Agriculture Films - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Agriculture Films Market size is estimated at USD 13.30 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 18.14 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Agricultural films are materials used extensively in farming for soil protection, greenhouse cultivation, and mulching. These films provide numerous benefits, including reduced soil erosion and compaction, temperature regulation, nutrient retention, improved seed germination, weed suppression, and protection against UV radiation. The agricultural film market is driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of protected cultivation practices, a focus on enhancing crop yields, the widespread use of mulching films, and the growing demand for biodegradable options. Global food security concerns, stemming from a rising population and declining arable land, are further bolstering the demand for agricultural films as a means to improve agricultural productivity.

Mulching is a key application of agricultural films, with soil mulching using films becoming increasingly common in global agriculture. The growing consumer preference for biodegradable films, driven by environmental concerns, serves as a significant driver for this mature market. Mulch films are widely used in corn and soybean cultivation. Universities and researchers are actively studying ways to enhance the use of mulch films in agriculture, focusing on more sustainable solutions. In 2024, Lehigh University researchers developed biodegradable mulch films that deliver nutrients to crops, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic films. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded a USD 744,000 research grant for a project titled "PARTNERSHIP: Engineering Nutrient-Enhanced Mulch Film to Improve Degradation and Soil Health." This multi-year initiative, running from July 2024 through June 2028, involves collaboration among experts from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Maricopa, Arizona, and Ben Gurion University in Israel.

Agricultural films are widely used in various farming practices, including greenhouses and fodder packaging, to protect crops from cold temperatures. Canada's predominantly low temperatures due to long winters hinder crop growth, leading to a reliance on imports to meet demand. Consequently, the use of protected cultivation methods like greenhouses is increasing to reduce import dependency, driving the demand for greenhouse films. The area under greenhouse cultivation in Canada has been expanding for several years. According to the Ministry of Canada, in 2023, Canada had 920 commercial greenhouse vegetable operations, producing 802,163 metric tons of vegetables. This represented a 7% increase in production compared to 2022. Ontario remained the leader in the greenhouse vegetable market in 2023, accounting for 72% of Canada's total production. British Columbia followed with 14%, and Quebec with 8%. The remaining provinces collectively contributed 6% to the total production. This growth in the greenhouse industry is fueling the demand for greenhouse films in the market.

Environmental concerns are driving increased demand for biodegradable agricultural films. These eco-friendly alternatives help suppress weeds, regulate temperature, preserve soil nutrients and moisture, and enhance plant stability. Governments worldwide are promoting sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly farming practices, which is projected to support market growth in the coming years.

Agriculture Films Market Trends

Greenhouse Applications Dominate the Market

Greenhouse films are gaining popularity among growers due to their ability to increase crop yields across all seasons. The higher production capacity of greenhouses compared to traditional farming methods, coupled with the rising food demand from population growth and climate change challenges, is expected to drive the growth of this segment. Greenhouse environments provide a controlled setting for crop cultivation, potentially enhancing plant genetics and promoting the growth of healthier varieties. Polycarbonate-based clear plastic films used in greenhouses offer superior temperature regulation and insulation compared to glass structures. These factors, combined with the cost-effectiveness of greenhouse films, are likely to fuel demand in this segment.

The growing global population and increasing food security concerns are driving the adoption of protected agriculture. This method extends crop growing seasons and increases yields, consequently boosting the demand for agricultural plastics. These materials are crucial for securing and significantly increasing output per hectare while enhancing crop quality. Agricultural films help reduce crop spoilage risks associated with weather, pests, and weeds, improving overall crop quality throughout the lifecycle, particularly in greenhouses. Polyethylene is a commonly used material for agricultural films, protecting crops and improving yields in greenhouses and tunnels.

