Global Mulch Films Market Assessment, By Product Type [Clear/Transparent, Black Mulch, Colored Mulch, Photo-selective Mulch, Degradable Mulch, Others], By Application [Agricultural Farms, Horticulture], By Element [Polyethylene, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Polylactic Acid, Polyhydroxyalkanoates, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global mulch films market is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.13% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 8.05 billion in 2023 to USD 13.97 billion in 2031. Across the globe, there has been rapid market expansion as technology grows through advanced farming methods to augment crop production and quality. Mulch films are a significant component in conserving the moisture of soil, preventing weeds from growing, maintaining appropriate temperatures in soil, and improving crop yield. Therefore, modern agriculture is impossible for this product. As environmental aspects and strict laws concerning plastic application are causing a change in the market’s preference towards biodegradable mulch films, it has led producers to put their money into research and development activities so that they can come up with safe-for-environment products that perform well to meet the requirements of environmentally friendly customers.

Furthermore, the usage of mulch films has been driven by a rise in demand for fruits, vegetables, and high-value crops, particularly in developing nations where agriculture is increasingly taking shape. In addition, efficient water management in dry areas and a strong focus on food security are growing factors for market expansion. Nevertheless, the industry is confronted with several challenges, including unstable raw material prices, disposal problems associated with non-biodegradable films, and a lack of awareness among farmers about the benefits of mulch films.

In this competitive market, innovation sets the tone among competitors. Key market players are involved in introducing more sophisticated products with better UV resistance, durability, and crop-specific customization and expanding their market reach by using other brands’ recognition among customers. For instance, in January 2024, Braskem S.A.  signed a distribution agreement with FKuR Kunststoff GmbH for the distribution of Braskem’s bio-based EVA range, I’m Green. This agreement made FKuR the official distributor of I’m Green bio-based portfolio in Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, Israel, and the European Union.

Companies are entering into collaboration and strategic partnerships to reach a wide range of areas and cater to agricultural requirements in the forecast period. Therefore, the mulch films market is positioned for steady growth due to improved technology, a desire for sustainability, and an enhanced global focus on sustainable farming methods.

Environmental Concerns and Regulations to Catalyze Market Expansion

Since global plastic waste is difficult to dispose of, traditional plastic mulch films are mostly made from polyethylene. Thus, the mulch films market seems to shift towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable products. In this regard, among other factors, environmental concerns and regulations seem to be the driving force behind the change. Concerns about soil deterioration, pollution by microplastics, and lasting effects on the environment are on the rise. To combat this, the government and regulatory organizations have started to enforce tighter regulations on plastic utilization, emphasizing the necessity for biodegradable and compostable replacements.

The use of biodegradable mulch films created from substances, such as starch mixtures, polylactic acid (PLA), and alternative organic polymers that decay naturally without damaging the ecosystem is rising due to these laws. Moreover, sustainability in agriculture and increasing knowledge of the negative impacts of plastic have resulted in consumer choices towards more biodegradable options when it comes to mulching materials. Thus, producers are pouring more funds into inventive work and growth to produce superior biodegradable mulch films to synchronize with environmental objectives and meet the needs of a changing consumer base that focuses on offering sustainable products.

For instance, in November 2023, Berry Global Inc. introduced its Omni Xtra polyethylene cling film in a new version for fresh food applications, representing a superior performing option to conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cling films. The new Omni Xtra+ film features better elasticity, more consistent stretchability, and enhanced impact resistance. Users can benefit from sustainable advantages because it meets the expected needs of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Technological Advancements and Innovations to Fuel the Market Growth

In the mulch films market, technological advancements and innovations are primarily responsible for driving growth while improving product performance and effectiveness. Multi-layered mulch films are stronger, long-lasting, and retain moisture better than single-layered films. Customizing these multi-layer films may result in unique advantages such as increased UV resilience, control of light transmission, and excellent thermal characteristics, which help to optimize the growth of crops under different weather circumstances.

Moreover, developments in UV stabilizers have produced mulch films that are more durable and can endure tough weather patterns, thereby eliminating the frequent need for replacements. Anti-fogging and anti-drip technologies are part of the mulch films, which save crops from the potentially harmful effects of water droplets. Moreover, colored and reflective mulch films allow better management of soil temperature, light reflection, and controlling pests. Hence, they are more efficient in several agricultural applications.

Mulch films are a significant aspect of modern, highly efficient farming practices as these technological advancements enhance crop yield and quality and improve the efficiency of water and nutrients.

In October 2023, Mondi plc and Cotesi SA partnered to launch the innovative Advantage Kraft Mulch, a paper mulch solution. The new product has been created using 100% kraft paper, which is taken from trees in a responsible way, with no additional plastics or coatings applied.

Polyethylene Holds a Significant Market Share

The mulch films market is greatly influenced by polyethylene (PE) mulch films as they are versatile, durable, and cost-effective. Of all the materials used for such purposes, polyethylene, especially low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), have become some of the most common products due to their capacities to retain moisture, regulate soil temperatures, and control weed growth, hence making them quite useful for various types of crops. Moreover, it can withstand extreme weather conditions, owing to its elasticity and strength, ensuring that it lasts over an extended period in any agricultural cycle.

Farmers prefer polyethylene due to its ubiquitous availability and cheaper cost, especially in areas engaging in large-scale agricultural practices. Besides, modern manufacturing techniques have helped produce various types of PE films that resist ultraviolet rays and improve light transmittance.

