Global Agricultural Film Market Size By Material (LDPE, LLDPE), By Type (High Grade, Middle Grade), By Application (Shed Plastic Film, Mulch Plastic Film), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Agricultural Film Market Size And Forecast

Agricultural Film Market size was valued at USD 14.13 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 22.76 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.77% from 2024 to 2031. Agricultural films are plastic materials used in various farming applications to improve crop yield, protect plants, and enhance overall agricultural efficiency. These films are typically made from polyethylene, polypropylene, and other polymers, providing benefits such as weed control, moisture retention, and temperature regulation. Agricultural films are widely used in applications such as mulching, greenhouse covering, silage wrapping, and tunnel covers.

Mulching films help retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature, leading to better crop yields.

Greenhouse films create controlled environments for plant growth, protecting crops from adverse weather conditions and pests.

Silage films are used to preserve and store animal fodder, maintaining its nutritional value.

Global Agricultural Film Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the global agricultural film market include:

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Global Food Demand:

The rising global population is driving the demand for higher agricultural productivity, which in turn fuels the need for agricultural films to enhance crop yields and efficiency in farming practices. According to the FAO, global food production will need to increase by 60% by 2050 to meet the rising demand.

Technological Advancements:

Innovations in film materials, such as biodegradable and photodegradable options, along with the integration of smart technologies for real-time monitoring, are boosting the adoption of agricultural films. For instance, In March 2024, BASF introduced a new line of biodegradable agricultural films made from their ecovio(R) material, designed to improve soil health and reduce plastic waste in agriculture.

Climate Change and Weather Variability:

Agricultural films provide protection against adverse weather conditions, helping farmers mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure consistent crop production. The IPCC reports that climate change could reduce global agriculture productivity by 2% each decade for the rest of this century.

Government Support and Subsidies:

Various governments are promoting the use of advanced agricultural techniques, including agricultural films, through subsidies and support programs to improve food security and farming sustainability.

Growing Awareness of Sustainable Practices:

The increasing focus on sustainable agriculture and the need to optimize resource use are driving the adoption of agricultural films that enhance water retention, soil health, and crop protection.

Key Challenges:

Environmental Concerns:

The widespread use of non-biodegradable agricultural films leads to significant plastic waste, posing environmental challenges and increasing the need for effective disposal and recycling solutions.

High Costs:

The initial investment for high-quality agricultural films and advanced materials can be prohibitive for small-scale farmers, limiting their adoption and market penetration.

Technical Expertise:

Effective use of agricultural films requires technical knowledge and expertise, which can be a barrier for farmers unfamiliar with these technologies or lacking access to proper training.

Durability Issues:

Agricultural films can be prone to damage from UV radiation, pests, and mechanical wear, necessitating frequent replacements and increasing long-term costs for farmers.

Regulatory Hurdles:

Stringent regulations regarding the use of plastics in agriculture and the need to comply with environmental standards can complicate market dynamics and restrict the use of certain film types.

Key Trends

Biodegradable Films:

There is a growing trend towards using biodegradable agricultural films, driven by environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. These films break down naturally in the soil, reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable farming practices without compromising on performance. According to European Bioplastics, 2023 in the EU, biodegradable mulch films are expected to account for 9% of the total agricultural plastic film market by 2025.

Smart Films with Embedded Sensors:

The integration of smart technologies into agricultural films, such as sensors for real-time monitoring of soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels, is gaining traction. These innovations enable precision farming, helping farmers optimize resource use and improve crop yields. According to World Economic Forum, 2023 precision agriculture techniques, facilitated by smart films, can reduce water usage by up to 30% and fertilizer use by 20%

Recyclable and Reusable Films:

The development and adoption of recyclable and reusable agricultural films are becoming increasingly popular. These films address environmental issues by reducing plastic waste and offering cost-effective solutions through multiple usage cycles, aligning with the growing emphasis on circular economy principles. RPC bpi agriculture (UK) launched a new range of 100% recyclable silage films in December 2023, made from post-consumer recycled plastics.

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Global Agricultural Film Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the global agricultural film market:

North America

North America holds a significant share in the agricultural film market due to advanced farming techniques and high adoption rates of modern agricultural practices. According to the USDA's 2022 Census of Agriculture, released in February 2024, Approximately 37% of U.S. vegetable and melon farms use plastic mulch or other temporary covers.

The presence of large-scale farms, government support for sustainable agriculture, and a strong focus on increasing crop yields contribute to the demand for agricultural films in this region. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as of March 2024, the agency has set a goal to increase the recycling rate of agricultural plastics to 50% by 2030.

