Agriculture Films Market Overview, 2025-30

The global agriculture films market is experiencing steady growth as farmers, agribusinesses, and governments increasingly adopt technologies to boost crop yields, conserve water, extend growing seasons, and protect plants from pests and adverse weather. The demand is primarily driven by the need for yield enhancement through greenhouse and tunnel films, soil moisture conservation and weed suppression via mulch films, and improved feed and storage protection using silage and bale wraps.

The market demographics span from smallholder vegetable growers using low-cost mulch films to commercial producers investing in multilayer, UV-stabilized, and biodegradable films, highlighting segmentation by farm size, crop type, and value chain participants including distributors, cooperatives, and agri-input suppliers. Marketing and promotion strategies combine traditional B2B approaches with modern digital techniques, such as trade shows, field demonstrations, partnerships with agricultural extension services, webinars, targeted digital ads, and content marketing aimed at commercial growers.

Technical marketing emphasizing agronomic benefits, ROI calculations, trial support, and training is particularly effective because adoption decisions are influenced by local conditions and total cost of ownership rather than price alone. Sustainability trends and regulations are reshaping promotional strategies, as buyers increasingly seek degradable or bio-based films, recycling programs, and lifecycle data; therefore, companies highlight certifications, take-back schemes, and collaborations with recyclers to appeal to both smallholders and institutional buyers.

In April 2023, Berry Global Group Inc. expanded its film manufacturing facility in Tennessee to meet the growing demand for its high-performance, sustainable stretch films. The expansion included space for three new cast lines, an upgrade to the facility's existing post-industrial resin (PIR) reprocessing system, and an extension of its rail spur for resin material handling.

According to the research report, "Global Agriculture Films Market Overview, 2030,", the Global Agriculture Films market was valued at more than USD 13.68 Billion in 2024, with the CAGR of 8.21% from 2025-2030. The market is witnessing strong growth worldwide with forecasts showing it will continue to generate multi-billion dollar revenues over the coming years. Several key drivers are fueling this growth such as the rapid expansion of protected farming practices like greenhouses and tunnels in Asia Europe and North America along with wider use of precision irrigation and plasticulture for water conservation.

Farmers are also drawn to cost saving and labor saving solutions such as pre laid mulch and biodegradable films that eliminate the expense of removal. Innovation is another major factor shaping the industry with advances such as multilayer co extruded films UV stabilized and anti fog greenhouse covers biodegradable formulations and active films that integrate slow release agents or smart sensing capabilities. These new products allow manufacturers to command premium pricing and expand into higher value applications. Despite this positive outlook the sector faces challenges including growing concerns over plastic waste microplastics and stricter regulations in regions like Europe that restrict single use plastics.

Volatility in raw material prices and limited recycling infrastructure also create difficulties for growers and suppliers. These issues are driving investments in circular economy solutions such as recyclable films take back programs chemical recycling technologies and bio based films that can be composted or tilled into the soil. Events such as AMI’s agricultural film and plastics conferences Agri Plastics exhibitions and specialized forums on sustainability and recycling provide platforms for collaboration policy discussions and new product launches. These gatherings highlight the role of agricultural films in ensuring food security water efficiency and sustainable farming while also encouraging partnerships for circular solutions.

Market Drivers

• Rising Need for Higher Crop Yields: The increasing global population and shrinking arable land are driving farmers to maximize agricultural productivity. Agriculture films, such as mulching and greenhouse covers, help in retaining soil moisture, controlling temperature, and protecting crops from pests and weeds. By improving crop quality and extending growing seasons, these films directly contribute to higher yields, making them an essential tool in modern farming practices.
• Technological Advancements in Film Materials: Recent innovations in agricultural film materials, including biodegradable and UV-resistant films, have enhanced their durability, flexibility, and efficiency. These advanced films withstand harsh environmental conditions and reduce crop damage, while also addressing environmental concerns. The continuous development of new materials allows farmers to choose more effective and sustainable solutions, fueling the growth of the market.

Market Challenges

• Environmental Impact of Plastic Films: Traditional plastic films often lead to soil and water pollution when not disposed of properly. The accumulation of plastic residues can harm soil health and reduce crop productivity over time. This environmental concern has prompted regulations and increased pressure on manufacturers and farmers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives, which can be costly or less widely available, limiting widespread adoption.
• Fluctuating Raw Material Prices: The production of agriculture films relies heavily on petroleum-based polymers, whose prices are highly volatile. Sudden increases in raw material costs can significantly raise production expenses for manufacturers. This can either reduce profit margins or result in higher prices for farmers, potentially slowing market growth and creating uncertainty in supply chains.

Market Trends

• Shift Toward Biodegradable Films: As environmental sustainability gains importance, there is a growing adoption of biodegradable agricultural films. These films decompose naturally over time, reducing plastic waste in soil and water. Farmers are increasingly choosing these alternatives to meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations, creating opportunities for the development of innovative biodegradable solutions in the market.
• Expansion of Protected Agriculture: Protected agriculture, including greenhouses and high tunnels, is becoming increasingly popular as farmers seek controlled environments to improve crop quality and yields. Agricultural films are crucial for these systems, offering temperature regulation, moisture retention, and pest protection. The growth of protected agriculture is therefore a key driver for increased demand for high-performance agricultural films.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is the fastest-growing material in the global agriculture films industry due to its superior flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and excellent protective properties for crops under diverse climatic conditions.

