Biodegradable Mulch Films Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Polymer Type (PLA, PBAT Blends, Mater-Bi, Starch-Based Composites, Others) By Crop Type (Vegetables, Fruits & Berries, Field Crops, Ornamental Plants, Others) By Application Method (Mechanical Lay-Flat, Drip-Line Integrated, Hand-Placed) and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Biodegradable Mulch Films Market size was valued at US$ 57.6 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 103.3 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2025-2031. Biodegradable mulch films are sustainable farm covers consisting of organic polymers that break down in soil upon application, eliminating plastic disposal and enhancing crop management.

Farmers are increasingly using biodegradable mulch films to address increasing environmental concerns and consumer demand for sustainable practices. Biodegradable mulch films conserve moisture, suppress weeds, control soil temperature, and minimize plastic disposal or recovery. Governments and NGOs mostly encourage their utilization with publicity campaigns and incentives. Adoption is slowed: biodegradable film can cost more than traditional plastic, keeping penny-pinching growers away. Degradation rate is also variable with soil type and environmental conditions, so field performance is uneven. Residue management issues have been encountered by some farmers when films do not break down completely. Supply of certified, standardized biodegradable products is limited in some markets and so procurement is difficult. Thus, despite increasing awareness and demand, cost uncertainty and performance continue to present challenges to popular acceptance.

Facts & Figures

• Biodegradable mulch film decomposes into carbon dioxide, water, and natural byproducts, reducing plastic waste and pollution associated with traditional polyethylene mulch.
• It enhances crop yields by regulating soil temperature, retaining moisture, and suppressing weed growth, similar to traditional plastic mulch.
• Biodegradable mulch films can alter soil composition, improve soil health, and increase microbial activity, leading to better overall soil quality.
• There are standards like EN 17033 and ISO 23517 that specify requirements and testing methods for biodegradable mulch films, ensuring they fully decompose in soil.
• Biodegradable mulch films may start to break down within a year, while non-biodegradable ones typically last around 1-2 years before requiring replacement.

Key Developments

• In Nov 2024, EarthFirst® launched a pilot with sensor-embedded mulch film that informs farmers via mobile app when degradation has begun helping optimize tilling and planting schedules.
• In April-2024 BASF expanded its compostable mulch line, launching films certified under multiple standards to reassure regulators and farmers about in-field breakdown. The initiative includes farmer training programs in southern Europe.
• In Oct 2024, Danimer Scientific partnered with a major agricultural equipment supplier to co-market biodegradable films bundled with precision mulching tools, streamlining application and monitoring under a single offering.

Biodegradable Mulch Films Market Segmentation

Based on the polymer

• Polylactic acid (PLA)
• Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) blends
• Mater-Bi
• Starch-based composites
• Others

PLA films are plant-based and fully compostable, making them popular with organic farmers. Their mechanical strength rivals conventional plastic, and they degrade in soil under farm conditions. In Europe, where composting standards are high, PLA blends are often certified and widely available. Application techniques are similar to standard mulches, so farmers can adopt them without training. The downside is that PLA can be more rigid, requiring warm soil to soften effectively. Still, its environmental credentials—coupled with stable supply chains—help it maintain appeal among growers looking for sustainability without sacrificing performance.

Based on the crop type

• Vegetables
• Fruits & Berries
• Field Crops
• Ornamental Plants
• Others

Vegetable growers rely heavily on biodegradable mulch films to support soil moisture regulation, weed suppression, and temperature control. Salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, and cucurbits benefit from improved early-season establishment. Farmers appreciate that the film can be tilled into the soil after harvest, eliminating disposal steps and reducing field waste. Drip-line integration is common in vegetable production, blending irrigation efficiency with biological degradation. These films are now common in both open-field and high-tunnel setups. As organic vegetable acreage grows, biodegradable mulch is being prioritized to keep growth consistent with organic certification standards.

Based on the application method

• Mechanical Lay-flat
• Drip-line Integrated
• Hand-placed

Mechanical lay-flat application uses large rollers or tractors to lay film across beds quickly a method preferred by commercial growers. Biodegradable films designed for this method must have tensile strength to prevent tearing during installation. Advances in polymer blends have improved durability and ensured that films hold shape under pressure. Farm teams report that these films allow them to maintain standard planting and harvest workflows without additional handling. Once degradation begins, surviving fragments are small enough to break down in the soil with minimal tillage. The result is an efficient, labor-saving tool that reduces plastic footprint without process disruption.