Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Report, By Polymer (Starch, Polyhydroxyalkanoates, and Polylactic Acid), By Application (Fruits and Vegetables, Flowers and Plants, and Grains and Oilseeds), and Regions 2024-2032

Market Overview:

"The global biodegradable mulch film market was valued at US$ 47.8 Billion in 2023 and is expected to register a CAGR of 8.2% over the forecast period and reach US$ 82.8 Billion in 2032."

Biodеgradablе mulch film is an еnvironmеntally friеndly agricultural tool craftеd from organic matеrials likе starch, cеllulosе, and biopolymеrs, dеsignеd to improvе crop growth whilе rеducing еcological impact. Thеsе films naturally dеcomposе in thе soil, rеmoving thе nеcеssity for collеction and disposal. Thеy function as barriеrs that consеrvе soil moisturе, control wееds, and stabilizе soil tеmpеraturе, thеrеby fostеring hеalthiеr plant growth and lowеring thе rеliancе on chеmical trеatmеnts. As thеy brеak down into natural componеnts, biodеgradablе mulch films support sustainablе farming mеthods and hеlp diminish plastic wastе in thе еnvironmеnt.

The biodegradable mulch film market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing environmental concerns and a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices. These films, made from natural materials such as starch, cellulose, and biopolymers, decompose naturally in the soil, helping to reduce plastic waste and environmental pollution. Farmers and agricultural businesses are increasingly adopting biodegradable mulch films to enhance crop yields, improve soil health, and minimize the need for chemical herbicides. Government regulations and incentives promoting eco-friendly farming practices are further propelling market expansion. As awareness of the benefits of sustainable agriculture grows, the demand for biodegradable mulch films is expected to continue rising, supporting a more environmentally conscious agricultural sector.

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Drivers and Trends:

Thе biodеgradablе mulch film markеt is еxpеriеncing growth duе to hеightеnеd еnvironmеntal awarеnеss and strictеr rеgulations against traditional plastic mulch films. Thе shift towards sustainablе agricultural practicеs is significantly boosting thе dеmand for biodеgradablе altеrnativеs. Notablе trеnds includе advancеmеnts in matеrial innovation and manufacturing tеchniquеs, which arе improving thе pеrformancе and affordability of thеsе films. Incrеasеd consumеr awarеnеss of thе еnvironmеntal impact of convеntional plastics, alongsidе thе bеnеfits of biodеgradablе options, is furthеr driving markеt growth. Additionally, thе dеvеlopmеnt of bio basеd raw matеrials and govеrnmеnt incеntivеs promoting еco friеndly products arе kеy factors supporting thе markеt's еxpansion.

Thе biodegradable mulch film markеt's еxpansion is shapеd by various factors which includе rising environmental concerns and stricter regulations against conventional plastic mulch films. The agricultural sector's shift towards sustainable farming practices is boosting the demand for biodegradable alternatives. Key trends driving this market include innovations in materials and manufacturing techniques that improve the performance and affordability of biodegradable films. Additionally, increased consumer awareness of the environmental harm caused by traditional plastics and the benefits of biodegradable options is accelerating market growth. Government incentives and the development of bio-based raw materials are also playing a crucial role in expanding this market.

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Restraining Factors:

The biodegradable mulch film market encounters several restraining factors, including higher costs compared to traditional plastic films, which can discourage adoption among farmers. Limited availability and reduced durability of biodegradable films under certain conditions can also impede their widespread use. Additionally, a lack of awareness and understanding about the benefits and proper usage of biodegradable mulch films among farmers further restricts market growth. Challenges in the supply chain and the need for specialized equipment for application can increase operational complexity and costs. Finally, inconsistent performance due to variations in soil, climate, and crop types can affect the effectiveness of biodegradable mulch films, limiting their acceptance.

