Agricultural Film Market Size (2025 – 2030)

The Agricultural Film Market was valued at USD 12 billion in 2024. Over the forecast period of 2025-2030, it is projected to reach USD 17.51 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%.

Agricultural films are flexible plastic materials used to safeguard crops in both open fields and greenhouses. These films contribute to improved crop yields. The durability and effectiveness of these films have been enhanced through the incorporation of various additives, including UV stabilizers, thermal stabilizers, and anti-fogging agents. The rising global demand for food has driven the increased use of high-performance plastic films in agriculture. These films are widely utilized in applications such as tunnels, greenhouses, irrigation systems, mulching, and silage. They help to provide shade within greenhouses and minimize the impact of hail. As the agriculture industry continues to grow, the demand for agricultural films is expected to rise throughout the market forecast period.

Key Market Insights:

Agricultural films are widely utilized in farming for purposes such as soil protection, greenhouse farming, and mulching. These films offer a range of advantages, including prevention of soil erosion and compaction, regulation of temperature, retention of nutrients, enhancement of seed germination, suppression of weeds, and protection from UV rays. The agricultural film market is driven by factors such as the growing adoption of protected cultivation methods, a focus on improving crop yields, the extensive use of mulching films, and an increasing demand for biodegradable alternatives. Additionally, global concerns over food security, driven by population growth and decreasing arable land, are further fueling the demand for agricultural films to enhance agricultural productivity.

The dominance of leading companies in the market can be attributed to ongoing innovations, established distribution networks, and technical centers. However, other notable players like Novamont, Berry Global Inc., Coveris, and AbRaniPlastOy are also influential in the global market, offering innovative products and technologies. The competitive dynamics among these companies, as they strive for a competitive edge, are expected to positively impact the market. Technological advancements, new product developments, and robust distribution networks are anticipated to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Agricultural Film Market Drivers:

The increasing demand for food, driven by population growth, is expected to significantly boost the market.

Global population growth has significantly driven the need for higher agricultural output. According to the United Nations, the world’s population is projected to grow by 2 billion over the next 30 years. This population increase, coupled with rising disposable incomes in developing nations, has led to dietary shifts, thereby escalating global food demand. The continuous use of land for crop production has depleted soil nutrients, prompting the adoption of advanced agricultural techniques to boost yields compared to traditional practices.

Agricultural films are used to protect crops and fodder from spoilage and microbial contamination. They also play a role in raising soil temperatures, which supports plant growth. The plastics industry has introduced various innovative products and technologies to enhance yields and improve profitability for food production businesses. Furthermore, the development of advanced agricultural methods has resulted in greater cost-efficiency, increasing both the quantity and quality of crops with minimal investment. The growing need to enhance agricultural productivity to meet daily food demands with reduced costs has contributed to the market's expansion.

Agricultural Film Market Restraints and Challenges:

Stringent environmental regulations regarding plastic use are expected to hinder market growth.

Plastic, primarily derived from oil and natural gas, is a major contributor to pollution, including the contamination of arable land and water. Growing concerns about environmental protection and resource conservation have led many governments and organizations to introduce regulations aimed at limiting plastic usage. These stringent regulations are expected to impact the adoption of agricultural films. Additionally, the cost and availability of plastics are closely tied to fluctuations in crude oil prices. The volatility of oil prices may result in price instability for plastic products, further hindering the widespread use of agricultural films.

Agricultural Film Market Opportunities:

Rise of nano greenhouses, aimed at enhancing agricultural output, is creating significant opportunities in the market.

Plastic films used as greenhouse coverings have evolved into advanced materials with enhanced mechanical and optical properties. The advent of nano greenhouses has enabled improved productivity and quicker harvests. One such innovation is the cellular polycarbonate NANO, a greenhouse coating material with a unique nanostructure that offers additional benefits, revolutionizing the greenhouse industry. Polycarbonate NANO is a white polycarbonate with light-modifying properties that provide a light spectrum conducive to plant growth. It retains all the advantages of traditional polycarbonate while converting harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation into a light spectrum that supports plant health.

Exposure to red light (wavelength λ=660 nm) triggers a photochromic conversion in plants, promoting the active form that boosts the synthesis of carotenoids and chlorophyll. This active photo-transition of chromo-proteins supports robust plant growth and increases crop yield.

