Biodegradable Mulch Films Market By Material Type (Starch-Based, PLA-Based, PHA & Blends); By Crop Type (Fruits & Vegetables, Grains & Oilseeds, Flowers & Ornamentals); By End Use (Open Field Farming, Greenhouse Agriculture); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Biodegradable Mulch Films Market will witness a steady CAGR of 9.2% , valued at around USD 2.1 billion in 2024 , and expected to surpass USD 3.7 billion by 2030 , confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

Biodegradable mulch films are quietly reshaping how growers balance productivity with environmental responsibility. These films—often made from materials like polylactic acid (PLA), starch blends, or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)—are designed to degrade naturally in soil after use. Unlike traditional polyethylene mulch, they don’t require costly and labor-intensive removal, disposal, or incineration. This gives them a critical edge as the global agriculture sector wrestles with tightening plastic bans and mounting sustainability mandates.

 

From a strategic lens, this market sits at the intersection of three major forces. First, the environmental crisis has turned synthetic plastic usage into a regulatory liability, especially in Europe and parts of Asia. Second, food production continues to face pressure from climate volatility, water scarcity, and yield degradation—creating strong pull for advanced crop protection technologies like mulching. Third, governments and agricultural ministries are now funding pilot projects and subsidy schemes specifically for biodegradable materials in farming.

 

That said, biodegradable mulch films aren’t simply a green alternative. In many use cases—especially in fruit, vegetable, and horticulture production—they match or even outperform traditional films. Their ability to control weed growth, retain soil moisture, and regulate temperature makes them a vital agronomic tool, particularly in water-stressed geographies.

 

Key stakeholders in this market include:

• Film manufacturers innovating with blends of starch, PHA, PBAT, and PLA to meet biodegradation standards while maintaining durability

• Agricultural co-operatives and growers , especially in Europe and East Asia, adopting these films for row crops and high-value vegetables

• Government regulators and environmental agencies tightening rules around agri -plastic disposal and pushing biodegradable mandates

• Biopolymer suppliers feeding the value chain with specialty-grade resins tailored for mulch film extrusion

• Investors and ESG-focused funds identifying sustainable agri -inputs as high-potential, impact-aligned growth assets

To be honest, the market’s momentum isn’t just about regulation—it’s about economics. In regions where disposal costs are rising or plastic bans are looming, switching to biodegradable mulch films is becoming less a choice and more a strategic necessity. And with Asia-Pacific nations like China and India testing national-scale replacement policies, this shift could accelerate dramatically over the next five years.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The biodegradable mulch films market breaks down along four key dimensions, each reflecting different buyer priorities and regional deployment patterns. For this strategic review, the segmentation is structured by Material Type , Crop Type , End Use , and Geography .

By Material Type

The performance and degradation profile of mulch films largely depends on the underlying polymer formulation. Today’s market is broadly segmented into:

• Starch-Based Films – Often blended with polyesters like PBAT for improved mechanical properties. These dominate market volume due to lower material costs and good biodegradability in soil.

• PLA-Based Films – Known for better tensile strength and heat resistance, but often at a higher price point. These are more common in premium fruit crops and regions with stricter regulatory compliance.

• PHA and Other Blends – These are emerging as next-gen biodegradable solutions, especially in regions testing full compostability standards.

As of 2024, starch-based films account for nearly 61% of the global market, primarily driven by their cost-effectiveness and ease of integration into existing farm workflows. However, PLA-based films are growing faster, especially in export-oriented farming zones where soil residue and shelf-life compatibility matter.

 

By Crop Type

Adoption patterns vary heavily by the type of crop being grown. Key segments include:

• Fruits and Vegetables – Tomatoes, strawberries, and melons are top users. These high-value crops benefit the most from weed suppression and soil moisture retention.

• Grains and Oilseeds – Adoption is minimal, but trials are emerging in drought-prone zones.

• Flowers and Ornamentals – A smaller but growing niche where aesthetics and soil health drive decisions.

Fruits and vegetables dominate the segment with more than 70% market share in 2024, mainly because yield protection translates directly into higher farm income, making ROI on mulch films clear.

 

By End Use

Here the market splits into two main user types:

• Open Field Farming – The primary driver of volume; biodegradable films are increasingly used as direct substitutes for polyethylene mulch.

