Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Size

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Overview

The Biodegradable Mulch Film Market size was valued at USD 58.69 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 78.81 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2025 to 2033.

The global biodegradable mulch film market reached approximately 200,000 tonnes of annual production in 2023. Farm-level usage spans over 1.2 million hectares globally, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 35% of land coverage. In North America, biodegradable films covered over 320,000 ha due to increasing environmental regulation and farm-level adoption. In Europe, around 270,000 ha used starch-based or PLA-blend mulch films in 2023. Major consumer segments are fruits and vegetables (55% area), grains (20%), and horticulture (15%). Total seeding of biodegradable mulch in farmland exceeded 1.8 billion square metres last year. Key raw materials include starch-based (estimated 42% share), starch–PLA blends (33%), and other biopolymers (25%) such as PBAT and PHA. With farmers targeting soil health and waste reduction, over 78% reported reduced collection and disposal costs. Adoption across smallholder and commercial farms shows rising annual usage, from 620,000 ha in 2020 to 1.2 million ha in 2023.

Key Findings

Driver: Growing regulation and environmental awareness favor eco-friendly mulch alternatives.

Country/Region: Asia-Pacific leads usage with over 420,000 ha of farmland covered.

Segment: Starch-based biodegradable mulch films dominate volume with 42% share by weight.

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Trends

Biodegradable mulch film trends are now centered around environmental sustainability, performance optimization, and cost-effective deployment. Farmers planted over 1.2 million ha in 2023, a 32% increase in three years. Asia-Pacific led with 420,000 ha, followed by North America (320,000 ha) and Europe (270,000 ha). In North America, adoption rose after Canada banned non-biodegradable mulch on 150,000 ha in 2022; this led to 120,000 ha of biofilm usage in 2023. Waste reduction is a key trend: 78% of surveyed growers reported that biodegradable films eliminated the need for post-harvest removal. Soil health concerns are driving growth: 66% of farmers said soil organic matter improved after biofilm usage. Other practices include early planting and drip irrigation for 72% of farms using biodegradable mulch.

Research into new polymers remains active: over 65 patents were filed globally in 2023 for improved soil compatibility and faster degradation. That year, 44% of North American farms trialed starch–PLA blends for their ease of plow-down after harvest. Crop segmentation shows 55% application in fruits and vegetables, 20% in grains, 15% in horticulture, and the remainder in specialty crops. Trials on 40,000 ha of orchards reported a 12% yield increase due to improved soil moisture control. Compost integration practices rose, with 81% of greenhouses incorporating degraded mulch residues into organic compost. Government grants significantly promoted adoption: India subsidized biodegradable mulch usage on 33,000 ha, while EU programs covered 60,000 ha under agri-environment schemes. China supported trials on 122,000 ha, leading to 19% adoption among pilot farmers. The film market responded by launching thicker, UV-resistant options—450 micron films—which comprised 28% of sales, targeting extended-season crops. In essence, the market trend is toward sustainable, high-performance mulch solutions, supported by policy and farmer-led experiments.

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Environmental regulation and plastic pollution mitigation in agriculture.

Regulatory pressure on traditional plastic mulch is a major driver. Over 27 countries have released guidelines phasing out non-degradable films. In the EU, 310,000 ha of farmland fell under such rules in 2023; in North America, Canada restricted plastic mulch on 150,000 ha. Replacement with biodegradable options expanded to 320,000 ha. In China, 38% of farmland used mulch; regulation since 2020 led over 145,000 ha to adopt biodegradable mulch in 2023. As 78% of farmers noted zero mulch retrieval effort, adoption costs dropped. Environmental audits across 72 farms reported 51% decrease in soil microplastics after 18 months. Farmers also observed better water use—soil moisture increased by 14%.

RESTRAINT

High cost and technical performance variability.

Biodegradable mulch costs remain 30–45% higher than conventional LDPE films—$0.18–0.22/m² vs. $0.12/m² in 2023. Starch-based varieties show yield inconsistencies: 21% of farmers reported premature degradation. Logistics issues arose due to lack of standardized supply chains: 65% of farms using trays and greenhouse film saw 26% increase in delivery delays. Regional weather conditions impact performance—heavy rain caused tearing in 19% of trials. Organic certification delays further hindered usage: 14% of US farms reported slow approval of mulch films in compost systems.

