Mulch Film Market Report Scope & Overview:

The Mulch Film Market Size was valued at USD 4.07 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 7.59 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.17% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

To Get more information on Mulch Film Market - Request Free Sample Report

The mulch film market is experiencing a transformative shift, fueled by the agriculture sector’s increasing adoption of biodegradable mulch films aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing plastic waste. As horticulture practices evolve, emerging trends such as precision farming and demand for high-yield crops are significantly driving the need for advanced mulch solutions. Farmers are increasingly recognizing the economic benefits of using mulch films in crop protection, from improved moisture retention to enhanced weed control, which translates into higher productivity and reduced input costs. Meanwhile, stringent government regulations are reshaping mulch film production standards, compelling manufacturers to innovate eco-conscious alternatives. Our report presents an in-depth comparative study of conventional versus biodegradable mulch films, highlighting their distinct performance characteristics and long-term environmental impact. These key insights, among others, are intricately woven into our analysis, offering a comprehensive view of how technological, regulatory, and economic forces are converging to redefine the future landscape of the mulch film market.

The US Mulch Film Market Size was valued at USD 371.02 Million in 2023 with a market share of around 62.4% and growing at a significant CAGR over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

The US mulch film market is expanding due to growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices and the adoption of innovative farming techniques. Factors such as increasing awareness about water conservation, weed control, and soil temperature regulation are driving market growth. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports sustainable farming initiatives, including the use of mulch films to improve crop yields and soil health. Additionally, companies like Berry Global Inc. and Novamont S.p.A. are actively contributing by developing advanced biodegradable mulch films, further pushing the market's growth in the region.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rising Emphasis on Soil Moisture Conservation Techniques to Improve Crop Yield and Reduce Dependence on Frequent Irrigation Practices

The mulch film market is significantly driven by the growing emphasis on sustainable water management and soil moisture conservation techniques in agriculture. Farmers across the globe are increasingly adopting mulch films as a method to reduce the need for frequent irrigation by maintaining consistent soil moisture levels. This trend is particularly pronounced in arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity continues to challenge agricultural productivity. By covering the soil surface, mulch films act as a barrier that reduces evaporation and preserves water within the root zone. The result is not only improved crop health but also enhanced resource efficiency and lower operational costs. This conservation approach aligns with the goals of water management authorities and environmental organizations that advocate for responsible irrigation practices. Additionally, government subsidies and educational programs promoting efficient irrigation are further encouraging the use of mulch films. The integration of mulch films with drip irrigation systems and sensor-based water monitoring further strengthens this driver, making it a pivotal factor supporting market expansion.

Restraints

• Environmental Concerns Regarding Plastic-Based Mulch Waste Accumulation and Lack of Proper Recycling Infrastructure in Rural Farming Regions

Despite their agricultural benefits, plastic-based mulch films pose significant environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature and improper disposal practices. After a single growing season, used plastic mulch often ends up in landfills or is burnt, contributing to soil and air pollution. The lack of recycling infrastructure, particularly in rural and developing regions, exacerbates this problem, leading to a build-up of agro-plastic waste. Farmers are often left with few economically viable disposal options, which not only deters usage but also invites stricter government scrutiny. This growing awareness has led to mounting pressure from environmental advocacy groups and policymakers to phase out conventional polyethylene-based mulch films. In countries with stringent environmental regulations, farmers may face penalties or limitations on usage, further curbing market expansion. The cost of collecting, cleaning, and recycling used plastic mulch often outweighs the benefits, making sustainable disposal an ongoing challenge. As environmental compliance becomes more critical, this restraint is likely to influence manufacturer strategies and farmer preferences alike.

Opportunities

• Rising Government Subsidies for Sustainable Farming Inputs Supporting the Adoption of Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly Mulch Films

Governmental bodies worldwide are introducing subsidy programs and financial incentives to promote sustainable farming practices, including the use of biodegradable mulch films. In countries like the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers various conservation and organic certification programs that encourage the transition to eco-friendly cultivation methods. Similar initiatives in the European Union and select Asian economies are further propelling the adoption of biodegradable films by reducing the cost burden on farmers. These policies often include tax breaks, grants, or direct subsidies for purchasing certified biodegradable mulch films. The increasing alignment of national agricultural strategies with global sustainability goals, such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has created a supportive regulatory environment for mulch film manufacturers. This presents a golden opportunity for producers to scale up operations, develop region-specific products, and expand their reach. The growing preference for environmentally compliant agricultural inputs ensures strong future demand for biodegradable mulch films, supported by public policy frameworks.

