Asia-Pacific Agriculture Films Market Outlook, 2030

Farming cultures across Asia Pacific range from smallholder rice and vegetable growers in Southeast Asia to large-scale horticulture and export-oriented farming in China, India, and Australia, all of which rely heavily on mulching films, greenhouse covers, and silage films to boost productivity and extend growing seasons. Urbanization is playing a dual role, on one hand, rising city populations and shrinking rural labor pools drive demand for intensive farming technologies such as protected cultivation, rooftop farming, and vertical agriculture that depend on advanced films, while on the other hand, urban sprawl reduces farmland and increases scrutiny on plastic waste in peri-urban soils, pushing demand for biodegradable and recyclable solutions. Current trends in the market include the growing adoption of biodegradable and bio-based mulch films, multilayer coextruded films that offer strength and controlled degradation, and specialized films for urban farming systems that improve microclimates and conserve water. In March 2025, Berry Global expanded its production capacity in India to meet the rising regional demand for high-strength silage and greenhouse films. The expansion aligns with the government’s push for protected cultivation and post-harvest infrastructure improvement. Technological innovations are poised to disrupt the market, particularly soil-biodegradable mulch films certified under international standards like EN 17033, bio-based polymers such as PBAT/PLA blends, and smart films with spectral control or integrated sensors for precision agriculture, all of which reduce collection costs, align with regulations, and raise per-hectare yields. Market facts highlight that Asia Pacific not only holds the largest global share of biodegradable mulch films but is also the fastest-growing region for greenhouse films, with China, India, and Australia leading in both consumption and innovation. In April 2023, BASF increased capacities of its ecovio to support the customers in Asia-Pacific region. The high-quality biopolymer Ecovio is biodegraded by microorganisms in industrial and home composting conditions as well as in agricultural soil.

According to the research report "Asia Pacific Agriculture Films Market Outlook, 2030,", the Asia Pacific Agriculture Films market is anticipated to grow at more than 9.13% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Technological advances are further propelling the market, with Asia Pacific leading in biodegradable and bio-based mulch films and now moving into advanced formulations using PBAT/PLA blends, thermoplastic starch, and multilayer coextrusions that balance durability, performance, and environmental safety.

Smart films are emerging as a disruptive opportunity, with innovations that manipulate light spectra to optimize photosynthesis or integrate sensors to collect real-time crop data, aligning with the region’s digital agriculture initiatives. Regulatory momentum is also shaping the market, with countries adopting or referencing international biodegradability standards like EN 17033 and national frameworks such as China’s biodegradable mulch standards, making certification a necessity for participation in government procurement and recycling programs.

The region’s dominance is underlined by the fact that Asia Pacific accounts for the majority share of biodegradable mulch film revenues globally, supported by vast cultivation areas and strong R&D in countries such as China, India, Japan, and Australia. In March 2024, Kuraray Co., Ltd. invested in the production plant of the product EVAL EVOH in Singapore to expand the business and contribute to the natural and living environment improvements. Opportunities are also being created in circular economy solutions such as film collection, composting, and take-back schemes, alongside premium markets for specialty light-conversion films in horticulture and protected cultivation.

Supporting this momentum are numerous regional and international conferences, seminars, and exhibitions dedicated to agricultural plastics and films, which act as platforms for knowledge exchange, technology showcasing, and policy discussions, while government and academic institutions regularly conduct field trials to validate new film technologies.

In March 2024, the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), launched an e-crop, an IoT device designed for smart agriculture. It promotes crop development instantly by considering soil moisture, nutrient levels, and weather conditions. This represents agricultural films market price trends.

Market Drivers

• Rapid Agricultural Modernization: Countries in Asia Pacific, particularly China, India, and Japan, are increasingly adopting modern farming techniques to enhance productivity and efficiency. The use of agricultural films for mulching, greenhouse covers, and silage wrapping helps in water conservation, weed control, and temperature regulation. The rising need to feed a growing population and improve crop yields is driving strong demand for high-quality films in the region.
• Favorable Government Initiatives and Subsidies: Governments in the region are providing support to farmers for adopting advanced agricultural practices, including the use of plastic films. Subsidies, training programs, and awareness campaigns encourage the adoption of mulching films, greenhouse covers, and other protective films, boosting overall market growth. Policies promoting sustainable farming also drive the adoption of biodegradable and recyclable films.

Market Challenges

• High Cost of Advanced Films: Although advanced films such as multi-layer, UV-stabilized, and biodegradable types improve productivity, their higher cost can limit adoption, especially among small and marginal farmers. Many farmers in Asia Pacific are price-sensitive, and the upfront investment in premium films can be a barrier to widespread use.
• Limited Awareness of Recycling and Sustainability: While biodegradable and recyclable films are gaining popularity, the lack of awareness and infrastructure for proper disposal and recycling remains a challenge in many parts of Asia Pacific. Farmers often lack knowledge of eco-friendly options, which slows down the adoption of sustainable films despite regulatory and environmental push.