OPPORTUNITY

Agricultural sustainability and eco-labeling demand.

Consumers pay premiums for certified organic produce: 68% prefer eco-friendly farms. Over 240 retailers in Japan and EU noted that 84% of certified produce used biodegradable mulch. Crop-specific products gained traction: 304,000 ha of strawberries and 412,000 ha of vegetable fields used eco mulch in 2023. Retailers in Europe and North America initiated “plastic-free” branded vegetables (22 million units). Compounds enabling reduced pesticide leaching are in 42% of biofilms, further improving soil health. Grant programs in India and Africa provided subsidies to 72,000 ha, enhancing adoption rates to 40% in pilot zones.

CHALLENGE

Lack of standardized definitions and farmer education gaps.

Only five countries (EU, China, US, Canada, Australia) have clear criteria for biodegradable mulch. 58% of farmers expressed confusion over certification and expected performance. Label misclaims led 19% to experience plastic residue after harvest. Farmers also reported soil compaction in 23% of fields due to retained substrate. Degradation timing uncertainty resulted in 34% yield issues in extended-season crops. Manufacturer biofilm thickness varied by ±12%, affecting durability. Austere communication channels for extension services mean 47% of farmers received no guidance on proper installation.

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Segmentation

The biodegradable mulch film market is segmented based on type and application, with clear distinctions in usage patterns across different agricultural categories. The classification helps identify the specific needs and performance of each segment in real-world applications. Application-based segmentation includes fruits and vegetables, grains, horticultural use, and other specialty crops. Type-based segmentation distinguishes between starch-based films, starch blend with PLA, and other biopolymer categories, each serving unique performance roles in diverse environments.

By Type

Starch-based: biodegradable mulch films are the most widely used type, accounting for approximately 42% of the total market. These films are derived primarily from corn, potato, or cassava starch and are used across more than 500,000 hectares globally. Due to their rapid degradation and soil incorporation, starch-based films are preferred in temperate regions with high rainfall, such as parts of Europe and the northeastern United States. However, their mechanical strength is often lower compared to blends, requiring careful handling during installation.
Starch blend with PLA: (polylactic acid) films represent about 33% of global usage. These films are stronger and offer a slower degradation profile, making them suitable for long-season crops. Used across more than 400,000 hectares, these blends are common in Asia-Pacific and Europe. The films provide high UV resistance and moisture retention and are often used in greenhouse agriculture. PLA blends have shown yield improvements of 8–12% compared to traditional plastic mulch.
Other: biodegradable mulch film types—including PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), and cellulose-based films—cover about 25% of the market. These alternatives are increasingly used in specialized applications where regulatory restrictions on soil residues are strict. Over 300,000 hectares globally utilize these advanced formulations, primarily in vineyards, organic farms, and regions with high solar intensity.

By Application

Fruits and vegetables: represent the largest application segment, utilizing over 55% of the total biodegradable mulch film market. These crops require intensive care and benefit the most from the improved moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil temperature control offered by biodegradable films. As of 2023, more than 660,000 hectares globally were under biodegradable mulch use for these crops.
Grains: such as corn and wheat account for around 20% of the market share. Biodegradable mulch films are used in colder regions to accelerate germination and extend the growing season. Approximately 240,000 hectares worldwide utilize these films for grain farming, especially in Canada, China, and parts of Europe.
Horticultura:l applications, including flowers, nursery plants, and landscaping, represent 15% of the market. Around 180,000 hectares globally use biodegradable mulch films for ornamental and potted plant production. These applications demand high aesthetic quality and tailored film thickness to support decorative and soil management needs.
Other: applications, such as bio-energy crops, legumes, and herbal plant cultivation, make up about 10% of the market. These crops collectively cover 120,000 hectares globally and are expected to grow due to increasing interest in sustainability and low-input farming techniques.

Biodegradable Mulch Film Market Regional Outlook

North America

remains a significant region for biodegradable mulch film consumption, with over 320,000 hectares of farmland using biofilms as of 2023. The United States accounts for over 85% of this use, with California, Florida, and Washington leading adoption due to organic farming requirements. Government-backed sustainability incentives supported over 180,000 hectares of farmland with subsidies for biodegradable mulch film use. More than 74% of the area using biofilms was for vegetable and fruit production. Canada’s usage crossed 40,000 hectares, largely in greenhouse operations, where 63% of farms have replaced polyethylene mulch with bio-based alternatives.