Challenge

• Limited Awareness and Training Among Farmers on Correct Application Techniques for New-Generation Photoselective and Biodegradable Mulch Films

One of the significant challenge is the limited awareness and technical know-how among farmers regarding the effective application of modern mulch film technologies. While photoselective and biodegradable mulch films offer superior agronomic benefits, their correct usage requires understanding of specific parameters such as film orientation, soil preparation, and compatibility with irrigation systems. Improper installation can lead to suboptimal performance, film damage, or premature degradation. In many regions, especially in developing countries, extension services and agricultural training programs do not sufficiently cover the use of advanced mulch films. As a result, farmers may revert to traditional plastic films due to ease of application, despite environmental concerns. Bridging this knowledge gap requires a concerted effort from manufacturers, agricultural extension services, and governments to offer field demonstrations, technical guides, and community training programs. Until such support systems are widely available, the adoption rate of innovative mulch films will be hindered by operational uncertainties and lack of hands-on experience.

Segmental Analysis

By Type

Black mulch dominated the mulch film market in 2023 with a market share of 51.3%. Black mulch films are widely favored across various agricultural landscapes due to their excellent ability to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and increase soil temperature, thereby enhancing crop growth. Their opaque nature prevents sunlight penetration, inhibiting weed germination, which is a major advantage over clear or colored films. Black mulch is especially preferred for vegetable crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucurbits. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and land grant universities such as the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources have supported the usage of black mulch for reducing herbicide dependency, aligning with sustainable practices. Additionally, USDA extension programs frequently promote black mulch in their crop production guidelines due to its dual benefit of productivity and weed control. The cost-effectiveness and widespread availability of black polyethylene mulch films make them a top choice among farmers globally, further explaining their dominance in the market.

By Raw Material

Conventional mulch films dominated the mulch film market in 2023, with a market share of 69.1%. The primary subsegment contributing to this dominance is the use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films. LDPE films are particularly favored due to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and excellent performance in controlling weeds, conserving moisture, and regulating soil temperature. LDPE films are widely used because of their flexibility and ease of application, especially in large-scale agricultural operations. For example, the National Agricultural Plastics Recycling Program in the United States has recognized the widespread use of polyethylene films in farming practices. While biodegradable mulch films are gaining traction in specific regions due to sustainability concerns, the affordability and proven effectiveness of conventional films, particularly LDPE, ensure their continued dominance. According to the American Chemistry Council, over 60% of agricultural plastic waste in the U.S. consists of polyethylene films, further underlining the widespread reliance on conventional materials like LDPE.

By Application

Agricultural farms dominated the mulch film market in 2023 with a market share of 76.8%. Agricultural farms are the largest end-users of mulch films, primarily because of the extensive land coverage and high operational demands of large-scale farming. Mulch films in this segment are widely used to increase productivity, especially in row crops like cotton, maize, soybeans, and vegetables. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has integrated mulch films into several conservation and farm efficiency programs under initiatives such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), particularly to conserve water in drought-prone areas like Arizona and California. These films reduce labor costs for weed control, improve nutrient efficiency, and extend growing seasons key benefits in large-scale agriculture. Universities such as Texas A&M and Purdue have also published successful case studies showing higher yields and water savings in mechanized farms using mulch film. This broad utility, coupled with institutional backing and economic scalability, underscores why agricultural farms continue to lead mulch film consumption globally.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific dominated the mulch film market in 2023 with a market share of 45.9%. The dominance is due to the extensive use of plasticulture in countries such as China and India. China remains the largest consumer and producer of mulch films globally, supported by large-scale farming practices and government subsidies that promote plastic mulch to boost food production. According to the China Agricultural Film Association, the country consumes more than 1.5 million tons of mulch film annually, covering over 20 million hectares of farmland. The government's “Plastic Film Mulching Cultivation” policy has been instrumental in promoting yield-intensive crop cultivation using mulch. Similarly, India is witnessing a surge in mulch film usage driven by the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and other centrally sponsored programs focusing on water-use efficiency and micro-irrigation. States like Maharashtra and Gujarat have adopted polyethylene mulch for horticulture and vegetable crops at scale, encouraged by financial incentives and training provided by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). Other countries like Vietnam and Thailand also show increased adoption in high-value crop farming. The region's agrarian economies, large population base, and government-led modernization of farming practices collectively explain Asia Pacific’s dominant market share.

