Mulch Films Market Size & Outlook, 2026-2034

Mulch Films Market Overview

The global mulch films market size is valued at USD 4.72 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 8.96 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 7.45% during the forecast period. The market’s growth is driven by rising food security needs, advancements in agricultural plastics, the push for sustainable farming practices, and the adoption of precision agriculture technologies that enhance yield efficiency.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• Asia Pacific dominated the market with a revenue share of 45% in 2025.
• Latin America is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.
• Based on Material, the Conventional polyethene segment held the highest market share of 68% in 2025.
• By Application, the protected cultivation segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR growth of 9.5%.
• Based on Crop Type, the Vegetables and horticulture category dominated the market in 2025 with a revenue share of 40%.
• Based on the distribution channel, the E-commerce segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 12% during the forecast period.
• China dominates the market, valued at USD 992.25 million in 2024 and reaching USD 1,061.91 million in 2025.

Source: Straits Research

Market Size & Forecast

• 2025 Market Size: USD 4.72 billion
• 2034 Projected Market Size: USD 8.96 billion
• CAGR (2026-2034): 7.45%
• Dominating Region: Asia Pacific
• Fastest-Growing Region: Latin America

The global mulch films market encompasses polyethene, biodegradable, and speciality polymer films used in open-field and protected cultivation for fruits, vegetables, grains, horticultural crops, and nursery applications. These films are primarily used to regulate soil temperature, control weeds, retain moisture, and enhance crop quality and productivity. Market growth is influenced by shifting farmer preferences toward higher-value inputs, innovations in bio-based materials, and the expansion of modern retail and agricultural distribution channels, which improve product accessibility and encourage adoption among small and medium-sized farmers.

Market Trends

Shift Toward Biodegradable and Bio-Based Mulch Films

The mulch films market is increasingly shifting toward biodegradable and bio-based alternatives as environmental sustainability becomes a central concern in agriculture. Conventional polyethene films generate plastic residues that are difficult and costly to remove, thereby raising long-term concerns about soil and waste management. This has accelerated the development of mulch films made from renewable materials such as starch blends and polylactic acid. Farmers are gradually adopting biodegradable films due to their lower production costs, reduced environmental impact, and compatibility with organic farming practices, thereby supporting sustainable market growth.

To get more insights about this report Download Free Sample Report

Market Drivers

Rising Global Food Demand and Intensive Horticultural Production

Growing global food demand, coupled with a shift toward fruits, vegetables, and other high-value crops, is a key driver of the mulch films market. Mulch films enable higher yields, improved crop quality, and more efficient land use, making them essential for intensive horticulture and protected cultivation systems. Their ability to support multiple cropping cycles and reduce water and labour requirements is particularly valuable in regions facing land and resource constraints. As countries promote horticulture to enhance food security and farm incomes, mulch films continue to gain importance as a productivity-enhancing agricultural input, sustaining long-term demand.

Technological Advancements and Material Innovation

Advances in polymer science and manufacturing technologies are significantly strengthening the market. Innovations such as multi-layer structures, UV-stabilised materials, crop-specific colours, and thermally reflective coatings improve durability and agronomic performance across diverse climates. These developments allow manufacturers to tailor mulch films to specific soil types, temperature conditions, and crop requirements. Improved processing technologies also enhance consistency and scalability, enabling the production of premium product offerings. Continuous material innovation supports product differentiation, encourages adoption among commercial growers, and reinforces the role of mulch films as a value-added agricultural solution.

Market Restraint

Environmental Concerns and Plastic Waste Regulation

Environmental concerns related to the accumulation of plastic residue remain a significant restraint for the mulch films market. Improper retrieval and disposal of conventional plastic films can lead to long-term soil contamination, particularly in regions lacking effective waste management systems. Increasing regulatory scrutiny and stricter environmental standards are limiting the use of non-degradable plastics and raising compliance costs for manufacturers and farmers. These regulations can discourage adoption among price-sensitive users and slow market growth in certain regions, especially where affordable biodegradable alternatives are not yet widely accessible.

Market Opportunity

Growth of Protected Cultivation and High-Value Export Agriculture

The rapid expansion of protected cultivation, greenhouse farming, and export-oriented horticulture presents strong growth potential for mulch film manufacturers. These systems rely heavily on advanced mulching solutions to control temperature, moisture, and crop quality under intensive production conditions. Regions investing in climate-resilient agriculture and off-season crop exports increasingly specify high-performance mulch films as standard inputs. As global demand for consistent, high-quality produce rises, specialised mulch films designed for controlled environments and export crops will see sustained adoption, creating long-term opportunities for market expansion.

