Greenhouse, mulch, silage films. UV-stabilised LDPE/LLDPE blends. Biodegradable mulch films grow under EU CAP incentives.
Greenhouse cladding film is multi-layer LDPE/LLDPE coextruded film, typically 150–200 μm thick, with UV stabilisers and IR-blocking additives. The films last 3–5 seasons depending on UV exposure intensity (Mediterranean vs Northern European climates). EVA-modified layers improve thermicity (heat retention) and an anti-drip coating manages condensation that would otherwise drip on crops.
Black mulch film blocks sunlight and prevents weed germination — that's the primary agronomic function. The carbon black pigment (typically 2% loading in LLDPE) also provides UV stability so the film survives a single growing season under direct sun. Coloured mulch films (silver, white-on-black, IR-reflective green) target specific crop and pest applications, but plain black remains the workhorse.
Yes. Silage stretch-wrap film (LLDPE) is collected by farmer cooperatives and recyclers across Europe — programmes like APE Europe, ERDE in Germany, and ADIVALOR in France handle several hundred thousand tonnes annually. The recycled output goes into garbage bags, agricultural irrigation pipe, and other non-food-contact applications. Clean, dry collection is the main quality determinant.
Biodegradable mulch films are typically PBAT/PLA blends or PHA-based polymers, formulated to break down into CO₂, water and biomass under the EN 17033 in-soil disintegration standard. Major suppliers include Novamont (Mater-Bi), BASF (Ecoflex/Ecovio) and TotalEnergies. These films cost 2–4× conventional LLDPE mulch, but eliminate film-removal labour and reduce field plastic accumulation — an EU CAP incentive driver.