Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Crop Type (Fruits, Flowers, Leafy Greens, Vegetables, Grains and Other Crop Types), Material, Thickness, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Biodegradable Mulch Film Market is accounted for $48.96 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $85.02 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. Biodegradable mulch films are eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic mulches. These films, typically made from plant-based materials like starches or biodegradable polymers, degrade naturally over time, reducing soil contamination and plastic waste. They promote soil health by enhancing moisture retention, controlling weeds, and regulating soil temperature, resulting in improved crop yields. They minimize the risk of micro plastic contamination in soil and water systems, safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity.

According to the World Greenhouse Vegetable Statistics, there are 1,228,000 acres of greenhouse growing space for production worldwide.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising consumer preference for eco-friendly products

As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, farmers and agricultural companies are compelled to adopt biodegradable mulch films to align with these preferences. This heightened demand drives innovation and investment in biodegradable materials and technologies, making them more accessible and cost-effective. Consequently, the market experiences expansion as agricultural practices transition towards more environmentally friendly solutions, meeting both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Restraint:

Lack of standardization

The lack of standardization in biodegradable mulch films arises from variations in material composition, degradation rates, and performance characteristics. This lack of uniformity complicates product selection for farmers, hindering widespread adoption. Without clear standards, farmers may encounter issues such as inconsistent degradation rates, inadequate weed suppression, or compromised soil health. Consequently, uncertainty about product efficacy and reliability impedes the market growth.

Opportunity:

Innovations in material science

Innovations in material science drive the biodegradable mulch films by enhancing film properties like biodegradability, durability, and performance. Advanced materials offer improved weed suppression, moisture retention, and soil health benefits, aligning with sustainable agriculture practices. These innovations foster market growth by providing farmers with effective, cost-competitive solutions that promote both agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.

Threat:

Compatibility issues

Compatibility issues arise in biodegradable mulch films due to variations in material properties, degradation rates, and effectiveness in different agricultural environments. These issues can lead to inconsistent performance, such as inadequate weed control, moisture retention, or degradation timing. Consequently, market growth is hindered as concerns about reliability and efficacy discourage widespread adoption, slowing down the transition from traditional plastic mulch films to biodegradable alternatives.

Covid-19 Impact

The covid-19 pandemic initially disrupted the biodegradable mulch film market due to supply chain disruptions, reduced agricultural activities, and economic uncertainties. However, the crisis also highlighted the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, leading to increased awareness and demand for biodegradable alternatives. Moreover, government stimulus packages and incentives aimed at promoting sustainable solutions further supported market recovery. Overall, while the pandemic initially posed challenges, it also accelerated the adoption of biodegradable mulch films as part of resilient and eco-conscious agricultural practices, driving market growth in the long term.

The vegetables segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The vegetables segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth. Biodegradable mulch films are extensively employed in vegetable cultivation, providing vital benefits such as moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil temperature regulation. By creating a conducive environment for plant growth, biodegradable mulch films promote higher yields and better quality produce while reducing the need for chemical herbicides. Their eco-friendly nature ensures minimal environmental impact, making them a preferred choice for sustainable agriculture practices in vegetable farming worldwide.

The nurseries segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The nurseries segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period, owing to its essential support for seedling propagation and plant growth. These films create a favourable environment by retaining moisture, controlling soil temperature, and suppressing weed growth, fostering healthy root development and robust plant establishment. By facilitating optimal growing conditions, they enhance nursery productivity and plant quality while promoting sustainability. Their eco-friendly nature ensures minimal environmental impact, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices in nursery operations worldwide.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period due to government initiatives promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices. Countries like China, India, and Japan are witnessing rising adoption due to expanding agricultural sectors and growing concerns over plastic pollution. Collaborations between governments, industry players, and research institutions further support market growth. Overall, the Asia-Pacific region presents substantial opportunities for the biodegradable mulch film market, fuelled by sustainable agriculture trends and regulatory support.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to increasing consumer awareness, stringent environmental regulations, and a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices. The United States and Canada are leading the adoption of biodegradable mulch films, driven by a strong emphasis on reducing plastic waste in agriculture and promoting eco-friendly alternatives. Overall, North America presents a favourable landscape for the biodegradable mulch film market, driven by sustainability-driven initiatives and consumer demand.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Biodegradable Mulch Film Market include BASF SE, BioBag International AS, Novamont S.p.A., AEP Industries Inc., Berry Global Inc., RKW Group, Toyochem Limited, Dubois Agrinovation Inc., Qingdao Tianren Environment Corporation, Armando Alvarez Group, AB Rani Plast Oy, Carbiolice, British Polythene Industries PLC, Organix Solutions, Barbier Group and Symphony Environmental Technologies PLC.

Key Developments:

In September 2020, Toyochem launched new biodegradable polyurethane adhesive under the brand name Cyabine. They are also resistant to reflow, have few impurities, and allow coloring. The adhesives have a unique polymer design that gives them high functionality. The adhesives are biodegradable and designed for packaging, construction, agriculture, and other industries that favor biodegradable materials.

In July 2020, Carbiolice, a French start-up that produces biodegradable plastic, and Barbier Group, a French agricultural film manufacturer, partnered to develop a new PLA-based mulch film. The project aims to create a new biodegradable mulch film with a higher content of bio-based plastics (PLA). Carbiolice has developed an enzymatic additive called Evanesto that is added to PLA compounds during the process.

Crop Types Covered:

• Fruits
• Flowers
• Leafy Greens
• Vegetables
• Grains
• Other Crop Types

Materials Covered:

• Starch Blends
• Polylactic Acid (PLA)
• Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)
• Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
• Other Materials

Thickness Covered:

• Thin (< 0.01 mm)
• Medium (0.01 mm - 0.05 mm)
• Thick (> 0.05 mm)

Applications Covered:

• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Floriculture
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Large-Scale Farms
• Small-Scale Farms
• Greenhouses
• Nurseries
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances