Mulch films are thin layers of plastic or biodegradable material placed over the soil to protect crops and improve growing conditions. They help the soil retain moisture, block weed growth, and regulate temperature, allowing plants to grow faster and more uniformly. These films also reduce soil erosion and improve nutrient efficiency. Modern biodegradable mulch films naturally break down after use, making them a popular choice for sustainable farming. Because of these benefits, mulch films have become an essential tool in vegetable, fruit, and ornamental crop cultivation.
The global Mulch Films Market reached a value of USD 5,326 million in 2024, and it is forecasted to expand strongly to USD 9,925.26 million by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 9.3% between 2025 and 2031. This growth comes as sustainable farming practices and biodegradable materials reshape how farmers protect their soil and improve crop yields.
Key Trends and Market Drivers
Several major factors are driving the mulch films market:
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Sustainable & Biodegradable Adoption
As environmental concerns grow, farmers and regulators increasingly favor biodegradable mulch films over traditional polyethylene films. This shift significantly supports market growth. -
Crop Expansion in Developing Economies
In emerging agricultural regions, there’s rising demand for mulch films to boost productivity and quality in vegetables, fruits, and specialty crops. -
Technological Innovation
New film materials offer better UV resistance, longer life, and faster soil degradation. Innovations include films made from thermoplastic starch (TPS), PLA-starch blends, PHA-starch blends, and aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters. -
Government Programs & Precision Farming
Many governments now promote soil conservation, efficient irrigation, and sustainable farming. These policies encourage the use of mulch films in precision agriculture. -
R&D into Recyclability
Manufacturers are working to make mulch films more cost-effective, durable, and easier to break down, meeting both sustainability and performance needs.
Recent Industry News
Here are the latest significant developments from major players in the mulch films space:
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BASF – 26 April 2024: BASF announced the expansion of its ecovio® M 2351 product line, a certified soil-biodegradable biopolymer used in mulch film. The material supports sustainable farming by breaking down naturally in the soil.
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BASF – 6 May 2025: The company released updated technical documentation for ecovio®, confirming its use in agricultural films and greenhouse applications under real farming conditions.
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RKW SE – 24 January 2025: RKW confirmed it would showcase its advanced film solutions, including biodegradable and crop-cover mulch films, at Fruit Logistica 2025, the world’s leading fresh produce trade show taking place in early February.
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BioBag / Novamont – 23 October 2023: BioBag announced the launch of a soil-biodegradable agricultural mulch film in Australia, making it easier for farmers to return mulch to the soil without harming the environment.
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Armando Álvarez / Solar Shrink® – 29 June 2024: The Armando Álvarez Group revealed a partnership around Solar Shrink®, a next-generation shrinkable mulch film that retracts under sunlight, reducing waste and easing removal.
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Armando Álvarez – 17 September 2025: The company launched an improved Solar Shrink® mulch film, highlighting enhanced UV performance and better shrink control, which helps growers manage wind lift and degradation.
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Rani Plast – 14 October 2024: Rani Plast acquired UAB Umaras, a Lithuanian film manufacturer, expanding its European footprint in film production and boosting its capacity for both conventional and biodegradable mulch films.
Major Players in the Market
Key companies driving innovation and adoption in the mulch films market include:
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Al-Pack Enterprises Ltd.
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Kingfa Sci & Tech Co. Ltd.
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BioBag International A.S.
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AEP Industries Inc.
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RKW SE
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BASF
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Armando Álvarez / Solar Shrink®
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Novamont
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British Polythene Industries PLC
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Ab Rani PlastOy
Many of these firms are investing aggressively in biodegradable technologies and expanding production capacities.
Market Segments
Material Type:
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Thermoplastic Starch (TPS)
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Starch + Polylactic Acid (PLA)
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Starch + Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)
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Aliphatic-aromatic Copolyesters (AAC)
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Other Biopolymers
Crop Application:
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Fruits & Vegetables
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Grains & Oilseeds
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Flowers & Ornamentals
Sales Channel:
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Direct Sales (farmers, large growers)
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Distribution (agricultural retailers, cooperatives)
Regional Outlook
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Asia-Pacific is expected to drive much of the growth, thanks to expanding high-value crop farming in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
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Europe will also see strong demand due to strict environmental regulations and incentives for biodegradable films.
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North America remains a mature market but is increasingly adopting sustainable film options due to grower pressure and policy support.
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South America and Middle East & Africa are emerging opportunities, where modern farming techniques are gaining ground.
Final Thoughts
The mulch films market is not just growing — it’s transforming. Thanks to new biodegradable materials and smart film designs like Solar Shrink®, farmers now have better tools to manage their soil sustainably without compromising performance. Government support for sustainable agriculture, combined with rising demand in high-value crops, is pushing this market forward at a projected 9.3% CAGR.
Data source: Global Mulch Films Market – Industry Analysis by Player, Region, Type, Application and Sales Channel, Forecast