Regional Analysis

According to Straits Research, the Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2025, accounting for 45% market share. The Asia Pacific region leads due to its large planted area in vegetables and fruits, the rapid adoption of plasticulture, and competitive local manufacturing capacity. Countries with intensive horticulture, high export orientation, and available labour savings incentives have driven sustained mulch film consumption. Dense cropping systems and diversified farm structures also mean steady replacement cycles and strong aggregate demand. Additionally, regional polymer production and converting capabilities reduce landed costs, supporting volume sales. Asia Pacific’s combination of scale, crop mix and manufacturing infrastructure cements its dominant position in global volumes and revenues.

China is the largest market in the region because of its vast horticultural footprint, strong conversion capacity, and increasing mechanisation of vegetable and fruit production. Domestic polymer production and local film converters lower costs and shorten lead times, encouraging broad adoption across farm sizes. Government programmes that promote modernisation of agriculture, combined with booming e-commerce channels for agricultural inputs, support faster uptake of both conventional and higher-performance mulch films.

Source: Straits Research

Latin America Mulch Films Market Insights

Latin America is emerging as the fastest-growing market, expanding at a projected CAGR of around 7.5% during 2026–2034. Growth is driven by export-oriented horticulture, particularly in berries, tomatoes, and speciality fruits, where mulch films enhance yield quality, extend the season, and facilitate compliance with strict residue standards in destination markets. Water scarcity in semi-arid zones further accelerates the adoption of films, which enhance moisture retention and irrigation efficiency. The concentration of export clusters and increasing commercialisation of agriculture are generating above-average growth opportunities for value-added and speciality film types.

Mexico leads Latin America due to its strong position in exporting vegetables and berries to North America. Mulch films are essential for meeting off-season demand, enhancing fruit appearance, and reducing disease pressure. Investments in protected cultivation and mechanised laying equipment further reinforce adoption, sustaining robust demand growth across commercial farming regions.

North America Market Insights

North America represents a significant share of the global mulch films market, supported by large-scale commercial farming, advanced mechanisation, and widespread use of precision agriculture. Mulch films are widely used in vegetable, berry, and greenhouse production to enhance uniformity, conserve water, and expedite planting cycles. Environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives are driving the gradual adoption of biodegradable and low-residue films. Strong distribution networks, access to financing, and technology readiness enable smooth transitions to advanced products.

The U.S. dominates North America due to intensive vegetable production, large greenhouse clusters, and early adoption of advanced mulch technologies. Demand is rising for photoselective and biodegradable films, driven by regulatory considerations and retailer sustainability requirements. Strong extension services, contract farming arrangements, and access to capital support frequent replacement cycles and premium purchases.

Europe Market Insights

Europe’s mulch films market is shaped by intensive protected cultivation, strict environmental regulations, and strong consumer demand for low-residue produce. Both southern greenhouse regions and northern open-field horticulture rely on films to optimise yields and water use. Competition focuses on speciality performance attributes, such as UV stability, multilayer durability, and photoselective properties, rather than cost. Retailer traceability requirements and public procurement policies further support the uptake of premium products.

Spain is Europe’s leading market for mulch films, largely due to its extensive greenhouse systems, particularly in Almería, which supplies fresh produce year-round. Mulch films are widely used for soil warming, pest control, and water conservation in Mediterranean climates. Spain’s export orientation, combined with investments in irrigation efficiency and mechanisation, supports high per-hectare film usage.

Middle East and Africa Market Insights

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) is a smaller but strategically important market, driven by water scarcity, land limitations, and food-security initiatives. Gulf countries invest heavily in protected cultivation and high-performance films to support domestic food production. In contrast, parts of North and Southern Africa utilise mulch films to enhance yields and mitigate soil degradation in commercial farming areas. Adoption remains uneven, with premium uptake concentrated in wealthier markets while smallholder regions remain price-sensitive.

The UAE leads the MEA region due to its strong government-backed investment in protected agriculture and food security programs. Limited arable land and high water costs make mulch films critical for greenhouse efficiency and soil management. High purchasing power and policy support accelerate uptake of both conventional and speciality films, positioning the UAE as a regional reference market for advanced mulch film technologies.

Material Insights

According to Straits Research, Conventional polyethylene dominated the market with a revenue share of 68% in 2025 due to its low cost, wide availability, and proven field performance. LDPE and LLDPE offer reliable mechanical strength, tear resistance, and predictable UV stability, ensuring consistent crop outcomes. Farmers value polyethylene for ease of installation and compatibility with standard laying equipment.

Biodegradable polymers are the fastest-growing segment, exhibiting a 14% CAGR as sustainability regulations and residue concerns gain prominence. Materials such as PLA, PBAT, and starch blends now deliver improved strength and controlled degradation, making them suitable for many crop cycles. Supportive government policies and composting infrastructure encourage the adoption of composting practices, particularly in horticulture. As costs decline and certification standards mature, biodegradable films are increasingly moving from niche organic use into mainstream commercial agriculture.

