Biodegradable mulch film is prepared from fermentation wastes and citric acid and is an alternative to traditional plastic film. This film has exceptional degradation and mechanical properties, which help in enhancing the soil quality. The film, based on the combination of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymeric modification and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidation technologies, is used to mitigate the pollution caused by the fermentation of traditional plastic mulch film and industrial wastes. Moreover, water vapor barrier property of the film also helps in improving soil enzyme activity, soil microbial community structure, and crop yield.
Moreover, surging global population will also boost the sales of biodegradable mulching materials in the coming years. According to a 2020 study by Yale University, the global population is expected to reach 8 billion in 2023, 9 billion by 2037, and 10 billion by 2056. The study further states that the world population is currently growing at the rate of 1% annually. The vast population base will require large quantities of food products like rice, barley, wheat, and lentil, which will further increase the usage of biodegradable mulch films, globally.
Among different types of food items, biodegradable mulch films are mostly required during the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, owing to their higher consumption than grains, oilseeds, flowers, and plants. To meet the rising demand for biodegradable mulching materials from farmers of different crop types, market players like Yifan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., AEP Industries Inc, BioBag International AS, Novamont SpA, AL-PACK Enterprises Ltd., RKW Group, RPC BPI Group (British Polyethylene Industries Plc), and Armando Alvarez Group are developing improved films, in large quantities.
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the consumption of starch-based mulch film, due to the low cost and abundant availability of starch. The biodegradable mulch films offer enhanced soil structure, weed control, and reduced soil contamination. Owing to these benefits, farmers are increasingly adopting starch as a raw material to produce mulch films. Moreover, the higher compatibility with various soil types and biodegradability of these films in comparison to polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) have fueled their application on agricultural lands.
Globally, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) biodegradable mulch film market will emerge as the leader in the foreseeable future, on account of escalating population in APAC countries like South Korea, India, and China. Vast population base of these countries will create high demand for food crops, which will require the films in large quantities. Furthermore, the U.S. dominates the North American market, due to its booming population. Whereas, among the Latin America, Middle East, and African nations, Brazil uses the highest volume of organic substances to develop biodegradable mulch films.
Thus, the surging demand for agricultural produce, on account of booming population, is fueling the utilization of biodegradable mulch films, globally.
