The Middle East & Africa greenhouse and mulch film market was valued at US$ 544.06 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 866.58 million by 2030; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 6.0% from 2022 to 2030.
In response to these concerns, the demand for biodegradable mulch films has surged as a sustainable solution to minimize agriculture's environmental footprint. Biodegradable mulch films are typically made from materials that break down naturally into harmless byproducts. Polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and starch-based polymers are examples of biodegradable materials used in these films. The decomposition of these films eliminates the need for labor-intensive removal and disposal, contributing to the overall sustainability of agricultural practices. Consumer preferences and market trends are also influencing the demand for biodegradable mulch films.
As awareness of environmental issues grows, consumers are increasingly seeking products that align with sustainable and eco-friendly values. This shift in consumer behavior has a ripple effect, promoting agricultural producers to adopt practices that reduce their environmental impact. Biodegradable mulch films offer a tangible way for farmers to respond to changing consumer expectations and contribute to more sustainable and environmentally responsible food production systems. As agriculture continues to evolve toward more sustainable practices, the adoption of biodegradable mulch films represents a significant step in mitigating the environmental impact of plastic use in farming.
Greenhouse films provide an effective solution by creating a controlled environment that shields crops from extreme weather conditions, ensuring optimal temperature, humidity, and light levels. This technology enables year-round cultivation, mitigating the impact of adverse weather and allowing for a more stable and predictable agricultural output. In addition to the challenges posed by the climate, water conservation is a critical concern in these regions. Mulch films play a crucial role in water management by reducing evaporation and conserving soil moisture. This is especially vital in areas where water resources are limited.
Mulching also helps control weed growth, further optimizing water usage and minimizing competition for this precious resource. Furthermore, according to the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS), in South Africa, fresh lemons and limes production is projected to grow by 2% in 2022-2023, bringing it to 660,000 metric tons (MT). Additionally, orange production in Egypt is forecast at 3.6 million metric tons (MMT) in 2022-2023, an increase of ~20% compared to the prior season's 3 MMT. The growing lemon and orange production in South Africa and Egypt has significantly driven the increasing demand for greenhouse and mulch films in the agricultural sector.
As citrus fruits are highly sought-after domestically and internationally, citrus crops such as lemons and oranges require specific growing conditions to ensure optimal yield and quality. Greenhouse films play a pivotal role in this context by providing a controlled environment where temperature, humidity, light, and other factors can be precisely regulated, particularly crucial in regions with variable climates, as it allows farmers to protect citrus crops from adverse weather conditions and extend the crop growing season. In addition, mulch films help to reduce water evaporation, conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and provide a practical solution for citrus orchards. Citrus crops, known for their sensitivity to water stress, benefit from the moisture-retaining properties of mulch films, contributing to healthier plants and increased fruit production.
Rising Demand for Biodegradable Mulch Films Bolsters Middle East & Africa Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market
The growing demand for biodegradable mulch films stems from an increased awareness of environmental sustainability in agriculture. While effective in weed control and moisture retention, traditional plastic mulch films pose challenges in terms of disposal and environmental impact. Biodegradable mulch films present an eco-friendly alternative, addressing concerns related to plastic pollution and offering benefits in various aspects of agriculture. Farmers and policymakers are recognizing the environmental consequences of plastic mulch film residues that accumulate in soils over time. Non-biodegradable plastic can persist for years, negatively affecting soil health and microbial activity and potentially impacting crop growth.In response to these concerns, the demand for biodegradable mulch films has surged as a sustainable solution to minimize agriculture's environmental footprint. Biodegradable mulch films are typically made from materials that break down naturally into harmless byproducts. Polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and starch-based polymers are examples of biodegradable materials used in these films. The decomposition of these films eliminates the need for labor-intensive removal and disposal, contributing to the overall sustainability of agricultural practices. Consumer preferences and market trends are also influencing the demand for biodegradable mulch films.