LDPE has emerged as the most preferred material in the global agriculture films market because it offers a unique combination of physical and chemical properties that meet the demanding requirements of modern farming practices. Its inherent flexibility and high tensile strength allow for easy installation and handling over large crop areas, making it ideal for greenhouse coverings, mulch films, silage wraps, and tunnel covers. Unlike other polymer materials, LDPE maintains durability under varying temperatures, UV exposure, and mechanical stress, which ensures prolonged service life and reduces the frequency of replacement, thereby lowering operational costs for farmers.

The material’s transparency and light transmission properties are particularly advantageous for greenhouse and tunnel applications, as they enhance photosynthesis and promote optimal plant growth while protecting crops from environmental stressors such as frost, heavy rain, and pests. Additionally, LDPE is lightweight, which simplifies transportation and reduces logistical expenses, further contributing to its widespread adoption. Its cost-effectiveness compared to alternatives like HDPE, EVA, or biodegradable polymers makes it highly attractive in both developed and emerging agricultural markets, especially where large-scale crop production demands economical yet reliable film solutions.

The material’s chemical resistance also enables the application of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation without compromising the film’s structural integrity, ensuring consistent crop protection throughout the cultivation cycle. Moreover, LDPE can be easily produced in various thicknesses and with functional additives such as anti-drip, anti-fog, and UV-stabilizers, which tailor the film to specific crop and climatic requirements, thereby enhancing yield and quality. Sustainability concerns and recycling initiatives have also influenced manufacturers to optimize LDPE formulations to be recyclable and reduce environmental impact, which aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainable agriculture.

Greenhouse applications are the fastest-growing segment in the global agriculture films industry due to their ability to enhance crop yield, extend growing seasons, and provide controlled environmental conditions for high-value crops.

Greenhouse applications have witnessed rapid growth in the global agriculture films industry because they provide a highly controlled environment that enables year-round cultivation, increases crop productivity, and minimizes risks from adverse weather and pests. With rising global demand for fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers, greenhouse farming has become an essential solution for both small-scale and commercial growers to meet consumer needs efficiently. Agriculture films used in greenhouse structures, such as polyolefin, LDPE, EVA, and specialty multi-layer films, play a critical role in maintaining optimal light transmission, temperature regulation, and humidity control, which directly impacts plant growth and yield.

The films’ UV resistance, thermal insulation, and anti-condensation properties help prevent crop damage caused by extreme sunlight, frost, or excessive moisture, ensuring consistent production quality. Additionally, the ability to create a microclimate inside the greenhouse allows farmers to cultivate high-value and off-season crops that would otherwise be unsuitable for local outdoor conditions, thereby increasing profitability and market competitiveness. The surge in greenhouse adoption is also driven by technological advancements in film materials, such as improved durability, tears resistance, and specialized coatings that reduce the need for frequent replacement while enhancing energy efficiency.

Rapid urbanization and limited arable land, particularly in regions like Asia Pacific and Europe, have further accelerated greenhouse farming as it enables vertical farming and intensive cultivation on smaller plots, maximizing output per unit area. Moreover, the rise of sustainable agricultural practices has encouraged the use of greenhouse films to reduce water consumption through controlled irrigation and minimize the use of pesticides by providing a physical barrier against pests.

Asia Pacific is growing in the global agriculture films industry primarily due to the region’s expanding agricultural sector, increasing adoption of modern farming techniques, and rising demand for high-yield crop production.

The Asia Pacific region has emerged as a key growth hub for the global agriculture films industry, driven by a confluence of agricultural, economic, and technological factors. The primary driver is the rapid expansion and modernization of the agricultural sector across countries such as China, India, Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asian nations. With a steadily growing population and rising food demand, farmers in the region are increasingly focusing on maximizing crop yields while optimizing resource use, creating a strong market for agricultural films such as mulch films, greenhouse films, silage films, and shade nets.

These films play a critical role in enhancing crop productivity by controlling soil temperature, retaining moisture, reducing weed growth, and protecting plants from pests and adverse weather conditions. The adoption of these technologies is further propelled by government initiatives and subsidies that promote sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, encouraging farmers to shift from traditional farming to modern, film-assisted cultivation methods. Another key factor fueling growth is the region’s climatic diversity, which necessitates protective and adaptive solutions to mitigate environmental challenges.

In countries with extreme temperatures or high rainfall variability, agriculture films provide essential benefits, allowing for off-season cultivation, better crop quality, and extended shelf life. This has made such films indispensable in high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which are increasingly cultivated to meet both domestic and export demand. Moreover, rapid urbanization and industrialization are putting pressure on arable land, prompting farmers to adopt intensive farming practices that rely heavily on crop protection and yield-enhancing solutions like agriculture films.

• In February 2025, BASF introduced a new line of biodegradable mulch films under the brand name Ecovio Agro, designed for large-scale vegetable and fruit farming. These films degrade naturally after harvest, eliminating the need for costly film retrieval and disposal.
• In March 2025, Armando Alvarez Group unveiled a multi-layer smart agricultural film embedded with UV stabilizers and infrared blockers. The film enhances crop quality by optimizing light transmission and thermal regulation inside greenhouses.
• In July 2024, BASF introduced Tinuvin NOR 211 AR to assist film producers and converters worldwide in addressing the challenges of plasticulture, which involves the use of plastic materials in agricultural applications. This product provides an effective solution for agricultural plastics exposed to high levels of UV radiation, thermal stress, and inorganic chemicals frequently used in crop management and disinfection processes.
• In February 2024, Revolution Sustainable Solutions, LLC, a pioneer in recycling agricultural plastics, bought PolyAg Recycling, LTD, a prominent Canadian mechanical recycler of agricultural films based in Bashaw, Alberta.
• In February 2024, Berry Global Group, Inc. has opened the new 12,000 square feet Circular Innovation and Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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