Europe Agriculture Films Market Outlook, 2030

Culturally, Europe has long valued high-quality produce and environmental stewardship, which is influencing the preference for biodegradable and recyclable films that minimize soil contamination, while at the same time, precision agriculture practices are pushing demand for advanced films that enhance crop scheduling, water retention, and yield efficiency. Trends shaping the sector include the growing adoption of certified biodegradable mulch films under the EN 17033 standard, multi-layer greenhouse films designed for better light diffusion and UV protection, and a rising emphasis on recycled or reclaimed materials as part of circular economy goals.

Urbanization is also impacting demand in two distinct ways: shrinking farmland in peri-urban zones drives the need for films that maximize output on limited land, while new urban farming ventures such as rooftop gardens, community plots, and vertical farms create niche requirements for durable, reusable, and eco-friendly films suited to smaller-scale cultivation. Innovations with disruptive potential include soil-biodegradable polymers such as PHA, PLA, and PBAT blends that break down safely under field conditions, chemical and mechanical recycling technologies that improve recovery rates, and even sensor-integrated smart films capable of monitoring microclimate for precision irrigation and crop protection.

Agricultural films provide benefits like reduced labor costs and improved soil health, as they eliminate the need for disposal after use and removal. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by launching new formulations that balance durability with biodegradability, thereby meeting both agricultural performance requirements and sustainability goals.

In March 2024, Berry Global’s European flexible films division showcased its latest developments in agricultural films and pouches at three events hosted by Applied Market Information Ltd. (AMI) in Barcelona and Valencia, Spain. Policymakers and industry stakeholders are responding with tighter regulations, voluntary certification schemes, awareness campaigns, and collection initiatives to align with Europe’s Green Deal objectives and plastic waste reduction strategies.

According to the research report, "Europe Agriculture Films Market Outlook, 2030,", the Europe Agriculture Films market is anticipated to add to more than USD 1.14 Billion by 2025-30. Farmers across the continent increasingly rely on mulch films, greenhouse covers, and silage wraps to enhance yields, conserve water, and extend growing seasons, with the market valued in the billions and projected to grow at mid-single-digit rates in the coming years. Climate variability, the rise of high-value horticulture in southern Europe, and shrinking farmland due to urbanization all contribute to stronger adoption of advanced films that improve crop cycles and quality.

Policy and regulation are another crucial growth factor, as the EU’s plastics strategy, Circular Economy Action Plan, and the EN 17033 standard for soil-biodegradable mulch films push the market toward eco-friendly, certified solutions and structured collection systems. This regulatory pressure creates challenges for traditional polyethylene films but also significant opportunities for companies developing biodegradable polymers, recycled-content films, and high-performance multi-layer designs.

Waste management remains a major issue, with agricultural plastics in Europe amounting to hundreds of thousands of tonnes annually and recycling rates often below one-third, which has spurred innovation in chemical and mechanical recycling as well as the introduction of compostable materials. In March 2025, Novamont launched a partnership with an Italian agricultural consortium to pilot compostable films for vineyard and orchard applications.

These films are engineered to decompose in soil, supporting regenerative agriculture and minimizing residue buildup. Supporting events and conferences such as AGRITECHNICA, AMI’s Agricultural Film and Plastics conference, and regional seminars on biodegradable plastics provide platforms for companies to showcase innovations, share trial data, and connect with stakeholders, accelerating knowledge transfer and adoption.

Market Drivers

• Growing Adoption of Greenhouse Farming: Europe has seen significant growth in greenhouse and protected agriculture, particularly in countries like Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Farmers use films to regulate temperature, humidity, and light, which is essential for cultivating high-value crops such as vegetables, flowers, and fruits. The need for year-round production and higher yields is driving demand for durable, high-performance films, making greenhouse expansion a major growth driver for the European market.
• Emphasis on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices: European regulations and consumer awareness strongly promote sustainability in agriculture. Biodegradable and recyclable agricultural films are increasingly preferred to reduce plastic waste and environmental impact. Governments and agricultural organizations provide incentives and guidelines for sustainable farming, encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly films, which is boosting market growth in Europe.

Market Challenges

• Stringent Environmental Regulations: Europe has strict environmental laws regarding the use and disposal of plastics, including agricultural films. Compliance with these regulations increases production costs for manufacturers and limits the use of conventional plastics. Farmers must adopt specialized biodegradable or recyclable films, which are often more expensive, posing a challenge to widespread adoption.
• High Cost of Advanced Films: Advanced films with multi-layer structures, UV stabilization, and biodegradable properties are more expensive than traditional films. While they provide better performance, the higher upfront cost can deter small-scale farmers, particularly in regions with tight budget constraints, limiting overall market penetration.

Market Trends

• Shift Toward Biodegradable and Recyclable Films: There is a clear trend in Europe toward eco-friendly agricultural films to comply with regulations and meet sustainability goals. Biodegradable films are gaining traction for mulch and silage applications, while recyclable films are being promoted for greenhouse covers. This trend reflects the market’s increasing focus on environmental responsibility.
• Integration of Advanced Film Technologies: European farmers are increasingly using films with specialized properties, such as anti-drip, anti-fog, light-diffusing, and UV-stabilized films. Multi-layer and co-extruded films are becoming more common to enhance durability and performance. This trend aligns with the broader adoption of precision agriculture and smart farming practices, aiming to optimize yield and resource efficiency.

