Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Analysis

The Biodegradable Mulch Film Market size is estimated at USD 53.41 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 78.41 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.98% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

• Biodegradability in the soil provides huge benefits for agricultural and horticultural products. Biodegradable mulching films have made rapid improvements in terms of usability, allowing cultivators to plow in bioplastic mulch after use instead of collecting them from the field for recycling, which improves operational efficiency. However, the potential environmental consequences of using biodegradable mulches have not been thoroughly studied, and international standards, such as ISO 17088, ASTM D6400, ISO 17556, and ASTM D5988, for validating their safeness are in the ongoing research phase.
• Non-biodegradable mulch films, when not properly disposed of, can lead to the loss of agricultural topsoil, with an estimated 166 kiloton/year dragged away from fields at the end of each crop cycle. In contrast, certified soil-biodegradable mulch films, with their biodegradability, not only prevent this soil loss but also play a crucial role in halting the leakage and accumulation of microplastics in agricultural soils. Additionally, these certified mulch films help curb the production of plastic waste that is notoriously challenging to recycle.
• The expansion of the greenhouse project drives the market. According to the World Greenhouse Vegetable Statistics, there are 1,228,000 acres of greenhouse growing space for production worldwide. Biodegradable plastic mulch fragments physically modify soil before they are fully biodegraded. However, PE plastic fragments reduce soil infiltration and water absorption, by which the accumulation may affect soil ecosystems in greenhouse plantations and, ultimately, result in plant germination and growth. Thus, the demand for biodegradable mulch film market increases in this segment.
• Supportive regulation from the governments for organic mulching across the world is driving the market. For instance, in Europe, EN 17033 is the new product standard made for biodegradable mulch films used in agriculture and horticulture and specifies the necessary requirements and test methods. The standard is designed for a clear reference to farmers, distributors, and stakeholders. EN 17033 is more likely to replace other pre-existing national standards in Europe.
• High installation cost, along with the addition of harmful additives during the manufacturing process, challenges the growth of the market. The deficit in the availability of such mulch films with high initial costs is challenging the growth. Moreover, the involvement of plasticizers in the manufacturing of biodegradable mulch film to make profits may challenge the market with growing awareness among the farmers.

Biodegradable Mulch Film Industry Segmentation

Biodegradable mulch films are organic mulching materials offering benefits such as weed control, maintenance of soil structure, and prevention of crops from soil contamination.

The study tracks the demand for biodegradable mulch film based on their applications in key end-user verticals. The market size and demand are represented in terms of revenue (USD). The scope of the study focuses on analyzing the revenue accrued from biodegradable Mulch Film vendors operating in the global market. The analysis is based on the market insights captured through secondary research and the primaries.

The biodegradable mulch film market is segmented by polymer (starch, polyhydroxyalkanoates [PHA], polyactic acid [PLA], and other polymers), application (fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants, and grains and oilseeds), and geography. The report offers market forecasts and size in value (USD) for all the above segments.