In 2022, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest global greenhouse and mulch film market share. The greenhouse and mulch film market in Asia Pacific is prominent due to growing awareness among farmers and mounting food demand due to increasing population and government subsidies. An increase in the demand for excellent agricultural products and organic produce for high productivity and yield is expected to boost the consumption of greenhouse and mulch film in Asia Pacific, especially in China, Japan, and India. Considering their competitive and increasing agriculture sector, these Asian countries have a high product consumption rate. Greenhouse films become essential, allowing farmers to maximize limited space by creating controlled environments for crop cultivation. These films enable year-round production and protect crops from adverse weather conditions, aligning with the urban population’s demand for consistent and diverse food sources. Simultaneously, the burgeoning food consumption in Asia Pacific amplifies the significance of efficient agricultural practices. Mulch films play a pivotal role by conserving soil moisture, suppressing weed growth, and regulating soil temperature—all factors crucial for sustaining high agricultural productivity. As urban populations increasingly rely on a stable and diverse food supply, the adoption of these films becomes instrumental in meeting these demands.
Rising Need for Crop Protection and Yield Improvement Drives Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market Growth
The greenhouse film is a specialized plastic covering designed to create a controlled environment for plants. These films made from polyethylene allow sunlight to penetrate while trapping heat and creating a greenhouse effect. This controlled atmosphere protects crops from adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. Greenhouse films contribute to yield improvement by extending the growing season and providing a stable climate for plants. This allows for multiple cropping cycles in a year, leading to increased productivity. These films’ insulation helps maintain optimal soil temperature, promoting better root development and nutrient absorption.
Consequently, farmers experience higher yields and improved quality of produce. Mulch films, on the other hand, are plastic sheets laid over the soil surface in open-field cultivation. These films serve multiple purposes in agriculture. One primary function is weed control, as they prevent weed growth by blocking sunlight and hindering weed germination. Additionally, these films minimize water evaporation from the soil, enhancing water use efficiency and reducing irrigation requirements.
Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market: Segmental Overview
Based on product type, the greenhouse and mulch film market is segmented into greenhouse films and mulch films. The mulch films segment held the largest share of the market in 2022, and the greenhouse films segment is expected to record the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Mulch film is an important component in modern agricultural practices, serving as a protective covering placed over the soil to enhance crop growth and productivity. Typically made from polyethylene or biodegradable materials, mulch films offer a range of benefits. They aid in weed control by preventing sunlight from reaching weed seeds, thus inhibiting their germination and growth. This reduces competition for nutrients and minimizes the need for herbicides, promoting environmentally friendly farming practices. Also, mulch films help regulate soil temperature by providing insulation, preventing extreme temperature changes that can be detrimental to plant development.
Moreover, these films contribute to water conservation by reducing evaporation and maintaining soil moisture levels, especially in arid regions. The reflective properties of certain mulch films also enhance light distribution in the crop canopy, promoting uniform plant growth. Additionally, the use of mulch films can prevent soil erosion, protecting valuable topsoil and maintaining soil structure. In recent years, biodegradable mulch films have gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative, breaking down naturally over time and reducing plastic waste. As agriculture continues to evolve, mulch films remain useful for farmers seeking sustainable and efficient methods to improve crop health and yields. Thus, the mulch film segment dominates the greenhouse and mulch film market due to all these factors.
Based on application, the greenhouse and mulch film market is segmented into vegetable farming, horticulture, floriculture, and others. The horticulture segment is expected to record the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Greenhouse films and mulch films play integral roles in modern horticulture, significantly influencing crop cultivation practices. This technology allows year-round cultivation, fostering the growth of temperature-sensitive crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. It also enhances crop quality and accelerates growth by providing an ideal microclimate.
On the other hand, mulch films, often composed of plastic or biodegradable materials, are applied on the soil surface to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. In horticulture, mulching is employed across various crops, such as strawberries, melons, and peppers. Mulch films aid in water management, reducing irrigation needs and preventing soil erosion. Thus, all these factors are expected to positively influence the greenhouse and mulch film market for the horticulture segment.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the greenhouse and mulch film market was mainly driven by the increasing use of these films, with the rising need for crop protection and yield improvement in the agriculture sector. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has multifacetedly impacted greenhouse and mulch film production and supply chain. As lockdowns and restrictions disrupted global commerce, manufacturers faced challenges in obtaining raw materials, leading to supply chain disruptions. This, coupled with labor shortages and logistical constraints, resulted in delays and increased production costs for greenhouse and mulch film producers. On the demand side, the pandemic influenced agricultural practices and priorities. Farmers, dealing with uncertainties and economic challenges, have reconsidered their investments in technologies like greenhouses and mulch films. Reduced financial capacity and shifting priorities during the pandemic have contributed to fluctuating demand for these agricultural films. Additionally, the increased focus on food security and sustainable agriculture during the pandemic may have stimulated interest in technologies that enhance crop yields and resource efficiency, including the use of these films. As countries seek to strengthen their domestic food production capabilities, the demand for such films have experienced varying trends regionally.
However, the greenhouse and mulch film market began reviving in 2021 as governments of various countries took significant measures, such as well-coordinated vaccination drives. Governments and agricultural organizations promoted these technologies to enhance productivity and mitigate the impact of climate change. The post-COVID-19 period encouraged the agriculture industry to explore more resilient and technologically advanced approaches, including digital agriculture and precision farming. These innovations are projected to influence the demand and application of greenhouse and mulch film in the long term.
Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Dow Inc, Berry Global Group Inc, Cag Plastik San and Trade Ltd Sty, RKW SE, FVG Folien-Vertriebs GmbH, AA Politiv (1999) Ltd, Ginegar Plastic Products Ltd, Plastika Kritis SA, BASF SE, and Armando Alvarez SA are among the players operating in the global greenhouse and mulch film market. The market players focus on providing high-quality products to fulfill customer demand.
Key Developments:
- In November 2022, UbiQD, Inc., a New Mexico-based deep tech company specializing in nanomaterials innovation, launched two new greenhouse film products for its greenhouse industry-focused brand, UbiGro. UbiGro incorporates UbiQD’s quantum dot technology to create a new layer of light in a greenhouse that enables growers to create a more optimal light spectrum for increased crop growth.