• Greenhouse Agriculture – Though lower in volume, the use of biodegradable films here is growing fast, especially in high-tech farming hubs in the Netherlands, Israel, and Japan.

While open field farming remains the lion’s share of demand, greenhouse applications are expanding with a higher CAGR—particularly as growers seek more sustainable solutions that align with integrated pest and water management systems.

 

By Region

The geographic profile of adoption is quite polarized:

• Europe – Leading the charge, thanks to robust regulatory frameworks (like the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive) and high uptake in Mediterranean fruit-growing regions.

• Asia Pacific – The fastest-growing region, with China and India rolling out biodegradable mulch pilots and farm subsidy support.

• North America – Uptake is steady but hindered by cost sensitivity among smaller U.S. growers. However, California and Canada are moving faster due to tighter regulations.

• LAMEA – Still in the early adoption phase, though Latin American agribusinesses are increasingly exploring biodegradable alternatives for export certification compliance.

Scope Note: Most of the market growth through 2030 will come from the PLA and blended polymer segments and from greenhouse vegetable production , especially in Asia Pacific and parts of southern Europe. However, a lack of global standardization in biodegradability testing and certification remains a wildcard.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

Biodegradable mulch films may not grab headlines, but they’re evolving fast—driven by material science, global plastic regulations, and the push for circular agriculture. This is no longer just a sustainability story; it's a convergence of agronomics, regulation, and innovation.

Material Formulations Are Getting Smarter

The biggest innovation push is happening in the resin space. Manufacturers are moving beyond basic starch blends and investing in high-performance composites that offer durability during growing cycles and reliable degradation afterward. Notably:

• PLA blends are being engineered for better UV resistance and temperature tolerance, expanding their suitability for warmer climates.

• PHA-infused films are gaining traction in high-end horticulture due to their soil microbiome compatibility.

• Some companies are exploring co-extrusion techniques —layering biodegradable and compostable materials to strike the right balance between durability and environmental breakdown.

One R&D director commented, “The next generation of films won’t just be biodegradable—they’ll be crop- and climate-specific.”

 

Regulation Is Acting as an Innovation Catalyst

Europe’s tightening restrictions on single-use agri -plastics have made compliance a business imperative. Several southern EU countries are now testing national standards for “soil biodegradable” films—creating a de facto benchmark for exporters. In Asia, provinces in China and regions in India are beginning to link subsidies for mulch films to compostability certification.

This push is prompting global manufacturers to invest in soil degradation testing , EN 17033 certification , and other eco-labels to remain competitive.

 

Cost Engineering Through Localized Production

Until recently, most biodegradable mulch films were manufactured in Europe or North America and exported to emerging markets. But this is changing. Firms are investing in localized production hubs in China, India, and Brazil. This reduces logistics costs and allows for region-specific formulations tailored to local soil conditions and crop calendars.

One firm recently partnered with an Indian agricultural university to test tropical degradation rates—highlighting how localization is becoming a source of product innovation.

 

Digital Integration and Film Tracking

In high-tech farms, biodegradable mulch films are being integrated into IoT -driven farm systems . Smart deployment, degradation tracking, and soil temperature optimization are being explored through sensor-enabled mulching.

While still niche, this trend may grow in greenhouse agriculture, especially in northern Europe and Japan, where precision farming is standard.

 

Collaborative R&D and Public-Private Models

Innovation isn’t just happening in labs. Governments and research institutes are joining hands with film manufacturers to co-develop region-specific solutions. Examples include:

• A pilot program in Spain testing biodegradable films in vineyards to meet zero-residue export standards.

• South Korea funding research into PLA–PHA hybrids for protected horticulture.

• Canadian universities studying microbial soil interactions with starch-based films under freezing conditions.

 

Bottom Line: The biodegradable mulch films space isn’t driven by one big technological leap—it’s driven by dozens of focused, high-impact micro-innovations. From material tuning to regional customization, the next five years will be about refining, scaling, and certifying products that meet both agronomic and environmental thresholds.

To be honest, the most successful players won’t be those with the flashiest patents—but those who can get certified, get local, and deliver consistent field performance.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The biodegradable mulch films market is highly specialized—and still relatively fragmented. Unlike traditional agri -inputs dominated by chemical giants, this segment features a mix of biopolymer innovators , regional extrusion specialists , and agri -tech companies with deep ties to farming cooperatives.

