displays and smart home devices has also provided a new market for polarizers. Merger and acquisition opportunities: Integrate upstream and downstream resources, optimize supply chains, form larger industrial groups, enhance bargaining power and risk resistance. Regional policy support: With increasing support from governments around the world for local manufacturing, especially under the “Made in China 2025” plan advocated by China, policy and financial support for polarizer related enterprises are expected to be further strengthened. The polarizer industry is in a period of rapid development and transformation. From both the perspective of technological innovation and market demand, there are abundant investment opportunities. However, investors also need to closely monitor industry development trends, grasp market trends, and choose appropriate opportunities to enter in order to succeed in a fiercely competitive environment.