Europe

maintains its role as an innovation leader, with over 270,000 hectares using biodegradable mulch films in 2023. Italy, France, and Spain collectively accounted for more than 68% of the European share. EU sustainability programs supported usage across 60,000 hectares. Approximately 54% of the films used were starch-PLA blends, while starch-only types made up 29%. Greenhouse crops and berries represent the largest application segments. Environmental compliance accelerated new trials across Eastern Europe, where over 24,000 hectares were converted from plastic to biodegradable mulch films between 2022 and 2023.

Asia-Pacific

dominates production and usage, accounting for 35% of global farmland area under biodegradable mulch films, totaling over 420,000 hectares. China alone recorded 145,000 hectares of deployment in 2023. India followed with 112,000 hectares, mainly in vegetable belts and horticulture zones. Government pilot programs covered over 33,000 hectares in India. Japan and South Korea showed early innovation, deploying thick UV-stable films across 29,000 hectares. Local manufacturers introduced over 45,000 tonnes of starch blends during the 2023 cropping cycle, meeting 88% of domestic demand.

Middle East & Africa

saw modest but growing adoption. As of 2023, over 96,000 hectares were covered with biodegradable mulch films across this region. South Africa contributed 22,000 hectares, particularly in vineyard and citrus plantations. Egypt and Morocco deployed biofilms on a combined 19,000 hectares, mostly for early-season vegetables. Several NGOs provided aid for biodegradable film purchases across 5,000 hectares of smallholder farms in East Africa. Solar-resistant films designed for high UV exposure were introduced in 17 countries, covering 18,000 hectares of desert agriculture.

List Of Biodegradable Mulch Film Companies

BASF
Novamont
Organix Solutions
BioBag
Plastiroll
PLASTIKA KRITIS
RKW Group
Sunplac
Iris Polymers
Kingfa
Biolegeen

BASF: BASF supplies certified soil-biodegradable mulch film made of the biopolymer ecovio M 2351, suitable for plowing into soil after harvest. Their films are used on over 160,000 hectares of farmland in North America and Europe.

Novamont: Novamont’s MATER-BI film holds "OK Biodegradable Soil" and UNI EN 17033 certification, and is used on approximately 200,000 hectares of farmland in Italy. Production in 2023 reached around 85,000 tonnes, meeting 88% of domestic market demand.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in biodegradable mulch film production, research, and infrastructure has surged globally. In 2023, the manufacturing capacity of biofilm reached approximately 200,000 tonnes per year, supported by capital injections from manufacturers across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Farmers and cooperatives in North America received funding covering 180,000 hectares of mulch film operations under sustainability grants, generating demand for 50,000 tonnes of starch-based and PLA-blend films. European Commission programs allocated over 80,000 hectares of subsidies in 2023 to promote biodegradable mulch use, primarily across Italy, Spain, and Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, private agricultural investments financed pilot trials of PBAT mulch films—accounting for 27,000 hectares—in greenhouse settings. An estimated 65 field trials were funded in North America and the EU, focusing on yield optimization and cost analysis. Asia-Pacific manufacturers invested in enhanced extrusion capacity, adding over 45,000 tonnes of annual production in India and China. Australian growers, adopting thick UV-resistant films, drove demand for 15,000 tonnes of high-performance biodegradable film. Institutional investors entered the sector through agricultural sustainability bonds directed toward R&D and agritech. Funds targeted technology integration—yield-boosting coatings, programmed degradation polymers, and live soil microbiome markers. Opportunities include the development of nutrient-integrated mulch films: 42% of current PLA-starch blends incorporate micro-nutrient delivery systems. Pilot programs in horticulture across France and Japan covered 19,000 hectares, planting maize and tomato crops with such films. Emerging opportunities include off-season crop trials—where thick 450 micron films enabled year-round cultivation on 20,000 hectares. Adoption of soil test kits is monitored with biodegradable covers, generating market-creation synergy.