Here’s a look at some of the most influential players shaping this evolving market:

BASF SE

A global heavyweight, BASF has taken a leadership role with its ecovio ® product line—a blend of PLA and BASF’s proprietary PBAT. The company focuses on high-performance films tailored for both open-field and greenhouse crops.

Its competitive edge? Strong in-house R&D and a global distribution footprint. BASF has also actively pursued field trials across Europe and Asia to generate localized agronomic data—helping it become the gold standard in certified biodegradable films.

 

Novamont S.p.A.

Italy-based Novamont is one of the pioneers in bio-based materials. Its Mater-Bi platform includes starch-based polymers widely used in Europe for biodegradable mulching. Novamont leans heavily into sustainability branding and regulatory influence—having helped shape some of the EU biodegradability standards.

What sets it apart is vertical integration: the company controls its raw material supply and maintains a strong presence in both upstream resin production and downstream film applications.

 

BioBag International (a Novoleap company)

Originally known for compostable bags, BioBag has expanded into agri -films, particularly in Scandinavian markets and southern Europe. While smaller than its competitors, its brand carries weight with eco-conscious buyers and government-backed pilot programs.

Its strategy hinges on certification leadership — BioBag was one of the first to secure full EN 13432 and EN 17033 compliance for its mulch products, positioning itself as a trusted partner in public-sector tenders.

 

RKW Group

A German flexible film manufacturer, RKW brings industrial scale and extrusion know-how to biodegradable films. Though better known for its polyethylene-based offerings, it has begun scaling up its compostable film lines to meet demand in export agriculture regions.

Its key strength lies in production scale and dual-platform flexibility , offering both conventional and biodegradable solutions—allowing buyers to transition gradually.

 

Kingfa Sci & Tech Co., Ltd.

Based in China, Kingfa is a rising player, particularly in Asia-Pacific. It’s developed its own line of biodegradable polymers and is leveraging its regional cost advantage to penetrate India and Southeast Asia.

While not as globally recognized yet, Kingfa’s strategy focuses on cost competitiveness , government partnerships, and localization of film specs for climate-appropriate degradation.

 

Others to Watch

• BioWorks Inc. (US) – Focused on North American markets with biodegradable offerings targeting high-end horticulture.

• Armando Alvarez Group (Spain) – One of Europe’s largest plastic film producers now expanding into the biodegradable segment through partnerships.

• Cortec Corporation (US) – Known for industrial biodegradable solutions, but gradually entering agricultural segments.

 

Competitive Dynamics

• Europe dominates innovation and certification benchmarks, giving firms like Novamont and BASF first-mover advantage.

• Asia-Pacific is gaining cost advantage , but still lags in soil certification and regulatory harmonization.

• Regulatory compliance and field performance matter more than price alone—especially in premium crops or regions with tight export controls.

• The next battleground? Field data and agronomic partnerships. Manufacturers that prove their film performs over multiple cycles, across variable soil types, will gain serious edge.

To be honest, it’s not a winner-takes-all market—it’s a race for credibility. The companies combining lab-tested polymers with real-world agronomy will dominate as governments and growers move from pilots to mandates.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Biodegradable mulch films are seeing sharply varied adoption rates around the world—largely driven by local regulations, crop value, infrastructure maturity, and cost sensitivity. While Europe leads on policy and application, other regions are showing surprising momentum in field trials and scaled deployment.

Europe

Europe is without question the global pacesetter. The region's strict rules on agricultural plastic waste, particularly under the EU Plastics Strategy and EN 17033 standards , have created both market pull and regulatory pressure.

• Spain, Italy, and France are major adopters—especially in fruit and vegetable zones like Almería , the Po Valley, and Provence.

• Subsidies and cost-sharing programs at regional levels are helping offset the price premium over polyethylene films.

• Growers are shifting to biodegradable films not just for compliance—but because they reduce post-harvest labor, which is increasingly scarce and expensive in these countries.

One French cooperative manager noted: “We don’t just buy these films to meet the law—we buy them because they save us 10 days of cleanup per hectare.”