EVA/EBA material is moderately growing in Europe’s agricultural films industry due to its enhanced mechanical strength and flexibility, which are preferred for specialized applications despite higher costs compared to conventional materials.

Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and ethylene-butyl acrylate (EBA) are increasingly being adopted in Europe’s agricultural films industry, but their growth remains moderate primarily because of a combination of cost considerations and selective application usage. These co-polymers are valued for their superior properties compared to traditional materials like low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). EVA and EBA offer improved elasticity, tensile strength, and puncture resistance, making them particularly suitable for applications that require durable, stretchable, and tear-resistant films, such as high-performance greenhouse coverings, mulching films for sensitive crops, and soil solarization films.

Their high flexibility allows for better adaptation to uneven terrains and complex greenhouse structures, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and increasing crop protection efficiency. Additionally, EVA/EBA films exhibit excellent light transmission and UV stability, which helps enhance plant growth and yield, particularly in controlled environment agriculture, which is gaining traction in Europe. Despite these advantages, the adoption rate is moderated by their higher production costs, which make them less competitive for standard applications dominated by LDPE films.

European farmers and film manufacturers often weigh the cost-benefit ratio carefully, using EVA/EBA selectively for high-value crops or situations where durability and performance outweigh price sensitivity. Furthermore, environmental concerns and increasing regulatory pressure on plastic usage in agriculture are influencing material choices. While EVA and EBA are recyclable, they are not as widely accepted in existing agricultural recycling streams as conventional polyethylene films, which limits their expansion in cost-sensitive markets.

Silage application is moderately growing in Europe’s agricultural films industry due to steady demand from livestock farming, tempered by the high cost of specialized films and environmental regulations.

Silage films in Europe are witnessing moderate growth as the adoption of advanced preservation techniques in livestock farming gradually increases, but growth is constrained by cost and regulatory factors. Silage films are primarily used to wrap and store forage, such as grass or corn, to preserve its nutritional value over extended periods, which is essential for maintaining livestock feed supplies during off-seasons. The moderate growth in Europe is largely driven by a consistent demand from dairy and meat producers who seek to improve feed quality and reduce losses caused by spoilage and microbial contamination.

Farmers are increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining high-quality silage to ensure better milk yield, animal health, and overall farm efficiency. European countries with strong livestock sectors, such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands, form the core market for silage films. However, the expansion is not rapid due to several limiting factors.

Firstly, silage films, particularly multi-layer and UV-stabilized types, are more expensive than standard polyethylene films, leading farmers to carefully balance cost against long-term benefits. Secondly, Europe has stringent environmental regulations regarding plastic waste management, prompting a push toward biodegradable or recyclable silage films.

While these eco-friendly alternatives exist, their higher cost and limited availability slow adoption. Additionally, the silage film market is inherently seasonal, depending on harvesting cycles and livestock feed requirements, which naturally moderates continuous growth. Technological advancements in silage film, such as enhanced oxygen barriers, UV resistance, and puncture-proof properties, contribute to gradual market expansion, but they are typically implemented by larger, well-resourced farms rather than small-scale operations.

Germany is leading the European agriculture films industry due to its advanced agricultural technology adoption, strong emphasis on sustainable farming, and presence of highly innovative manufacturers supplying high-quality polymer-based films.

Germany has established itself as the frontrunner in Europe’s agriculture films market, primarily driven by its highly developed agricultural sector, technological innovation, and commitment to sustainable farming practices. The country is home to a large number of commercial and high-value farms that cultivate vegetables, fruits, flowers, and specialty crops, all of which require efficient crop protection solutions. Agriculture films including mulch films, greenhouse films, silage films, and protective covers are widely used to enhance crop yields, protect against adverse weather conditions, control soil moisture and temperature, and reduce pest and weed infestations.

The adoption of these films is especially prominent in horticulture and greenhouse cultivation, which is a significant segment of German agriculture due to the demand for year-round production and high-quality export crops. Germany’s leadership is further reinforced by its emphasis on advanced agricultural technologies. Precision farming, controlled-environment agriculture, and mechanized farming systems are widely implemented, with agriculture films playing a central role in these innovations. For instance, biodegradable and UV-resistant films are increasingly used to meet both performance and environmental requirements, aligning with Germany’s stringent sustainability regulations and eco-friendly farming initiatives.

Government policies promoting environmental protection, soil conservation, and sustainable water management provide incentives for farmers to adopt modern crop-protection solutions, thereby boosting the agriculture films market. In addition, Germany benefits from a strong presence of manufacturers and suppliers that focus on research and development to produce innovative, high-quality films. Companies in the region are actively developing films with improved durability, enhanced biodegradability, anti-drip and anti-fog properties, and better resistance to environmental stressors, catering to both domestic and international markets.

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