Biodegradable Mulch Films Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Raw Material (TPS, PLA, PHA, AAC), By Crop (Fruits & Vegetables, Grains & Oilseed, Flowers & Plants), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Biodegradable Mulch Films Market Trends

The global biodegradable mulch films market size was estimated at USD 45.25 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2023 to 2030. The rising demand and need for food crops, on account of the rise in global population, is propelling market expansion. Depleting arable and agricultural land area in developed economies is a substantial challenge for the global agriculture sector. Biodegradable films offer a limited solution to this issue by boosting crop yield and hence help in catering to major issues such as soil pollution, water conservation, and climatic change.

Major countries across the globe witness a tremendous increase in population. This trend of growing population globally is expected to continue over the forecast period. This scenario has been straining the primary resources, mainly including food. There has also been an increase in per capita consumption of food owing to the growth in population. Almost all major countries across the globe are expected to witness a significant increase in population. This factor is expected to put pressure on food production, thus forcing cultivators to opt for efficient methods of food production. The market is bound to benefit from this trend as these films provide effective crop protection, increased yield, and enhanced production cycles.

To cater to the growing demand due to the increased per capita food consumption, efforts have been undertaken to cultivate high-quality food crops that offer a better yield. Agricultural mulch films aid in increasing the yield by accelerating germination cycles, preventing direct contact of the crop with soil, and keeping the fertilizers and nutrients closer to the crop. Thus, the demand for biodegradable mulch films is expected to increase over the forecast period.

Crop Insights

Based on crop, fruits & vegetables accounted for a revenue share of 49.90% in 2022. This segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth with a CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period. The use of biodegradable mulch films reduces fruit rot by preventing contact between fruit & soil and improves the product quality.

The demand for fruits & vegetables is expected to showcase above-average growth in the coming years, reaching a market value of USD 7.19 million by 2030. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, fibers, minerals, and antioxidants, making them essential for a healthy diet. This awareness has led to an uptick in demand for fresh produce.

Raw Material Insights

Based on raw material, the thermoplastic starch (TPS) segment dominated the market with a revenue share of more than 61.0% in 2022. TPS degrades into harmless products when it is placed in soil. Growing environmental concerns regarding conventional synthetic polymers used in the production of agricultural films have shifted the focus toward the use of biodegradable materials, which are made from renewable resources. The aforementioned factors are anticipated to raise thermoplastic starch demand in biodegradable mulch film production.

Crops that have high starch content in them are the major source of food calories. However, it is commonly thought of as bad cards or thickeners for gravies and sauces. Starch is used to prepare TPS which flows at an elevated pressure and temperature. The high demand for TPS may be attributed to the easy availability of starch at low prices coupled with an inability to produce any harmful products when placed in soil.

Starch Blended with Polylactic Acid (PLA) is one of the most promising bio-polymers manufactured from lactic acid and starch. Alternatively, it can also be produced chemically by treating sugar and starch. It can be processed using ordinary equipment. PLA products are gaining popularity in several applications, particularly those with a short shelf life. Rising government incentives, consumer awareness, and raw material availability are the major factors for market expansion. However, the cost of PLA is higher than that of synthetic plastics, impacting the market negatively.

The Starch Blended with Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) are biodegradable plastics, which are prepared by synthesized microbial fermentation of sugar or glucose. PHA has been used in the fixation and orthopedic applications, production of bioplastics, tissue engineering, and food services, in packaging, agriculture, and the pharmaceutical industry. Enhanced properties of PHA bring additional value to the applications in which they are used. Advancement in the industrialization process of PHA is expected to drive the cost of PHA and make it a substitute for conventional plastic.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of more than 63.0% in 2022. China was the leading consumer in 2022 owing to growing industrialization and urbanization that has led to higher living standards and a rise in demand for food products. Growing food demand in the country may be attributed to the high market growth.

Biodegradable mulch film demand in Europe was worth USD 28.59 million in 2022. Europe is anticipated to witness moderate growth in the near future owing to the increasing adoption of eco-friendly products. These mulch films do not require waste disposal and represent a sustainable mulching alternative and have wide acceptance in the region.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Major players are involved in the research & development (R&D) for the production of superior-quality films that provide improved features. In addition, the companies are also adopting technological collaborations to boost their efforts in R&D activities. The products are generally distributed through the company-owned distribution channels. However, third-party distribution channels are also employed. The companies lay high emphasis on expanding the area of operation to increase their market share.

Biodegradable Mulch Films Market Report Scope

Global Biodegradable Mulch Films Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global biodegradable mulch films market report based on raw material, crop, and region:

• Raw Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Thermoplastic Starch (TPS)

  • Starch Blended with Polylactic Acid (PLA)

  • Starch Blended with Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)

  • Aliphatic Aromatic Copolyesters (AAC)

  • Others

• Crop Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Fruits & Vegetables

  • Grains & Oilseeds

  • Flowers & Plants

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • The Netherlands

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Indonesia

    • Thailand

    • Vietnam

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • United Arab Emirates (UAE)

    • South Africa