 

Asia Pacific

The fastest-growing region by far. While regulatory frameworks are still maturing, the scale of agriculture and the environmental pressure from plastic waste are pushing governments and growers toward adoption.

• China is rolling out trials in arid northern provinces where polyethylene film residue has reached critical soil pollution levels. Subsidies for biodegradable films are being offered in provinces like Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.

• India is witnessing state-level pilots, especially for drip-irrigated vegetable crops. Government research bodies are actively working with polymer firms to evaluate local degradation performance.

• Japan and South Korea have long supported sustainable agri -tech and are beginning to use biodegradable films in controlled environments like smart greenhouses.

Cost remains a barrier, especially among smallholders—but rising export standards and government-backed projects are moving the needle .

 

North America

Uptake here is slower and more fragmented. While large-scale vegetable growers in California, Arizona, and British Columbia are trialing biodegradable mulch, the lack of a consistent national policy is holding back mass adoption.

• Cost is a major issue , especially for small and mid-size farms in the Midwest.

• Some organic farms and export-focused growers are adopting biodegradable mulch to meet eco-label certification standards .

• Canada is a more advanced market, with better regulatory alignment and incentive programs, especially in Quebec and Ontario.

That said, the region is ripe for acceleration—especially if legislation in states like California starts mandating compostable agri -plastics within the decade.

 

LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, Africa)

Still in early-stage adoption, but scattered hotspots are emerging.

• Brazil and Chile are exploring biodegradable films in high-value fruit exports (grapes, berries), largely driven by European market access requirements.

• In the Middle East , water scarcity is pushing interest in mulch, and biodegradable options are gaining a foothold—particularly in controlled farming zones in Saudi Arabia and the UAE .

• Africa is largely untapped, though NGOs and development programs are starting to introduce biodegradable agri -inputs in demonstration farms.

To be clear, these regions aren’t the growth engine yet—but they’re full of potential. If import costs drop and field training improves, adoption could scale quickly in the second half of the decade.

 

Key Takeaways by Region

• Europe : Regulatory leader and largest current adopter.

• Asia Pacific : Fastest growth, driven by environmental urgency and policy pilots.

• North America : Moderate uptake; strong potential if policy catches up to practice.

• LAMEA : White space opportunity; growth depends on funding, training, and local production.

Bottom line? The regional story here isn’t just about policy—it’s about matching film performance to soil, climate, and crop economics. The companies that understand local farming systems will win, region by region.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

Biodegradable mulch films have carved out a place across a wide range of agricultural setups, but the way they’re used—and the reasons they’re adopted—vary significantly based on end-user type. It’s not just about crops. It’s about labor, land, compliance, and how much value each grower sees in sustainability.

Large-Scale Commercial Farms

This is the most active and profitable end-user group. These farms typically grow:

• Fruits like tomatoes, melons, and strawberries

• Vegetables such as peppers, cucumbers, and leafy greens

What makes them strong adopters?

• Labor savings — Avoiding the need to collect and dispose of plastic mulch at the end of the season can save days of work per acre.

• Environmental compliance — In countries with strict landfill bans or incineration costs, biodegradable mulch eliminates headaches and fees.

• Premium positioning — For export-focused operations, using biodegradable inputs can improve access to European and Japanese markets.

One grower in southern Spain summed it up: “At €300/ha, it’s more expensive up front—but we get it back in labor savings and easier inspections.”

 

Greenhouse Operators and Controlled-Environment Farms

While smaller in area, these users are growing faster than open-field adopters. In greenhouses, the microclimate intensifies degradation risks—but new film formulations are meeting the challenge.

Why they’re switching:

• Tighter pest and moisture control — Films reduce evaporation and maintain bed temperature consistency.

• Easy rotation — Greenhouse crops often turn over multiple times a year; removing plastic every few months is inefficient.

• Tech integration — These farms are also digitizing rapidly, and biodegradable mulch fits well into their automation and sustainability stack.

Some greenhouse hubs in Japan, the Netherlands, and South Korea are adopting biodegradable mulch as part of circular agri -tech programs supported by their governments.

 

Export-Oriented Growers

These are farms that prioritize eco-certification—think organic farms or those aligned with GlobalG.A.P . , Rainforest Alliance , or EU organic farming standards .