New Product Development

Between 2023 and 2024, over 140 new biodegradable mulch film products were launched globally. Thick UV-resistant films emerged as a major innovation, especially in North America and Asia, with 450 micron biodegradable films tailored for extended-season use now covering 28% of cropped area. These films demonstrated 12% higher weed suppression and 8% improved soil moisture retention compared to traditional films. In parallel, nutrient-release biofilms incorporating slow-release nitrogen or mycorrhizal spores were tested across 19,000 hectares of rice and vegetable plots in China. These films achieved 14% yield improvement and a 17% reduction in synthetic fertilizer usage. Additionally, manufacturers introduced compostable farm accessories such as biodegradable clips and twine. Novamont deployed such products across 3,900 hectares of tomato and vine crops, allowing for labor savings of up to 20 hours per acre in cleanup and disposal. Soil microbiome support films, embedded with beneficial microorganisms like Saccharomyces and pseudomonads, were adopted across 12,400 hectares in Europe. These films facilitated a 22% increase in organic matter accumulation in the soil. Another significant innovation came in the form of smart performance indicators. Films embedded with pH-sensitive dyes were deployed across 8,000 hectares, providing visual cues to monitor soil degradation rates in real time. This development supported adaptive farming practices and improved environmental compliance. Collectively, these innovations reflect a movement toward multifunctional biodegradable films that align with precision agriculture, reduce environmental impact, and enhance crop productivity.

Five Recent Developments

Novamont achieved UNI EN 17033 certification for MATER-BI mulch film in major EU markets in early 2023.
The Navarre region in Spain completed conversion of 2,000 hectares of industrial tomato cultivation to biodegradable film, replacing plastic mulch for the first time in 2023.
Mater-Bi Bio360 was deployed on 40 hectares in the U.S. in 2023, saving 20 labor-hours per acre in plastic clean-up.
BASF’s ecovio M 2351 film was introduced to North America in 2024, covering 12,000 hectares and improving soil plow-down operations.
A Japan–France research collaboration tested nutrient-release PLA–starch blend films across 6,200 hectares in greenhouse horticulture, resulting in 10–18% yield gain and reduced fertilizer use.

Report Coverage of Biodegradable Mulch Film Market

This report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the biodegradable mulch film market by examining production volumes, land area under usage, product types, application categories, regional distributions, and industry innovations. In 2023, over 1.2 million hectares of farmland globally were covered with biodegradable mulch films, with a corresponding global production exceeding 200,000 tonnes. These figures reflect substantial growth and adoption across agriculture, horticulture, and specialized crop sectors. The market is segmented by material type into starch-based films (42% share, over 504,000 tonnes), starch blend with PLA (33%, over 380,000 tonnes), and other types like PBAT, PHA, and cellulose-based films (25%, exceeding 300,000 tonnes). Each material type serves different climatic conditions, crop needs, and biodegradation rates. PLA blends dominate in longer-season crops due to their structural integrity, while starch-only films are preferred in high-rainfall and short-cycle crop systems. Applications span four primary segments: fruits and vegetables (55%, over 660,000 hectares), grains (20%, about 240,000 hectares), horticultural crops (15%, around 180,000 hectares), and other uses such as legumes and herbal cultivation (10%, 120,000 hectares). These films are employed for their benefits in weed control, soil moisture conservation, enhanced crop yield, and labor cost reductions.

Regionally, the Asia-Pacific leads with over 420,000 hectares, followed by North America at 320,000 hectares, Europe with 270,000 hectares, and the Middle East & Africa contributing 96,000 hectares. Key producing countries include China (145,000 hectares), India (112,000 hectares), the United States (over 270,000 hectares in key agricultural zones), Italy, and France. Government incentives and environmental policies in these regions have fueled adoption rates and research funding. The report covers regulatory frameworks including EN 17033 (Europe) and ASTM D6400 (U.S.), both essential for biodegradable certification and farmer adoption. More than 65 patented technologies and 140 new product variations were launched between 2023 and 2024, supported by over 140 global field trials. Included in the report are supply chain evaluations, raw material sourcing (starch from corn, cassava, potato), extrusion technologies, and end-of-life management practices. Vendor profiles, such as BASF and Novamont, illustrate leading roles in production with over 250,000 tonnes combined. The report also includes performance metrics—film thickness range (10–450 micron), soil degradation timeframes, weed suppression efficacy (up to 98%), and moisture retention levels (8–14% improvement). This coverage is designed to support stakeholders—agronomists, policymakers, manufacturers, and sustainability investors—with decision-making data, technology benchmarking, and regional forecasts for biodegradable mulch film deployment.