Additionally, innovations in biodegradable and recyclable films are gaining traction, driven by environmental regulations. For instance, Groupe Barbier opened a new production facility in Mexico in January 2024 to better serve the North American market, focusing on biodegradable mulch films for fruit and vegetable production.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the agricultural film market, driven by increasing population, rising food demand, and expanding agricultural activities. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in a report published in March 2024, Agricultural plastic film usage in Asia Pacific increased by 18% between 2020 and 2023.

Countries like China, India, and Japan are significant contributors, focusing on improving agricultural productivity and efficiency. According to the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as of January 2024, The use of plastic mulch films in China covered over 20 million hectares in 2023. The government aims to increase the recycling rate of agricultural plastics to 80% by 2025.

Government support, growing awareness of sustainable practices, and the adoption of advanced farming technologies are key factors propelling the market. The region is also seeing increased investments in research and development for innovative agricultural film solutions. For instance, Trioplast established a partnership with a leading Japanese agricultural cooperative in February 2024 to develop custom biodegradable films for high-value crop production.

Global Agricultural Film Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Global Agriculture Film Market is segmented on the basis of Type, Application, and Geography.

Agricultural Film Market, By Type

• Linear Low-density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
• Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)
• Ethylene-vinyl Acetate (EVA)
• High-density Polyethylene (HDPE)
• Reclaim

Based on Type, the Global Agricultural Film Market is bifurcated into LLDPE, LDPE, EVA, HDPE, Reclaim. In the agricultural film market, the segment currently dominating is Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE films are widely used in agriculture due to their flexibility, ease of handling, and cost-effectiveness. They are commonly employed in applications such as greenhouse covers, silage bags, and mulching films, providing protection against pests, weather elements, and soil erosion while promoting crop growth. Conversely, the rapid-growing segment is Ethylene-vinyl Acetate (EVA).

Agricultural Film Market, By Application

• Mulching
• Greenhouses
• Silage

Based on Application, the Global Agricultural Film Market is bifurcated into Mulching, Greenhouses, and Silage. In the agricultural film market, the segment currently dominating is greenhouses. Greenhouse films are widely used to create controlled environments that optimize growing conditions for plants by regulating temperature, humidity, and light exposure. These films protect crops from adverse weather conditions and pests while extending the growing season, making them essential for commercial horticulture and intensive farming practices globally. Conversely, the rapid-growing segment is Mulching.

Agricultural Film Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

Based on Geography, the Global Agricultural Film Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. In the agricultural film market, North America currently dominates as the largest geographical segment. This dominance is driven by advanced agricultural practices, extensive greenhouse farming, and significant investments in agribusiness infrastructure. North America benefits from a well-established agricultural industry and strong adoption of advanced technologies to enhance crop production and efficiency, including the widespread use of greenhouse films. Conversely, the rapid-growing segment is Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific region is experiencing substantial growth in the agricultural film market due to increasing agricultural activities, rising population, and expanding food demand.

Key Players

• The "Global Agricultural Film Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are
• Berry Global, Inc., BASF SE, Plastika Kritis SA, Armando Alvarez Group, RKW SE, AB Rani Plast Oy, Novamont SpA, ExxonMobil Chemical, Group Barbier, INDAECO Group, Kuraray Co., Ltd., Trioplast Industries AB, RPC Group PLC, Achilles Corporation, Mondi, Cotesi, Coveris Group, and The Dow Chemical Company.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with its product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

Global Agricultural Film Market Key Developments

• In October 2023, Dow Inc. unveiled the VISION(TM) agricultural film, integrating advanced polymer technology for enhanced durability and UV protection. This film improves crop productivity by shielding plants from harsh environmental conditions and minimizing pesticide use.
• In January 2024, ExxonMobil Chemical Company introduced the Vistamaxx(TM) performance polymers for agricultural films. These polymers offer superior elasticity and puncture resistance, extending the lifespan of mulch and greenhouse films while optimizing crop growth.
• In April 2024, Novamont S.p.A. launched the Mater-Bi(R) biodegradable mulch film, aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture practices. This film decomposes into organic matter, enriching soil fertility and reducing environmental impact compared to traditional plastic films.
• In June 2024, RKW Group expanded its range of Agricover(R) silage films, tailored for preserving animal feed quality. These films enhance feed storage efficiency by protecting silage bales from oxygen and moisture, ensuring nutritional value and livestock health.