Application Insights

Open-field cultivation holds the largest share, at 55%, because most global crop production occurs in outdoor farming systems. Mulch films are widely used for weed suppression, soil moisture retention, and temperature control in vegetables and field crops. Their cost-effectiveness and compatibility with conventional machinery support broad adoption. Input suppliers often bundle mulch films with seeds and irrigation products, reinforcing usage.

Protected cultivation is the fastest-growing application, projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% as greenhouse and tunnel farming expand to support year-round and export-oriented production. In controlled environments, mulch films improve microclimate control, reduce disease pressure, and support multiple cropping cycles. Growth is driven by rising demand for high-quality produce, the expansion of greenhouse infrastructure in arid regions, and the integration of drip irrigation and fertigation systems.

Crop Type Insights

Vegetables and horticulture dominate the market, accounting for a 40% revenue share. These crops deliver high returns and benefit directly from improved yield, quality, and uniformity. Mulch films enhance moisture retention, suppress weeds, and accelerate crop maturity. Export-oriented growers also value residue control and consistent quality. The high value per hectare justifies investment in better inputs, making vegetable and horticulture producers the largest and most stable customer base for mulch films.

Flowers and ornamentals are the fastest-growing crop segment, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.5%, driven by increasing demand for premium-quality plants and export-grade aesthetics. Mulch films help control soil moisture, reduce disease, and improve uniformity in nurseries and floriculture operations. Colored and photoselective films are used to influence growth patterns and bloom timing. The expansion of urban landscaping, floriculture exports, and commercial nurseries supports rapid growth for specialised mulch films in this segment.

Source: Straits Research

Distribution Channel Insights

Agri-dealers and distributors are expected to hold the largest market share of 50% in 2025, due to their extensive rural reach, trusted relationships, and value-added services. They provide credit access, technical guidance, and bundled input solutions that simplify purchasing decisions for farmers. Local stocking and after-sales support improve adoption, especially among small and mid-sized growers. This channel enables manufacturers to scale efficiently without establishing direct networks, thereby reinforcing dealers’ central role in mulch film sales.

E-commerce is the fastest-growing channel, growing at a rate of 12%, driven by improving rural connectivity and digital adoption among commercial growers. Online platforms offer transparent pricing, detailed specifications, and access to speciality films not always available locally. Greenhouse operators and cooperatives increasingly use digital procurement for bulk or customised orders.

Competitive Landscape

The mulch films market is moderately fragmented, comprising global polymer giants, specialised agricultural film producers, and emerging sustainable-material innovators. Established players leverage their scale, R&D depth, and global distribution to dominate the polyethene and high-performance segments. Mid-sized and new entrants compete through cost efficiency, regional responsiveness, and biodegradable or crop-specific solutions. Market momentum is shaped by sustainability demand, closer manufacturer–farmer partnerships, digital procurement, and increasing institutional purchasing, particularly in commercial and protected agriculture.

BASF SE: A Heritage Innovator in Sustainable Mulch Films

BASF SE is a leading innovator in biodegradable and soil-biodegradable mulch films, combining chemical expertise with advanced agricultural research and development. Its strength lies in developing certified biopolymer solutions that balance durability with controlled soil degradation, thereby addressing regulatory and environmental concerns. BASF targets commercial growers, exporters, and organic producers seeking residue-free solutions.

Latest News:

• In February 2025, BASF SE introduced a certified soil-biodegradable mulch film grade under its ecovio M 2351 label, promoting improved yield, water savings, and the elimination of plastic residue after harvest.

List of key players in Mulch Films Market

1. BASF SE
2. Berry Global Inc.
3. The Dow Chemical Company
4. RKW Group
5. Novamont S.p.A.
6. Armando Alvarez Group
7. AEP Industries Inc.
8. BioBag International AS
9. Plastika Kritis S.A.
10. Trioplast Industrier AB
11. Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd.
12. British Polythene Industries PLC
13. Coveris Holdings S.A.
14. Al‑Pack Enterprises Ltd.
15. Plastiroll Oy Ltd
16. Iris Polymers Industries Pvt. Ltd.
17. Xinjiang Tianye Group
18. Shandong Qingtian Plastic Co., Ltd.
19. Shandong Tianhe Plastic Co., Ltd.
20. Harbin Suwu

To get more findings about this report Download Market Share

Strategic Initiatives

• November 2025 - Novamont S.p.A.’s Mater-Bi Mulch Film certified as an Inorganic Soil Improver under the stringent EU Fertilizer Regulation 2019/1009.
• February 2025 - RKW officially announced the merger of RKW Agri GmbH & Co. KG into RKW SE.