Agricultural Films Market Overview

The agricultural films market refers to the production and distribution of plastic films used in various agricultural applications, such as greenhouse covering, mulching, silage wrapping, and irrigation. These films are made from different polymers, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The demand for agricultural films is driven by the need to increase crop yield, improve the quality of agricultural produce, and conserve water resources. The films help to create a controlled environment that protects crops from pests, diseases, and harsh weather conditions. They also enhance soil moisture retention, reduce soil erosion, and increase soil temperature, which promotes faster crop growth.

The global agricultural films market is growing, driven by the increasing adoption of modern agricultural practices and the growing demand for food. According to a report by Research and Markets, the market size was valued at USD 9.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 14.8 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.

However, the use of plastic films in agriculture has raised environmental concerns due to the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste. To address this issue, there is a growing demand for biodegradable and compostable films made from natural polymers, such as starch and cellulose. These films are expected to witness significant growth in the coming years as sustainable agriculture practices gain more attention.

 Agricultural Films Market Covid Impact

The agricultural films market has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to disruptions in the global supply chain, causing shortages in raw materials and affecting the availability of agricultural films. Additionally, the pandemic has resulted in reduced demand for agricultural films due to decreased agricultural activities.

The closure of borders and restrictions on international trade have affected the availability of raw materials such as polyethylene, which is a key component of agricultural films. This has led to increased prices of raw materials and ultimately, the final products.

Moreover, the pandemic has resulted in reduced demand for agricultural films due to the slowdown of agricultural activities. The lockdowns and restrictions imposed by various governments have affected farming activities, leading to a decline in demand for agricultural films.

However, the agricultural films market is expected to recover gradually as the pandemic situation improves. With the rollout of vaccines and the lifting of restrictions, agricultural activities are expected to increase, leading to a rise in demand for agricultural films. Additionally, innovations in agricultural films, such as biodegradable films, are expected to drive the growth of the market in the post-pandemic era.

Agricultural Films Market Segmentation

 By Type:

• LLDPE
• LDPE
• Reclaim
• EVA
• HDPE

By Application:

• Greenhouse Films
• Classic Greenhouse
• Macro Tunnels
• Silage Films
• Silage Stretch Wraps
• Mulch Films

Major key players

• Berry Global Inc.
• DowDuPont Inc.
• Novamont S.p.A.
• RKW SE
• BASF SE
• AEP Industries Inc.
• Ab Rani Plast Oy
• ExxonMobil Corporation
• British Polythene Industries PLC
• Trioplast Industrier AB

Agricultural Films Market Key Trends

Growing Demand for Biodegradable Films: With increasing environmental concerns, the demand for biodegradable films has been on the rise. These films are made from organic materials that can easily decompose in soil, leaving no harmful residue behind.

Adoption of Smart Films: Smart films are designed to help farmers monitor and regulate the temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors within a greenhouse or other growing environment. These films can help improve crop yields and reduce waste.

Increasing Popularity of Mulching Films: Mulching films are used to cover the soil around crops to help retain moisture, regulate temperature, and control weed growth. These films have been gaining popularity due to their ability to increase crop yields and reduce water usage

Advancements in Material Technology: The agricultural films market has been witnessing significant advancements in material technology. This has led to the development of films that are more durable, resistant to tearing and punctures, and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions.

Growing Demand for High Tunnel Films: High tunnel films are used to cover hoop houses, tunnels, and other structures used for crop production. These films help extend the growing season, protect crops from harsh weather conditions, and improve crop yields.

Increasing Focus on Sustainable Agriculture: The agriculture industry is increasingly focused on sustainable practices, and this is driving demand for films that are eco-friendly and can help reduce waste and environmental impact.

Agricultural Films Market Key Drivers

Increasing demand for food: The growing global population and changing dietary preferences have led to an increase in demand for food. Agricultural films are used to protect crops, increase yield, and enhance the quality of produce, which can help meet this growing demand.

Adoption of modern farming techniques: Modern farming techniques, such as greenhouse farming and drip irrigation, require the use of agricultural films to improve crop growth and yield. This has led to an increase in the adoption of agricultural films.

Government support: Governments in several countries are offering subsidies and incentives to farmers to adopt modern farming techniques, including the use of agricultural films. This has encouraged farmers to use agricultural films and has driven the growth of the agricultural films market.

Advancements in technology: Technological advancements in the manufacturing of agricultural films have led to the development of high-quality films that offer better protection to crops. This has further driven the adoption of agricultural films by farmers.

Environmental benefits: Agricultural films can help reduce water usage, prevent soil erosion, and minimize the use of pesticides, which can have a positive impact on the environment. This has led to an increase in the demand for agricultural films from environmentally conscious consumers.

Agricultural Films Market Major Developments

Sustainable Film Production: There is a growing demand for sustainable agriculture films, which has led to the development of biodegradable and compostable films made from natural materials. These films reduce environmental pollution and are preferred by environmentally conscious farmers.

Use of Nano-Technology: The use of nano-technology in agriculture films has led to the development of films that are more resistant to UV radiation, offer better thermal stability, and are more durable.

Improved Performance: Advances in film manufacturing technology have led to the development of films with improved performance characteristics, such as higher tensile strength, better puncture resistance, and improved elasticity.

Adoption of Smart Films: Smart films equipped with sensors are being used in agriculture to monitor soil temperature, moisture levels, and plant growth. These films can also release fertilizers and pesticides in a controlled manner, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Agricultural Films Market Regional Insights

North America: The North American market for agricultural films is dominated by the United States and Canada. The demand for agricultural films in this region is mainly driven by the increasing adoption of high-quality crop protection and growth enhancement products, as well as the growing trend of organic farming.

Europe: Europe is a significant market for agricultural films, with countries such as Germany, France, and Italy being major players in the industry. The demand for agricultural films in this region is mainly driven by the increasing demand for food and the growing trend of sustainable agriculture practices.

Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is one of the fastest-growing markets for agricultural films. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are the major players in this region. The growth in this market is primarily driven by the increasing population, rising demand for food, and the growing trend of protected agriculture.

Latin America: The Latin American market for agricultural films is dominated by Brazil and Argentina. The demand for agricultural films in this region is mainly driven by the increasing adoption of advanced farming technologies and the growing demand for high-quality crops.

Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa region is an emerging market for agricultural films. The demand for agricultural films in this region is primarily driven by the increasing demand for food and the growing trend of protected agriculture. Countries such as South Africa and Saudi Arabia are the major players in this market.

North America

• US
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• U.K.
• Italy
• Spain
• Sweden
• Netherland
• Turkey
• Switzerland
• Belgium
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• South Korea
• Japan
• China
• India
• Australia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Rest Of APAC

Latin America

• Mexico
• Colombia
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Peru
• Rest of South America

Middle East and Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• South Africa
• Rest Of MEA