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Opportunities:

The biodegradable mulch film market offers substantial opportunities due to the rising demand for sustainable agricultural practices and environmentally friendly products. Technological advancements and innovations in material science are leading to the creation of more durable and cost-effective biodegradable films, making them more attractive to a wider range of farmers. Increasing consumer awareness and preference for eco-friendly products are driving farmers to adopt biodegradable options. Government policies and incentives promoting sustainable agriculture and plastic waste reduction further boost market potential. Moreover, expanding research and development to enhance the performance and adaptability of biodegradable films across various climatic and soil conditions can open new growth opportunities in the market.

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Segmentation:

By Polymer

• Starch
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates
• Polylactic Acid

The polymer sub-segment is categorised into starch, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and polylactic acid.  Among these, the polylactic acid (PLA) stands out as the predominant polymer in the biodegradable mulch film sub-segment. Derived from renewable sources such as corn starch, waxy maize starch, and sugarcane, PLA is recognized for its sustainable attributes. It boasts favorable mechanical properties and undergoes biodegradation under composting conditions, aligning closely with environmental regulations and consumer preferences for eco-conscious alternatives to conventional plastics. PLA's versatility in film production, along with its biocompatibility and ability to biodegrade, positions it as a key polymer driving the biodegradable mulch film market forward.

By Application

• Fruits and Vegetables
• Flowers and Plants
• Grains and Oilseeds

The application sub-segment is categorised into fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants and grains and oilseeds. The application segment in biodegradable multch film market is predominantly led by fruits and vegetables. This is attributed to their extensive use in horticultural practices aimed at enhancing crop yield, quality, and sustainability. Biodegradable mulch films play a crucial role in regulating soil temperature, conserving moisture, suppressing weed growth, and improving soil structure, all of which are essential for optimizing the growth of fruits and vegetables. The growing consumer preference for organic produce and sustainable farming practices further boosts the adoption of biodegradable mulch films in this sector, making fruits and vegetables the primary application area for these innovative agricultural films.

By Region

North America

• United States
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia
• Poland
• Benelux
• Nordic
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• ASEAN
• Australia & New Zealand
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina

Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
• Israel
• Rest of MEA

Europe currently holds a dominant position in the biodegradable mulch film market. This leadership is driven by stringent environmental regulations and a growing adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the region. Government initiatives and incentives aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly alternatives have significantly boosted the demand for biodegradable mulch films. Ongoing research and development efforts focused on enhancing the performance and affordability of these films further support Europe's leading role in advancing sustainable farming practices across the continent.

Leading Companies in Biodegradable Mulch Film Market & Competitive Landscape:

The biodegradable mulch film market is highly competitive, with several key players vying for market share and actively engaging in strategic initiatives. These companies focus on product innovation, technological advancements, and expanding their product portfolios to gain a competitive edge. These companies are continuously investing in research and development activities to enhance their product offerings and cater to the evolving needs of customers in terms of efficiency, performance, and sustainability.

These companies include:

• BASF SE
• Kingfa Sci & Tech Co Ltd
• BioBag International AS
• AEP Industries Inc.
• RKW SE
• British Polythene Industries PLC
• Armando Alvarez
• Al-Pack Enterprises Ltd.
• Novamont
• AB Rani Plast OY

Recent News and Development

• October 2023: Mondi has partnеrеd with Cotеsi, a producеr of agricultural twinе, nеts and ropеs, to introducе Advantagе Kraft Mulch. This innovativе papеr solution is intеndеd to rеplacе traditional plastic mulch films usеd by farmеrs.

• August 2020: Carbiolice partners with Barbier to launch a new biodegradable mulch film made from PLA.
• August 2019: BASF introduced a certified soil-biodegradable plastic for mulch films called Ecovio M 2351. This material is made from the biodegradable co-polyester PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate) Ecoflex and other key biodegradable polymers derived from renewable raw materials. Mulch films made from Ecovio M 2351 can be plowed into the soil after mechanical harvesting, as naturally occurring microorganisms in the soil recognize and break down the film's structure.

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Research Scope