Agriculture Films Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Agriculture Films Market Analysis

The Agriculture Films Market size is estimated at USD 12.5 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 17 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 6.40% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Agricultural films are materials used extensively in farming for soil protection, greenhouse cultivation, and mulching. These films provide numerous benefits, including reduced soil erosion and compaction, temperature regulation, nutrient retention, improved seed germination, weed suppression, and protection against UV radiation. The agricultural film market is driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of protected cultivation practices, a focus on enhancing crop yields, the widespread use of mulching films, and the growing demand for biodegradable options. Global food security concerns, stemming from a rising population and declining arable land, are further bolstering the demand for agricultural films as a means to improve agricultural productivity.

Mulching is a key application of agricultural films, with soil mulching using films becoming increasingly common in global agriculture. The growing consumer preference for biodegradable films, driven by environmental concerns, serves as a significant driver for this mature market. Mulch films are widely used in corn and soybean cultivation. Universities and researchers are actively studying ways to enhance the use of mulch films in agriculture, focusing on more sustainable solutions. In 2024, Lehigh University researchers developed biodegradable mulch films that deliver nutrients to crops, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic films. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded a USD 744,000 research grant for a project titled "PARTNERSHIP: Engineering Nutrient-Enhanced Mulch Film to Improve Degradation and Soil Health." This multi-year initiative, running from July 2024 through June 2028, involves collaboration among experts from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Maricopa, Arizona, and Ben Gurion University in Israel.

Agricultural films are widely used in various farming practices, including greenhouses and fodder packaging, to protect crops from cold temperatures. Canada's predominantly low temperatures due to long winters hinder crop growth, leading to a reliance on imports to meet demand. Consequently, the use of protected cultivation methods like greenhouses is increasing to reduce import dependency, driving the demand for greenhouse films. The area under greenhouse cultivation in Canada has been expanding for several years. According to the Ministry of Canada, in 2023, Canada had 920 commercial greenhouse vegetable operations, producing 802,163 metric tons of vegetables. This represented a 7% increase in production compared to 2022. Ontario remained the leader in the greenhouse vegetable market in 2023, accounting for 72% of Canada's total production. British Columbia followed with 14%, and Quebec with 8%. The remaining provinces collectively contributed 6% to the total production. This growth in the greenhouse industry is fueling the demand for greenhouse films in the market.

Environmental concerns are driving increased demand for biodegradable agricultural films. These eco-friendly alternatives help suppress weeds, regulate temperature, preserve soil nutrients and moisture, and enhance plant stability. Governments worldwide are promoting sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly farming practices, which is projected to support market growth in the coming years.

Agriculture Films Industry Segmentation

Agricultural films are used in many innovative agricultural practices to increase the crop output per hectare while enhancing crop quality. These practices include soil protection, greenhouse farming, controlled farming, and mulching. The agricultural films market is segmented by Type (Low-density polyethylene, Linear low-density polyethylene, High-density polyethylene, Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA)/ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA), Reclaims, and Other Types), Application (Greenhouse, Silage, Mulching, and Other Applications), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Africa). The report offers market size and forecast in terms of values in USD for all the above segments.