As awareness of environmental issues grows, consumers are increasingly seeking products that align with sustainable and eco-friendly values. This shift in consumer behavior has a ripple effect, promoting agricultural producers to adopt practices that reduce their environmental impact. Biodegradable mulch films offer a tangible way for farmers to respond to changing consumer expectations and contribute to more sustainable and environmentally responsible food production systems. As agriculture continues to evolve toward more sustainable practices, the adoption of biodegradable mulch films represents a significant step in mitigating the environmental impact of plastic use in farming.
Middle East & Africa Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market Overview
The Middle East & Africa face unique challenges, such as arid climates, water scarcity, and high temperatures, making traditional agriculture more challenging. According to the Middle East Institute, approximately two-thirds of the Middle East population resides in areas lacking sufficient renewable water resources to sustain crop production. Furthermore, on average, 83% of water use in the Middle East & North America (MENA) goes to agriculture, in contrast to the approximately 4% devoted to industrial purposes. The region's population is anticipated to grow to 329 million by 2050, rendering it particularly vulnerable to climate change's pernicious impacts.Greenhouse films provide an effective solution by creating a controlled environment that shields crops from extreme weather conditions, ensuring optimal temperature, humidity, and light levels. This technology enables year-round cultivation, mitigating the impact of adverse weather and allowing for a more stable and predictable agricultural output. In addition to the challenges posed by the climate, water conservation is a critical concern in these regions. Mulch films play a crucial role in water management by reducing evaporation and conserving soil moisture. This is especially vital in areas where water resources are limited.
Mulching also helps control weed growth, further optimizing water usage and minimizing competition for this precious resource. Furthermore, according to the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS), in South Africa, fresh lemons and limes production is projected to grow by 2% in 2022-2023, bringing it to 660,000 metric tons (MT). Additionally, orange production in Egypt is forecast at 3.6 million metric tons (MMT) in 2022-2023, an increase of ~20% compared to the prior season's 3 MMT. The growing lemon and orange production in South Africa and Egypt has significantly driven the increasing demand for greenhouse and mulch films in the agricultural sector.
As citrus fruits are highly sought-after domestically and internationally, citrus crops such as lemons and oranges require specific growing conditions to ensure optimal yield and quality. Greenhouse films play a pivotal role in this context by providing a controlled environment where temperature, humidity, light, and other factors can be precisely regulated, particularly crucial in regions with variable climates, as it allows farmers to protect citrus crops from adverse weather conditions and extend the crop growing season. In addition, mulch films help to reduce water evaporation, conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and provide a practical solution for citrus orchards. Citrus crops, known for their sensitivity to water stress, benefit from the moisture-retaining properties of mulch films, contributing to healthier plants and increased fruit production.
Middle East & Africa Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market Segmentation
The Middle East & Africa greenhouse and mulch film market is categorized into product type, material, application, and country.- Based on product type, the Middle East & Africa greenhouse and mulch film market is bifurcated greenhouse film and mulch film. The mulch film segment held a larger market share in 2022.
- In terms of material, the Middle East & Africa greenhouse and mulch film market is categorized into LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE, EVA, PHA, PVC, PC, and others. The LLDPE segment held the largest market share in 2022.
- By application, the Middle East & Africa greenhouse and mulch film market is segmented into vegetable farming, horticulture, floriculture, and others. The vegetable farming segment held the largest market share in 2022.
- By country, the Middle East & Africa greenhouse and mulch film market is segmented into South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Rest of Middle East & Africa. The Rest of Middle East & Africa dominated the Middle East & Africa greenhouse and mulch film market share in 2022.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Executive Summary
3. Research Methodology
4. Middle East & Africa Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market Landscape
5. Middle East & Africa Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market - Key Market Dynamics
6. Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market - Middle East & Africa Analysis
7. Middle East & Africa Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market Analysis - Product Type
8. Middle East & Africa Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market Analysis - Material
9. Middle East & Africa Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market Analysis - Application
10. Middle East & Africa Greenhouse and Mulch Film Market - Country Analysis
11. Competitive Landscape
12. Industry Landscape
13. Company Profiles
14. Appendix
Companies Mentioned
- Dow Inc
- Berry Global Group Inc
- Cag Plastik San and Trade Ltd Sty
- AA Politiv (1999) Ltd
- Ginegar Plastic Products Ltd
- BASF SE