In addition to its light-modifying properties, polycarbonate NANO possesses water-repellent qualities, prevents plant burns caused by direct sunlight, and protects plants from harsh external conditions. These features contribute to reduced labor and energy costs. Furthermore, polycarbonate NANO has been shown to increase vegetable growth productivity by 30% to 48% and accelerate the maturation of crops by 3-4 weeks. The growing adoption of this material for greenhouse covers is expected to significantly drive the agricultural films market growth.

AGRICULTURAL FILM MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Agricultural Film Market Segmentation: By Material

• LLDPE

• LDPE

• EVA/EBA

• HDPE

• Reclaims

• Others

Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) is widely used in agriculture due to its availability, affordability, high impact resistance, excellent workability, electrical insulation properties, and superior chemical resistance. As a result, the LLDPE segment holds the largest share of the agricultural films market. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) films, which are either translucent or colored for opacity, are commonly used in regions with harsh climatic conditions and limited water resources. These films find applications in low tunnels, greenhouses, mulching, silage, and irrigation tapes. The increasing demand for films that enhance light transmission, minimize reflection, and allow optimal sunlight penetration into greenhouses is expected to drive the growth of the LDPE segment.

Agricultural Film Market Segmentation: By Application

• Greenhouse

• Silage

• Mulching

The dominance of agricultural films in the global market can be primarily attributed to their role in protecting crops from weeds, which hinder growth and development. Additionally, mulch films help improve soil temperature, prevent moisture loss, and enhance crop yields. Due to the film's thickness, it requires thermal stabilizers and appropriate light levels, along with intermediary chemical resistance. These features protect crops from adverse weather conditions, contributing to the growth of the agricultural films market.

Greenhouse films are essential for shielding crops from rain and wind. They also play a critical role in regulating the internal temperature, maintaining stable conditions within the greenhouse both day and night. On the other hand, silage films are used for packaging seeds, grain, or fodder during fermentation processes. Their key features include insulation properties, such as acting as barriers against air and water, as well as resistance to sunlight.

Agricultural Film Market Segmentation- by region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• South America

• Middle East & Africa

China is the leading consumer of agricultural films in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by the high food demand from its rapidly growing population. The abundant availability of plastic raw materials in China, along with product innovation, is enhancing the market in China and other emerging economies in the region. Additionally, favorable government policies and regulations on agricultural production and trade further support market growth.

In North America, moderate growth is expected during the forecast period due to the relocation of many production facilities to developing countries. However, the rising consumer preference for plant-based foods is contributing to the market's expansion. In Europe, the market is projected to experience a comparatively higher compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period, fueled by the growing use of biodegradable materials. This shift is primarily driven by stringent regulations on plastic usage and disposal.

The markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are currently in the development stage. However, the ongoing infrastructure development in these regions, coupled with increasing consumer demand for organic food, is creating a favorable environment for agricultural films. Additionally, farmers in these regions are adopting advanced agricultural practices to increase production. As a result, these regions are expected to see significant market growth during the forecast period.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact Analysis

The global agricultural films market, like many other industries, was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The market saw a revenue decline of approximately 15% in 2022 due to the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic. The effects of COVID-19 were expected to have a moderately negative influence on the agricultural films market, leading to a slowdown in agricultural activities and a contraction in demand for agricultural films during that year. However, as industrial activities gradually resumed, with businesses operating under government-imposed guidelines, the market is anticipated to recover and experience positive growth in 2023 and the following years.

Latest Trends/ Developments:

July 2024: BASF launched Tinuvin NOR 211 AR to support film producers and converters worldwide in addressing the challenges of plasticulture, the use of plastic materials in agricultural applications. This new product offers an effective solution for agricultural plastics exposed to high UV radiation, thermal stress, and the inorganic chemicals commonly used in crop management and disinfection.

April 2023: Berry Global Group Inc. expanded its film manufacturing facility in Tennessee to accommodate the increasing demand for high-performance, sustainable stretch films. The expansion included the installation of three new cast lines, an upgrade to the facility's post-industrial resin (PIR) reprocessing system, and an extension of the rail spur for better resin material handling.

March 2023: Rani Plast, along with eight other progressive companies, announced a collaboration to establish a nationwide recycling collection system. This initiative aims to alleviate challenges associated with the disposal of used agricultural plastics.

May 2022: Berry Global partnered with CleanFarms and Poly-Ag Recycling to develop a closed-loop system for Canada’s circular economy, focusing on the recycling of agricultural plastics.