Their main motivation isn’t always agronomic—it’s reputational:

• Many biodegradable mulch users in this category don’t grow the most profitable crops—but they charge a premium for “zero-plastic residue” production.

• These users typically operate in Europe, Canada, and parts of Latin America .

 

Smallholder and Cooperative Farmers

This is a segment full of potential—but with real barriers. Smallholders in India, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa often express interest but face challenges:

• Upfront cost — Even a modest per-hectare premium over polyethylene films can be a dealbreaker .

• Awareness — Many are unaware of degradation standards, and lack trust that the film will perform across local growing cycles.

• Support structure — Extension services, if available, are often unfamiliar with biodegradable film application and best practices.

That said, government pilot programs and NGO partnerships are starting to shift the needle, especially in vegetable-growing belts tied to nutrition programs.

 

Use Case Highlight

In Maharashtra, India , a cluster of export-focused vegetable growers joined a government-backed pilot using PLA-starch biodegradable mulch films on bell pepper fields. These farms previously relied on polyethylene mulch and incurred both labor and compliance costs post-harvest. After switching:

• Yield increased by 7% due to better moisture retention and root-zone stability.

• Labor savings from film removal were approximately 40 hours per acre.

• They secured a new export deal with a European buyer looking for certified low-residue supply.

The pilot success led to wider adoption across 2,000+ hectares in the following year, with state authorities considering subsidies to scale the model statewide.

Bottom line?

Adoption isn’t only about the film. It’s about economics, compliance, and risk reduction. Large farms care about labor. Exporters care about perception. Greenhouses want clean, fast cycles. And smallholders want low-risk ROI.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• BASF SE expanded its ecovio ® mulch film portfolio in 2024, tailoring formulations for high-humidity climates like Southeast Asia. The move follows successful field trials in Thailand and Vietnam, where soil degradation was confirmed within 6 months of harvest.

• Novamont launched its next-gen Mater-Bi mulch films with enhanced UV resistance in 2023. The company reported a 20% improvement in field durability under southern European sun exposure, based on field tests in Italy and Greece.

• Kingfa (China) established a joint venture with an Indian agri -tech firm in 2024 to localize production and reduce costs. The partnership also includes R&D into tropical soil microbiome interactions with PHA-based films.

• BioBag International received full EN 17033 certification for its new line of horticultural films in early 2023, making it one of the few suppliers compliant with emerging EU standards for soil biodegradability.

• RKW Group began integrating digital soil degradation sensors into pilot mulch film programs across Germany and the Netherlands, enabling growers to track breakdown in real-time through app-based interfaces.

 

Opportunities

• Emerging Regulatory Mandates 
  As more countries introduce agri -plastic bans or end-of-life compliance targets, biodegradable mulch films are becoming the default choice in policy-aligned farming. This could trigger a domino effect—particularly across Asia and the Middle East.

• Localized Manufacturing and Customization
  There's a growing push to produce films regionally, with climate-specific degradation tuning. Firms investing in local R&D and extrusion capacity in Asia and Latin America could reduce costs and accelerate adoption.

• Integration with Sustainable Certifications
  Export-focused growers looking to meet EU or organic buyer standards are actively seeking biodegradable input options. Films that come pre-certified under EN 17033 , TÜV Austria , or BPI have a clear edge.

 

Restraints

• Cost and Price Elasticity
  Biodegradable films still cost 20%–80% more than conventional polyethylene mulch. In price-sensitive markets, this remains a dealbreaker —unless offset by subsidies or premium crop returns.

• Performance Variability in Extreme Climates
  In very hot, wet, or cold environments, some biodegradable films underperform—either degrading too fast or too slow. This creates uncertainty among first-time users , especially where growing cycles are unpredictable.
   

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size in 2024	USD 2.1 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 3.7 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 9.2% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Material Type, By Crop Type, By End Use, By Geography
By Material Type	Starch-Based, PLA-Based, PHA & Blends
By Crop Type	Fruits & Vegetables, Grains & Oilseeds, Flowers & Ornamentals
By End Use	Open Field Farming, Greenhouse Agriculture
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, etc.
Market Drivers	- Plastic disposal regulations and bans - Rising demand for sustainable agri-inputs - Government incentives and field trials
Customization Option	Available upon request