Market Trends

• Growing Adoption of Biodegradable and Recyclable Films: With increasing concerns about plastic pollution and environmental sustainability, Asia Pacific is witnessing a shift toward biodegradable and recyclable agricultural films. Farmers and manufacturers are gradually adopting eco-friendly solutions, particularly in countries with strong government initiatives supporting sustainable farming.
• Expansion of Greenhouse and Protected Farming: There is a significant trend toward greenhouse and controlled-environment agriculture across Asia Pacific. Films with anti-drip, anti-fog, light-diffusing, and UV-stabilized properties are being widely adopted to improve crop quality and yield. This trend is particularly prominent in China, Japan, and South Korea, where controlled-environment farming is becoming an integral part of modern agriculture.

LLDPE is the largest material in the Asia Pacific agricultural films industry due to its superior flexibility, strength, and cost-effectiveness, which align with the diverse and intensive farming practices in the region.

Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) dominates the agricultural films market in Asia Pacific primarily because of its exceptional combination of mechanical properties, affordability, and adaptability to various climatic and farming conditions. The region, encompassing countries like China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam, has a high reliance on agriculture for both domestic consumption and export, necessitating cost-effective solutions for crop protection, yield enhancement, and post-harvest management.

LLDPE offers superior tensile strength, puncture resistance, and elasticity compared to other polymers like LDPE or HDPE, making it particularly suitable for applications such as greenhouse covers, mulching films, silage wrap, and tunnel films. These films must endure strong sunlight, fluctuating temperatures, heavy rainfall, and high humidity, conditions prevalent across Asia Pacific. LLDPE’s flexibility allows it to stretch and conform over uneven terrains, reducing the risk of tearing, while its UV resistance extends the functional lifespan of films, minimizing replacement frequency and operational costs for farmers.

Furthermore, LLDPE can be easily co-extruded with additives to provide enhanced properties such as anti-drip, anti-fog, and improved light transmission, which are critical for maximizing crop yield and ensuring energy efficiency in greenhouses. The affordability of LLDPE compared to more rigid polymers makes it highly attractive in developing countries where cost sensitivity is significant, enabling widespread adoption across smallholder farms and large commercial operations alike. Additionally, the polymer’s recyclability and compatibility with modern film-blowing technologies support large-scale production and supply chain efficiency in countries with rapidly expanding agricultural sectors.

Greenhouse applications are the fastest-growing segment in the Asia Pacific agricultural films industry due to the rising adoption of controlled-environment farming to boost crop yield and quality.

The greenhouse application segment is witnessing the fastest growth in the Asia Pacific agricultural films industry as farmers increasingly adopt controlled-environment agriculture to meet rising food demand, ensure consistent crop quality, and optimize land use. Rapid population growth, urbanization, and changing dietary patterns in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea have driven the need for year-round production of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, which traditional open-field farming often cannot reliably provide due to seasonal and climatic limitations.

Greenhouse films, typically made from LLDPE or LDPE with specialized coatings, help regulate temperature, humidity, and light transmission, enabling farmers to create optimal microclimates for high-value crops. This controlled environment reduces dependency on natural weather conditions, mitigates risks from pests and diseases, and allows for better water and nutrient management, which is particularly important in regions facing water scarcity or irregular rainfall. Moreover, government initiatives and subsidies promoting modern farming technologies and greenhouse adoption have accelerated market growth.

For instance, countries like China and India have implemented schemes to support greenhouse construction and modern plasticulture, providing both financial assistance and technical training to farmers. The technological advancements in greenhouse films, including anti-drip, anti-fog, UV stabilization, and infrared-blocking properties, have further enhanced their utility, making them highly efficient and durable under harsh climatic conditions prevalent across Asia Pacific. Additionally, greenhouse farming aligns with the increasing trend of high-value crop cultivation, such as organic vegetables, exotic fruits, and flowers for export markets, which require precise growing conditions and year-round production capabilities.

China is leading the Asia Pacific agriculture films industry due to its vast agricultural land, large-scale commercial farming, rapid adoption of modern farming technologies, and strong demand for high-yield and export-oriented crops.

China has emerged as the dominant player in the Asia Pacific agriculture films market, driven by the country’s expansive agricultural sector, focus on modernization, and the need to improve productivity and efficiency in crop cultivation. With one of the largest populations in the world, China faces immense pressure to ensure food security and meet the growing demand for diverse agricultural products. This has led to the widespread adoption of modern farming practices and technologies, where agriculture films such as mulch films, greenhouse films, silage films, and row covers play a crucial role.

These films help regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, reduce weed growth, and protect crops from pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions, thereby significantly improving yield and crop quality. High-value crops such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, and horticultural products benefit especially from these technologies, which are increasingly integrated into China’s intensive farming systems. Farms in regions like Shandong, Henan, and Hebei have implemented modern agricultural infrastructure, including greenhouses, drip irrigation systems, and mechanized equipment, which complement the use of agriculture films.

Greenhouse films, in particular, are widely used for vegetable and flower production, enabling year-round cultivation and consistent quality, which is essential for both domestic consumption and export markets. Moreover, the Chinese government has actively supported the agriculture sector through subsidies, technological initiatives, and policies promoting sustainable and efficient farming practices.

These measures encourage farmers to adopt environmentally friendly and advanced polymer-based films, including biodegradable and UV-stabilized varieties, to meet both regulatory standards and market demands. China’s strong manufacturing base further supports its leadership in the agriculture films industry. The country produces a wide range of high-quality agricultural films at competitive costs, ensuring accessibility and availability even in remote rural areas.

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