However, the use of polyethylene mulch films in agriculture is dominating due to their proven advantages, such as increased crop yield and performance. Their established usage continues to prevail despite rising environmental worries. As more sustainable alternatives begin to emerge gradually, this persistent need signifies their critical place among other products manufactured for this purpose.

In June 2024, Exxon Mobil Corporation launched Enable 1617 performance polyethylene (PE) grade, meant for thin-gauge hand wrap applications. It provides high tenacity and has consistent extrusion, enabling the incorporation of high-loading levels of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.

Asia-Pacific to be the Fastest Growing Market

In Asia-Pacific, the mulch films market is growing quickly due to the rapid expansion of agricultural operations and the use of advanced agricultural techniques more widely. Mulch films demand has increased primarily in countries such as China, India, and Japan, as well as Southeast Asian countries, due to growing horticulture. Recently, farmers have featured mulch films as necessary agricultural tools in the region to boost crop yield, improve water conservation practices, and control weed growth. In August 2024, Japan-based Kuraray Co., Ltd. set up a new plant for EVAL EVOH resin in Singapore. The company noticed a rise in the number of inquiries for EVAL after the plant was set up. The product is a functional resin and doesn’t disrupt polyolefin recycling streams.

Furthermore, the growth of the market in the region is being boosted by government initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture and increased awareness of advantages provided by mulch films, such as water retention in soil and temperature regulation. Moreover, the availability of cheap labor, together with the rising tendency towards high-value farming, have stimulated large-scale utilization of mulch films, especially for the cultivation of vegetables and fruits.

Additionally, the expansion of the mulch films market in Asia-Pacific can be attributed to factors such as rising urbanization, population increase, and growing need for food. The demand for mulch films is expected to rise over the forecast years as farmers in the region look for cheap and effective farming methods.

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Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

• Owing to the rising acceptance of high-tech farming systems and the desire for effective water administration, the mulch films market is anticipated to experience ongoing expansion.
• Stricter environmental regulations and growing eco-awareness will propagate the move towards sustainable and biodegradable mulch films.
• Progressive technologies, including multi-layered films and better UV protection, will improve product performance that can be used for different types of crops across several areas.

Report Scope

“Mulch Films Market Assessment, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F”, is a comprehensive report by Markets and Data, providing in-depth analysis and qualitative and quantitative assessment of the current state of global mulch films market, industry dynamics, and challenges. The report includes market size, segmental shares, growth trends, opportunities, and forecast between 2024 and 2031. Additionally, the report profiles the leading players in the industry, mentioning their respective market share, business models, competitive intelligence, etc.

Report Attribute	Details
Base Year of the Analysis	2023
Historical Period	2017-2022
Forecast Period	2024-2031
Projected Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.13% between 2024 and 2031
Revenue Forecast in 2031	USD 13.97 billion
Segments Covered	Product Type, Application, Element
Regions Covered	North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Key Companies Profile	BASF SE, Berry Global Inc., The Dow Chemical Company, RKW SE, Exxon Mobil Corporation, ARMANDO ALVAREZ, S.A., Intergro, Inc., Captain Polyplast Ltd., Kuraray Co., Ltd., Ginegar Plastic Products Ltd.
Customization Scope	15% free report customization with purchase
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail the customized purchase options to fulfill your precise research needs
Delivery Format	PDF and Excel through email (subject to the license purchased)

In the report, global mulch films market has been segmented into the following categories: 

• By Product Type
  • Clear/Transparent
  • Black Mulch
  • Colored Mulch
  • Photo-selective Mulch
  • Degradable Mulch
    • Biodegradable Mulch
    • Photodegradable Mulch
  • Others
• By Application
  • Agricultural Farms
  • Horticulture
• By Element
  • Polyethylene (PE)
    • Linear Low-density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
    • Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)
    • High-density Polyethylene (HDPE)
  • Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
  • Polylactic Acid (PLA)
  • Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
  • Others
• By Region
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • South America
  • Middle East and Africa

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The mulch films market is characterized by a diverse landscape of players, ranging from global manufacturers to regional firms. These entities compete based on product quality, innovation, pricing strategies, and sustainability initiatives. In recent years, the focus has shifted toward the development of biodegradable mulch films, driven by rising environmental concerns and stringent regulations against plastic usage. Key players are investing in R&D to enhance product performance, durability, and eco-friendliness. For instance, in April 2024, BASF SE launched ecovio T 2206, which is a compostable biopolymer. The product can be used to produce black twines, which are used to grow vegetables and fruits in commercial greenhouses annually. The ecovio, which is industrially compostable, aids in organic recycling and closes the nutrient cycle for a circular economy.

The market is witnessing strategic collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions, enabling companies to expand their geographic reach and product portfolios. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on customized solutions tailored to specific crop needs, which enhances competitiveness. The increasing adoption of mulch films in emerging markets, along with the rising demand for high-value crops, offers promising growth opportunities. However, the market faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and disposal issues. Despite this, the outlook remains positive, with technological advancements and the shift towards sustainable agricultural practices expected to drive growth in the forecast years.

Key Players Operating in Global Mulch Films Market are:

• BASF SE
• Berry Global Inc.
• The Dow Chemical Company
• RKW SE
• Exxon Mobil Corporation
• ARMANDO ALVAREZ, S.A.
• Intergro, Inc.
• Captain Polyplast Ltd.
• Kuraray Co., Ltd.
• Ginegar Plastic Products Ltd.

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