Mulch Films Market – By Type, Material, Application- Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Mulch Films Market Size

The global mulch films market was valued at USD 4.6 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach USD 8.4 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%.

Mulch film which is also called as mulching sheet is a protective layer made up of plastic, biodegradable or organic material. It is primarily used for controlling weed growth, moisture retention, temperature moderation, and protecting the soil from erosion. By acting as a barrier between the soil and external conditions, mulch films increase the quality and yield in agriculture. The most common applications are in horticulture and floriculture as well as for crops like fruits, vegetables, and cash crops. They are widely used in drip irrigation systems, green-house farming, and in modern farming precision agriculture as a key component. There are other types of black, silver, and biodegradable mulch films that are tailored for specific agricultural purposes like improving photosynthesis, lowering pest attacks, and fostering root growth.
 

Farmers are heavily incentivized to increase the output of their land, and mulch films serve to bolster land productivity by improving soil health and minimizing nutrient depletion. In areas where land is limited, protected cropping systems such as the adoption of mulch films are becoming more popular to improve yields per unit area. By preventing water evaporation, aiding soil moisture retention, mulch films enhance water use efficiency. The increasing use of modern farming practices such as precision farming, greenhouse farming, and organic farming also increases the use of mulch films. Developments of biodegradable mulch films are also picking up the pace because they are eco-friendly. The more farmers adopt sustainable resource conserving farming practices, the more the mulch films market will prosper over the next few years.
 

The escalating demand for efficient agricultural practices is clear by the increase in global primary crop production, reaching 9.9 billion tonnes in 2023. Farmers aim at maximizing resource use efficiency towards attaining higher yields, and mulch films are a practical solution towards improving moisture retention within soils, weed suppression, and temperature regulation. The agricultural expansion is closely tied with the market, and it will subsequently guarantee steady growth in market.
 

Mulch Films Market Trends

The emerging technologies and changing consumer behavior, along with the amendments in regulations, are the very reason why the market is undergoing such a tremendous change. One of the noticeable shifts within the industry is the growing usage of biodegradable mulch films. With the rising concern for the environment, restraints are being placed on plastic waste and the public is more open to alternatives made through materials like polylactic acid (PLA) and starch blends. These materials serve the dual purpose of aiding in deforestation and adhering to regulations and in the process improving soil conditions, which makes them highly favored in sustainable agriculture. 
 

For example, BASF certified soil-biodegradable mulch films made of the biopolymer ecovio M 2351 helps in promoting better yield, better soil condition and no microplastic. Also in 2023, BASF announced their plan to establish compounding capacities for their biopolymer ecovio in China to benefit the customer in the Asia Pacifc region by providing biodegradable mulch film or agriculture film solutions.
 

Another key development is the smart and UV resistant film’s incorporation. The invention of mulch films that possess greater durability, light diffusion, and temperature regulation together with the advancements within the polymer science industry is indeed a boon. Soil temperature controlling smart films that retain moisture serve multi purposes, such as improving crop yield while simultaneously lowering water consumption.
 

Mulch Films Market Analysis

The mulch films industry by type is segmented into black, clear/transparent, colored, degradable, others. The black type accounted for 46.4% of the market share in 2024 and is expected to grow with the CAGR of 6.4%.
 

The black mulch film segment is the biggest segment in the mulch film due to its excellent performance in weed suppression, moisture retention, and temperature regulation which is critical in modern agriculture. Black mulch films are effective in combating weeds by preventing sunlight from penetrating and requiring the use of herbicides, which makes labor and input costs lower. In addition, they assist in reducing moisture evaporation which helps to sustain adequate water supply to crops, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.
 

Black mulch films are extensively used in vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers, fruits like strawberries and watermelons, and other cash crops where their growth conditions are expanded, and productivity is increased. A key example is their application in tomato farming in the United States and China where, these films help achieve higher yields and accelerate the crop cycle. In the same manner, black mulch films are widely used in strawberry farming in Spain, where soil temperature and moisture is controlled for better quality fruits.
 

An example of a black mulch film product is black mulch film by Berry Global which is available in 24-88 inches width and lengths of 2,000' to 4,000'. This economical product, which is effective for up to 12 months, provides excellent protection against UV rays and helps preserve soil, increasing black mulch films’ market superiority in commercial agriculture.
 

The mulch films market is segmented into low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), others. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) segment holds the market size of USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and expected to grow at a faster rate of 6.5% CAGR.
 

The remarkable features like flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has contributed to making it the leading mulch film material. Farmers have come to prefer it due to its moisture retention, weed suppression, and temperature moderation capabilities across various agricultural applications. LDPE mulch films are popular in vegetable and fruit growing as they significantly improve crop yields by reducing water evaporation and soil erosion. Moreover, their UV and weather resistance provides long lasting performance in the field. Although global environmental issues are rising, LDPE continues to be one of the key materials due to its cost and availability.
 

Moreover, Berry Global and Armando Alvarez Group manufacture specialized LDPE mulch films for various climatic conditions which helps them strengthen their market position. Many other materials in addition to LDPE are popular in the mulch film industry and each one has its own benefits. Linear low-density polyethylene possesses the highest resistance and strength. This makes it useful for harsh agricultural operations. High density polyethylene is suitable for parts which are exposed to UV rays due to its strength and resistance to these rays as well as to severe weather conditions. However, environmentally friendly farming is facilitated by polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) as these compounds which are increasingly popular due to their ability to biodegrade in soil also provide superior weed suppression and moisture retention.
 