In addition, several countries have expanded greenhouse production to enhance self-sufficiency, particularly in the GCC region. This area has seen the development of numerous greenhouse facilities, leading to increased production. For example, according to the Department of Agriculture, Qatar's greenhouse production in 2023 covered 666.4 hectares and yielded 67,263.6 metric tons. Similarly, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation reported that greenhouse vegetable production in Russia reached a record 1.58 million tons in 2023, across 3.28 thousand hectares of greenhouse space. The primary crops included tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, bell peppers, greens, and lettuce. This growth in fruit and vegetable production through greenhouses is driving investments in the sector, consequently increasing the demand for agricultural films.

Manufacturers are incorporating various additives into agricultural films to enhance their performance and longevity. These additives include agrochemical resistance agents, ultraviolet (UV) absorbers, and anti-fogging compounds, which improve the durability and efficacy of greenhouse films. The development of advanced agricultural films using technologies such as nanotechnology and ultra-thermic materials is expected to drive demand for these products in greenhouse applications during the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific is the Largest Market

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for nearly half of the global greenhouse vegetable cultivation area. Key factors driving the agricultural film market in the region include extensive greenhouse vegetable cultivation, growing emphasis on high-value and export-oriented fruit and vegetable production, and a thriving agriculture industry. Rising environmental awareness has led consumers to prefer biodegradable films, further stimulating market growth. Increasing productivity has become crucial due to the continuous decline in per capita farmland availability. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Statistical Yearbook World Food and Agriculture 2023, Vietnam's per capita agricultural land availability in 2023 was approximately 0.3 hectares per person, one of the world's lowest rates. This reflects the country's high population density and limited land resources. The need for high-yielding crops to address farmland scarcity without compromising production volumes may be met through greenhouse farming, potentially increasing the use of agricultural films in this sector.

Mulching remains a traditional and widely used method in Indian agriculture. However, a 2022 research study by NGO Toxic Links and Manipal Academy of Higher Education revealed a significant microplastic contamination problem in India's agricultural fields. This issue stems from the extensive use of mulch films for crop protection. These films, used in fields or as greenhouse covers, degrade and release plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter. These microplastics can penetrate deep into the soil, potentially affecting crops and, subsequently, human health. These concerns are projected to drive the adoption of biodegradable and compostable films in India.

Silage production is gaining traction in various Asian countries as an economical alternative to traditional forage. Local authorities are actively promoting silage production to provide high-quality forage for cattle and enhance livestock production. For instance, in 2021, the Economic Office of Pho Yen collaborated with the Vietnam National Seed Joint Stock Company to implement a corn silage production and consumption linkage model in the province. These initiatives are boosting silage production in the region, which is anticipated to drive the demand for agricultural films in this segment. Additionally, a 2020 study by Nanyang Technological University in Singapore found that synthetic polymers such as polycaprolactone, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, and acrylate-based polymers can be used as mulch to cover soil and prevent moisture loss. The increasing research and development activities in this area are further contributing to the growth of the agricultural film market.

Moreover, Farmers in Asia-Pacific, especially in Australia, are increasingly adopting protected agricultural practices to improve crop productivity and quality. In 2022, the Cooperative Research Centre conducted a project titled 'Smart Glass film impacts on energy use and Productivity in greenhouse lettuce'. This study evaluated the performance of energy-saving smart glass and light-shifting LLEAF film in greenhouse lettuce production. Crop scientists at Western Sydney University (WSU) collaborated with Hort Innovation on this project, supported by industry partners LLEAF Pty Ltd and Rijk Zwaan. Such research studies on agriculture films are anticipated to positively impact the market.

Agriculture Films Industry Overview

The agricultural films market is fragmented due to the presence of a few prominent players and several small-scale and regional players. Berry Global Inc., BASF SE, Armando Alvarez Group, RKW Group, and Plastika Kritis SA are some of the major players in the market. Major industry participants have been investing heavily in R&D for commercializing biodegradable and longer shelf-life products. The key companies are partnering with biotechnology firms to ensure sustainable product innovation in the future.

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