A report from All Print Supplies has highlighted the growing role of paint protection film in the UK, as rising costs for new vehicles cause commuters to keep cars for longer
UK print and graphics media supplier, All Print Supplies (APS), has released a report highlighting the growing role of paint protection film (PPF) in the British vehicle market – and the potential opportunity this can represent for graphics and wrapping professionals.
The report highlights that the UK’s cars are getting older, with the average car on Britain’s roads now reaching almost ten years old compared with eight years old in 2019.
Motorists also face a significant financial commitment when they replace a vehicle, with figures published by Auto Trader in April 2026 putting the average advertised price (after discounts) of a new petrol car at £43,405 and a new electric vehicle at £42,620.
The result, according to APS, is a market in which motorists are increasingly looking at how to get more from the vehicles they already own. The company suggests that for businesses supplying and installing vehicle protection products, that shift could present a significant opportunity to boost revenue.
In the report, APS says: “Rather than being viewed simply as an aesthetic upgrade for high-value vehicles, modern PPF can increasingly be considered part of the economics of longer-term vehicle ownership.”
Professionally installed PPF can provide a ‘sacrificial layer’ between a vehicle’s factory paintwork and the road, helping to protect surfaces from chips, scratches, and environmental damage.
Modern films can also offer optical clarity, stain resistance, hydrophobic performance, and self-healing of minor surface scratches, while some premium systems are backed by warranties of up to ten years.
APS adds: “PPF used to be a conversation predominantly associated with enthusiasts and prestige vehicles, but that’s changing. Customers are looking much more closely at what their vehicle has cost them and how long they intend to own it. Once you start thinking in those terms, protecting the original paintwork becomes less about vanity and much more about protecting a significant investment.”
The report cites market figures which suggest that the PPF market is growing, with Grand View Research reportedly valuing the UK market at $24.3m (£18.4m) in 2025 and with forecasts that it will reach $34.5m (£26.1m) by 2033.
Bert Hussein, automotive sales manager at All Print Supplies, says: “From the conversations I’m having with installers, there’s a real opportunity to broaden the customer base for PPF. It’s no longer just about someone wanting to protect a supercar. Installers are talking to everyday motorists who care about keeping their vehicle in good condition and maintaining its value for longer."
APS has recently expanded its focus on the automotive sector with the appointment of Hussein in 2026, with the goal of supporting customers as demand for PPF and associated automotive solutions continues to grow.
APS recently showcased its PPF solutions at The Print Show and The Sign Show at the NEC Birmingham, held from September 29th to October 1st.
Alongside film materials manufacturer, Avery Dennison, APS hosted the PPF Knowledge Hub at the exhibition, a dedicated area showcasing the fast-growing PPF sector and the commercial opportunities it presents for businesses.
The PPF Knowledge Hub hosted live demonstrations throughout the event, offering visitors the chance to see PPF application techniques up close, gain practical insights from industry experts, and learn more about the products and processes involved.