Based on application the market is segmented into agricultural films and horticulture. The agricultural farm segment accounted for 76.4% of the market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3%.
 

Agricultural farms hold a major share in the mulch films market across the world because of their extensive adoption of mulch for crop yield improvement with moisture retention and soil conditioning. Farmers use mulch films in vegetables, fruit, and cereal crops where they provide fundamental functions like weed control, soil temperature moderation, and moisture evaporation regulation. China, India, and the United States have led market demand as these countries have large farms and high productivity and are extremely dependent on mulch films. Government policies that promote effective irrigation and soil conservation have increased the use of mulch films in agriculture, which has strengthened this market segment’s position in the global economy.
 

Horticulture is another major application segment of the mulch films market. High-value crops such as berries, grapes, and even ornamental flowers are favorable to the use of mulch films which improve growth conditions while reducing the need for herbicides. As consumers become more particular about the horticultural products they buy, farmers are increasingly using sophisticated types of mulch films such as UV resistant and biodegradable ones. Moreover, horticulture in greenhouses, especially in Europe and North America, is fueling the use of premium films of mulch made especially for controlled environments in which plants grow best.
 

For example, the SOLAR SHRINK mulch film by Armando Alvarez Group is the ultimate new solution which requires up to 15% less plastic and is thinner up to 50% than the traditional mulches.
 

In the mulch films market Asia Pacific dominated the market by accounting USD 1.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% in 2034.
 

Asia-Pacific holds the largest share of the global mulch films market due to its dominant agricultural activities, growing population, and rising food needs. China and India are the top markets owing to government policies that support environmentally friendly farming practices and high yield agriculture.  Reduced cost of raw materials and cheap labor also boost Asia-Pacific's dominance in the market. Moreover, the growing popularity of biodegradable mulch films due to environmental policies increases the market potential. With the continuous development of polymer technologies and growing investment in agriculture, Asia-Pacific will continue to control the markets.
 

The remarkable increase in production of fruits and vegetables in India fuels the demand for mulch films in both agriculture and horticulture. Vegetables comprise around 58% of the horticulture while fruits account for 30%, thus their ever-increasing area of cultivation requires efficient soil and moisture management. The increases of 48% in fruit production and 32% in vegetables produced from 2011-12 to 2023-24 greatly impacts the use of mulch films for controlling weeds, regulating soil temperature, and conserving water. There are great opportunities for the new biodegradable and sophisticated polyethylene mulch films.
 

The mulch films market is expected to grow considerably due to the rising adoption of sustainable farming practices in North America. Increased investment in organic farming alongside shifts to precision agriculture is likely to expand the market further. Moreover, prominent market participants spending on R&D for new and recyclable mulch films will likely offer higher market penetration. Furthermore, the region is readily adopting eco-friendly techniques, which is boosting the demand for biodegradable mulch films.
 

On February 2023 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) ’s investment of USD 70 million on sustainable agriculture projects increase the demand for environmentally friendly and biodegradable solutions making it easy for market to grow.
 

Mulch Films Market Share

In the market, BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Berry Global Inc., FKuR Kunststoff GmbH are the top 5 players which holds a large share due to their broad product portfolio and established market position. These companies benefit from their global presence and brand name in the market. Novamont S.p.A., RKW Group, Armando Alvarez Group, British Polythene Industries Plc, Plastibends are some of the other players in the market with good reputation in this industry. The overall market competition is growing as the demand for more sustainable and biodegradable solution rises, these companies focus on developing such solution for fulfilling market needs.
 

• In February 2024, NUREL made the announcement regarding two additional grades of INZEA biopolymers made specifically for agricultural mulch films. These materials are designed to increase agricultural productivity while mitigating environmental issues associated with conventional plastic mulches. Such materials are further certified as biodegradable in so inclined conditions, ensuring no environmental damage is caused, thus dealing with the cost and problems associated with plastic waste management.
   
• In October 2023, Mondi began partnership with Cotesi and created a sustainable replacement for plastic mulching films commonly used in agriculture. Their product called Advantage Kraft Mulch is made is made from kraft paper. This solution also acts as a protective cover for crops against birds and weeds during the growth season while at the same time, is disposable through composting, hence does serve the purpose of plastic disposal harm reduction.
   
• In 2024 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded a four-year, USD 744,000 grant to a team of researchers to develop new mulch films for agricultural crops that are not only sustainable and biodegradable but will also help nourish and improve the health of soils and reduce plastic pollution.
   

Mulch Films Market Companies 

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the industry include:

• BASF SE
• The Dow Chemical Company
• Berry Global Inc.
• FKuR Kunststoff GmbH
• Novamont S.p.A.
• RKW Group
• Armando Alvarez Group
• British Polythene Industries Plc
• Plastibends
• Ampacet Corporation
   

Mulch Film Industry News

• In August 2021 RKW Group brought on the market a Polydress FarmGuard, an advanced 100µm silage barrier film, with 7-layer design. This product has excellent oxygen barrier properties which substantially improve the silage protection, as well as handling by the farmers.
   
• In 2023, BioBag World Australia has developed a soil biodegradable agricultural mulch film that makes it easier and more cost effective for growers to dispose of used film in a way that does not impact negatively on soil quality.
   

The mulch films market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Billion from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Black
• Clear/Transparent
• Colored
• Degradable
• Others

Market, By Material

• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
• Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)
• Polylactic acid (PLA)
• Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)
• Others

Market, By Application

• Agricultural farms
• Horticulture

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE