Global Biodegradable Mulch Film Market - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Global Biodegradable Mulch Film Market, By Material (Polylactic Acid (PLA), Starch, Poly (Butylene-Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Cellulose, Poly (Butylene Succinate) (PBS), Fossil-Sourced Polyesters, Poly (Butylene Succinate-Co-Adipate) (PBSA), and Others), Thickness (15 Microns, 20 Microns, 25 Microns, 30 Microns, 32 Microns, 50 Microns, 100 Microns, and Others), Form (Non-Transparent and Transparent), Category (Weed Barrier Mulch, UV Stabilized Mulch, Solarization Mulch, Pesticide Barrier Mulch, Insect Repellent Mulch, Herbicidal Release Mulch, Fumigation Barrier Mulch, and Others), % of Surface Area Covered (70-80%, 40-60%, 40-45%, 90-100%, and 20-25%), Crop Duration (Short Duration Crops, Medium Duration Crops, Long Duration Crops, and Others), Application (Vegetables, Fruits, Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Turf and Ornaments, Floriculture, and Others) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031.

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Analysis and Size

The global biodegradable mulch film market is witnessing robust growth owing to increasing environmental concerns and sustainable agricultural practices. With a shift towards eco-friendly solutions, biodegradable mulch films are gaining traction due to their ability to degrade naturally, reducing soil pollution. Advancements in biopolymer technology and government initiatives supporting sustainable agriculture further propel market expansion. North America and Europe dominate the market due to stringent environmental regulations and widespread adoption of sustainable farming methods. Asia-Pacific is emerging as a lucrative market due to rising awareness and government initiatives promoting biodegradable alternatives. Key players in the market are focusing on research and development to enhance product efficiency and expand their market presence. The market is anticipated to continue its upward trajectory driven by growing environmental consciousness and the need for sustainable farming practices globally.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the global biodegradable mulch film market is expected to reach a value of USD 106,640,434.33 by 2031 from USD 61,112,176.20 in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.24% during the forecast period 2024 to 2031.

Market Definition

Biodegradable mulch film is a type of agricultural film that is designed to break down naturally in the soil after use, avoiding the need for removal and disposal. These films are typically made from biodegradable materials such as bioplastics or natural fibers, which can be broken down by microorganisms in the soil. Biodegradable mulch films offer several advantages over traditional plastic mulch films, including reducing plastic waste in the environment, improving soil health by adding organic matter, and reducing the need for chemical herbicides.

Global Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Dynamics

This section deals with understanding the market drivers, advantages, opportunities, restraints, and challenges. All of this is discussed in detail below:

Drivers

• Growing Demand of Biodegradable Alternatives

Mulch films are a vital component in modern agriculture, employed to enhance crop yield, conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. These films are typically laid over the soil around plants to create a favourable microenvironment for plant growth. Traditionally, plastic mulch films have dominated the mulch film market due to their effectiveness and cost-efficiency. However, their environmental impact has raised significant concerns among farmers, leading to a growing interest in biodegradable alternatives.

• Government Rules and Regulation for Reducing Plastic Waste

The global environmental crisis caused by plastic pollution has become a major concern for governments worldwide. The alarming accumulation of plastic waste in oceans, landfills, and natural habitats has prompted regulatory bodies to implement stringent rules and regulations aimed at reducing plastic usage. These measures are designed to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of plastic waste, promote sustainable practices, and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. The agricultural sector, in particular, has seen increased regulation, with a significant focus on plastic mulch films, which are widely used for crop production but pose serious disposal challenges.

Opportunities

• Ongoing Research and Development in Biodegradable Materials

The mulch film market has evolved significantly since the first mulch films were introduced in the 1950s. These films, initially designed to conserve soil moisture, reduce weed growth, and improve crop yields, have become an essential tool in modern agriculture. Traditional mulch films, typically made from polyethylene, posed significant environmental challenges due to their non-biodegradable nature, leading to soil contamination and disposal issues. To address these concerns, Research and Development (R&D) efforts have increasingly focused on creating biodegradable alternatives that align with sustainability goals.

• Expanding Adoption of Biodegradable Mulch Films in the Emerging Economies

The growing population in emerging economies is driving an increased demand for food production, necessitating the adoption of modern farming practices. As these regions experience significant population growth, the pressure on agricultural systems intensifies, pushing for more efficient and sustainable farming methods. Modern practices, such as the use of biodegradable mulch films, offer numerous benefits including improved crop yields, soil conservation, and reduced environmental impact. This shift farmer’s attention towards advanced agricultural techniques is essential to meet the rising food demands and ensure food security in these rapidly developing regions.

Restraints/Challenges

• Uncertainty Regarding the Performance of Biodegradable Mulch Films

Biodegradable mulch films offer several advantages over traditional plastic films, including reduced environmental impact and the ability to degrade into non-toxic by-products. However, concerns have been raised about their performance compared to conventional plastic films. Factors such as durability, effectiveness in weed control, and consistency of degradation rates pose uncertainties for farmers and stakeholders.

• Higher Cost than Traditional Plastic Films

Biodegradable mulch films, designed to decompose naturally in the soil, offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic mulching films. However, the higher cost associated with biodegradable mulch films compared to their non-biodegradable counterpart’s poses a significant restraint to their widespread adoption. Farmers and agricultural businesses often weigh the benefits against the expenses, and the cost disparity can be a decisive factor, limiting the market growth of biodegradable mulch films.

Recent Developments

• In October 2023, according to ABA, each year, Australian agriculture used 200,000 kilometres of plastic mulch film. Disposing of it posed a major issue, with an estimated 40,000 tonnes being stockpiled, buried, or burned annually due to limited recycling options. Conventional OXO-degradable plastics fractured into micro-plastics when left to degrade, causing long-lasting soil contamination and potential entry into the food chain
• In April 2024, European Commission urged a global ban on certain plastic products to combat pollution. They advocated for a comprehensive lifecycle approach to plastics, including bans and enhanced product design. Over 4,000 participants from various sectors met in Canada to negotiate a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution by 2024. The proposed treaty emphasized obligatory elimination and restrictions on problematic plastics to reduce environmental and health risks
• In October 2023, BioBag International AS. (BioBag World Australia) developed a soil biodegradable agricultural mulch film, easing disposal for growers without harming soil quality. Verified by the Australasian Bioplastics Association to meet ISO 23517: 2021, it became Australia's sole producer with this accreditation, offering an eco-friendly alternative, reducing disposal costs, and enhancing soil health
• In October 2022, according to the research published by ABC Publication, the American Chemical Society faced three main disadvantages regarding Polylactic Acid (PLA) biodegradable mulch film: low ductility, high cost compared to LDPE, and slow biodegradability in soil. With an elongation at break of around 5%, it was over twice as expensive as LDPE and degraded rapidly only in industrial composting conditions at 58°C
• In February 2020, according to the research paper published by ResearchGate GmbH, biodegradable mulch films, primarily made from Polylactic Acid (PLA), cost over 4000 USD per metric ton, significantly higher than conventional polymers, which range from 1000 to 1500 USD per metric ton. Consequently, biodegradable mulch films were found to be 1.5 to 1.8 times more expensive than traditional plastic mulches

Global Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Scope:

The global biodegradable mulch film is categorized into seven notable segments based on material, thickness, form, category, % of surface area covered, crop duration, and application. The growth among segments helps you analyze niche pockets of growth and strategies to approach the market and determine your core application areas and the differences in your target markets.

Material

• Polylactic Acid (PLA)
• Starch
• Poly (Butylene-Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT)
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
• Cellulose
• Poly (Butylene Succinate) (PBS)
• Fossil-Sourced Polyesters
• Poly (Butylene Succinate-Co-Adipate) (PBSA)
• Others

On the basis of materials, the market is segmented into Polylactic Acid (PLA), starch, Poly (Butylene-Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), cellulose, Poly (Butylene Succinate) (PBS), Fossil-Sourced Polyesters, Poly (Butylene Succinate-Co-Adipate) (PBSA), and others.

Thickness

• 15 Microns
• 20 Microns
• 25 Microns
• 30 Microns
• 32 Microns
• 50 Microns
• 100 Microns
• Others

On the basis of thickness, the market is segmented into 15 microns, 20 microns, 25 microns, 30 microns, 32 microns, 50 microns, 100 microns, and others.

Form

• Non-Transparent
• Transparent

On the basis of form, the market is segmented into non-transparent and transparent.

Category

• Weed Barrier Mulch
• UV Stabilized Mulch
• Solarization Mulch
• Pesticide barrier mulch
• Insect Repellent Mulch
• Herbicidal Release Mulch
• Fumigation Barrier Mulch
• Others

On the basis of category, the market is segmented into weed barrier mulch, UV stabilized mulch, solarization mulch, pesticide barrier mulch, insect repellent mulch, herbicidal release mulch, fumigation barrier mulch, and others.

% of Surface Area Covered

• 70-80%
• 40-60%
• 40-45%
• 90-100%
• 20-25%

On the basis of % of surface area covered, the market is segmented into 70-80%, 40-60%, 40-45%, 90-100%, and 20-25%.

Crop Duration

• Short Duration Crops
• Medium Duration Crops
• Long Duration Crops
• Others

On the basis of crop duration, the market is segmented into short duration crops, medium duration crops, long duration crops, and others.

Application

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Cereals & Grains
• Oilseeds & pulses
• Turf and Ornaments
• Floriculture
• Others

On the basis of the application, the market is segmented into vegetables, fruits, cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, turf and ornaments, floriculture, and others.

Global Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Regional Analysis/Insights

Global biodegradable mulch film market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided based material, thickness, form, category, % of surface area covered, crop duration, and application.

 The countries covered in global biodegradable mulch film market are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, rest of South America, Germany, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, Vietnam, Taiwan, New Zealand, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, rest of Asia-Pacific, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and rest of Middle East and Africa.

Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate global biodegradable mulch film market due to rising adoption of sustainable practice in horticulture and agriculture crops. India is expected to dominate Asia-Pacific biodegradable mulch film market due to government rules and regulation for reducing plastic waste. Russia is expected to dominate Europe biodegradable mulch film market due to growing demand of biodegradable alternatives. U.S. is expected to dominate North America biodegradable mulch film market due to expanding adoption of biodegradable mulch films in the emerging economies.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in market regulation that impact the current and future trends of the market. Data points like down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes has considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Competitive Landscape and Global Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Share Analysis

Global biodegradable mulch film market competitive landscape provides details of the competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to global biodegradable mulch film market.

Some of the major players operating in the global biodegradable mulch film market are BASF SE, Groupe Barbier, Dubois Agrinovation Inc., Coverfields, PolyExpert, SWAMISAMARTH AGRO BIOTECH LLP, Smurfit Kappa, PLASTIKA KRITIS, CAPTAIN POLYPLAST LTD., Novamont S.p.A, ARMANDO ÁLVAREZ, S.A, FILMORGANIC, BioBag International AS, Fujian Greenjoy Biomaterial Co., Ltd, Tilak Polypack, SUKI CREATIONS PVT. LTD, SPR PACKAGING, LLC, Chennai Polypack Private Limited, Shivam Polymers, and Reya Pack among others.