Top 10 Companies in the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market (2026): Market Leaders Driving Sustainable Agriculture

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global eco-friendly mulch film market was valued at USD 1,588 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 1,728 million in 2025 to USD 2,802 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period.

Eco-friendly mulch films are biodegradable agricultural films made from organic materials such as starch, polylactic acid (PLA), and other compostable polymers. These films serve as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic mulch by providing weed suppression, soil temperature regulation, and moisture retention while decomposing naturally after use. Major product types include starch-based films, starch-PLA blends, and other bio-based formulations.

The market growth is driven by stringent environmental regulations against plastic waste, increasing adoption of sustainable farming practices, and rising consumer demand for organic produce. Europe currently leads in adoption due to advanced agricultural policies and high environmental consciousness among farmers. Key players like BASF, Novamont, and BioBag are expanding production capacities and developing innovative formulations to meet growing demand across fruits & vegetables, horticulture, and grain cultivation segments.

Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Global eco‑friendly mulch film market size

The market was valued at USD 1,588 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2,802 million by 2031, reflecting a robust expansion trajectory driven by regulatory momentum and consumer preference for organic products.

Definition of eco‑friendly mulch film

Biodegradable agricultural films composed of starch, PLA, or other compostable polymers that provide weed control, soil moisture retention, and temperature regulation. They naturally decompose within a single growing season, eliminating the need for labor‑intensive removal and reducing soil contamination.

🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Starch‑based mulch films for fruit, vegetable, and horticultural applications

BASF’s investment in a new biodegradable film facility in 2023 has expanded its capacity to supply the EU and North American markets, positioning the company as a supply‑chain anchor for high‑yield crops.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Expansion of starch‑based production lines to meet EU Circular Economy targets
• Collaboration with European research institutes on soil‑health studies
• Commitment to carbon‑neutral operations by 2030

9️⃣ 2. Novamont S.p.A.

Headquarters: Parma, Italy
Key Offering: Starch‑PLA blend films for high‑value crops

Novamont’s proprietary polymer blends deliver tensile strength comparable to conventional LDPE while maintaining full biodegradability, addressing long‑standing performance gaps.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Expansion of Asian distribution networks in 2024 to support organic farming in China and India
• Investment in bio‑based feedstock sourcing to reduce carbon footprint
• Partnerships with EU CAP programmes for sustainable agriculture incentives

8️⃣ 3. Organix Solutions

Headquarters: Fairfax, Virginia, USA
Key Offering: Bio‑based mulch films with accelerated degradation profiles

Organix’s focus on rapid‑decomposition technology allows growers to maintain protective cover throughout the crop cycle without residual film residue.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Collaborations with US organic certification bodies to align product specifications
• R&D into plant‑based additives for enhanced soil health
• Expansion of production capacity in the Midwest to serve high‑volume markets

7️⃣ 4. BioBag International AS

Headquarters: Oslo, Norway
Key Offering: Starch‑based mulch films for horticultural and grain applications

BioBag’s films combine high moisture retention with rapid biodegradation, making them attractive for growers in temperate climates.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Integration of renewable energy in manufacturing processes
• Participation in EU green public procurement programmes
• Development of closed‑loop recycling for post‑harvest residues

6️⃣ 5. Plastiroll Oy

Headquarters: Tampere, Finland
Key Offering: Starch‑PLA blend mulch films for fruit and vegetable production

Plastiroll’s films are engineered for high‑temperature stability, allowing use in greenhouse settings with minimal degradation.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Partnership with Nordic research institutes on soil‑microbe interactions
• Investment in bio‑fuel production from agricultural waste
• Adoption of ISO 14001 environmental management systems

5️⃣ 6. PLASTIKA KRITIS S.A.

Headquarters: Thessaloniki, Greece
Key Offering: Starch‑based mulch films for grain and horticultural use

PLASTIKA KRITIS focuses on cost‑effective production, enabling penetration into price‑sensitive emerging markets.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Local sourcing of agricultural by‑products to reduce transport emissions
• Participation in EU CAP subsidy programmes for sustainable practices
• Development of biodegradable film blends tailored to Mediterranean climates

4️⃣ 7. RKW Group

Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany
Key Offering: Temperature‑responsive mulch films for high‑value crops

RKW’s collaboration with Dutch research institutes has yielded films that adjust degradation rates based on ambient temperature, ensuring optimal protection throughout the growing season.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• R&D partnership with Wageningen University on smart mulch technologies
• Implementation of renewable energy in production facilities
• Targeted expansion into Eastern European markets

3️⃣ 8. Sunplac Corporation

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Starch‑PLA blend mulch films for greenhouse cultivation

Sunplac’s films are engineered for high moisture retention and UV stability, supporting intensive greenhouse operations.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Integration of solar power in manufacturing plants
• Collaboration with Japanese Ministry of Agriculture on bio‑based material standards
• Development of biodegradable film recycling programmes for farmers

2️⃣ 9. Iris Polymers

Headquarters: Bengaluru, India
Key Offering: Starch‑based mulch films for tropical crops

Iris Polymers focuses on formulations that perform under high humidity and temperature, addressing the unique challenges of South Asian agriculture.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Partnerships with Indian agricultural universities for field trials
• Use of locally sourced cassava starch to reduce import dependency
• Participation in state‑level subsidy schemes for sustainable inputs

1️⃣ 10. Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Guangzhou, China
Key Offering: Starch‑PLA blend mulch films for high‑yield crops

Kingfa’s films combine high tensile strength with rapid biodegradation, enabling large‑scale adoption in China’s expanding organic sector.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investment in local cassava and corn starch farms to secure feedstock
• Collaboration with Chinese Ministry of Agriculture on plastic‑free agriculture programmes
• Implementation of circular economy practices in production and distribution

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OUTLOOK

The transition toward biodegradable mulching is reshaping supply chains, pushing traditional plastics out of the field while creating new opportunities for bio‑based manufacturers. Market momentum is strongest in Europe, where regulatory frameworks and consumer expectations converge, and in Asia‑Pacific, where policy incentives and large‑scale farming drive adoption.

FUTURE TRENDS

Key trends include the development of next‑generation biopolymers that match or exceed the mechanical performance of conventional LDPE, the integration of nanotechnology to enhance film durability, and the adoption of precision agriculture techniques that pair mulch films with sensor‑driven irrigation and fertilisation systems. These innovations are expected to further elevate the value proposition of eco‑friendly mulch films, making them a cornerstone of sustainable crop production.