On the other hand, North America emerged as the fastest growing region in the mulch film market, with a significant growth rate during the forecast period of 2024 to 2032. This growth is fueled by the increasing adoption of mulch films in agricultural practices, especially in the United States, where they are widely used in both large-scale and organic farming. The USDA and the American Farm Bureau Federation have both highlighted the importance of mulch films in increasing crop yields, conserving water, and reducing the need for herbicides. The growing demand for sustainable farming practices in the United States is also driving the shift toward biodegradable mulch films, which are expected to capture a larger share of the market in the coming years. Additionally, the rise in horticulture and high-value crop cultivation in states such as California and Florida is contributing to the growth of the mulch film market in North America. With increasing technological advancements and the growing popularity of organic farming, North America is poised for rapid growth in the mulch film sector.

Get Customized Report as per Your Business Requirement - Enquiry Now

Key Players

• AB Rani Plast OY (Agricultural films, Mulch films, Greenhouse films)

• Al-Pack Enterprises Ltd. (Plastic mulch films, Agricultural films, Greenhouse covers)

• Armando Alvarez Group (Agricultural films, Stretch films, Greenhouse films)

• BASF SE (Mulch films, Biodegradable films, Agricultural films)

• Berry Global Inc. (Black mulch films, Agricultural films, Clear plastic films)

• BioBag International AS (Biodegradable mulch films, Compostable films, Agricultural films)

• Coveris (Agricultural films, Mulch films, Biodegradable films)

• Dubois Agrinovation Inc. (Black mulch films, UV-resistant mulch films, Greenhouse covers)

• Group Barbier (Agricultural films, Black mulch films, UV-protected films)

• Iris Polymers Industries Private Limited (Black mulch films, Clear plastic films, Agricultural films)

• Kingfa Sci & Tech Co Ltd (Biodegradable mulch films, Agricultural films, Plastic films)

• Kuraray Europe GmbH (Agricultural films, Stretch films, Biodegradable films)

• Novamont S.p.A. (Mater-Bi biodegradable mulch films, Agricultural films, Compostable films)

• Napco National (Mulch films, Agricultural films, Stretch films)

• Plastika Kritis S.A. (Black mulch films, Greenhouse films, Agricultural films)

• Polystar Plastics Ltd (Plastic mulch films, Agricultural films, Greenhouse covers)

• RKW SE (Black mulch films, Agricultural films, UV-resistant films)

• Shalimar Group (Plastic mulch films, Greenhouse films, Agricultural films)

• Tilak Polypack (Mulch films, Agricultural films, Greenhouse covers)

• Yibiyuan Water-Saving Equipment Technology Co., Ltd. (Mulch films, Agricultural films, Greenhouse plastic films)

Recent Developments

• April 2025: Sirmax advanced its biodegradable mulch film closer to commercialization. This eco-friendly alternative aims to reduce plastic waste while providing the same benefits as conventional mulch films, aligning with the agricultural industry's push for sustainable practices.

• November 2024: The University of Massachusetts secured a USDA grant to develop biodegradable mulch films from renewable resources. Led by Sobkowicz and Kline, the research focuses on creating sustainable alternatives to reduce environmental impact in agriculture.

• October 2023: Mondi and Cotesi introduced a sustainable mulch film alternative designed to biodegrade after use. This innovation aims to replace traditional polyethylene films, contributing to reducing plastic waste in agriculture while supporting eco-friendly farming practices.