Global Agricultural Plastics Market - 2023-2030

Market Overview

The Global Agricultural Plastics Market reached US$ 10.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 17.1 billion by 2030 growing with a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 2023-2030. The growth of renewable energy projects will be a key factor in driving the demand for agricultural plastics in the medium term.

The global agricultural plastics market is witnessing continuous evolution, with new advances in farming technology. The expansion of vertical farming, especially in urban and semi-urban areas in developed countries will create new opportunities for the development of new types of plastics uniquely suited to its needs.

Plastic manufacturers are modifying their production processes to improve sustainability in the industry. For instance, in May 2023, Dow, the U.S.-based multinational chemical company, announced that it secured a long-term supply of bio-based ethylene feedstock for the production of renewable polyethylene.

Market Dynamics

Growing Popularity of New Farming Techniques

New farming techniques such as vertical farming, hydroponics and aquaponics have become increasingly popular in recent years, as growing urbanization shrinks the availability of fertile and arable land. Countries such as the UAE, Singapore and Israel are adopting vertical farming and hydroponics on a large scale to increase domestic production of fresh fruits and vegetables in the absence of arable land.

Almost all new farming techniques extensively rely on the usage of agricultural plastics for insulation and microclimate control. Plastics protect crops from adverse weather conditions, pests, diseases and UV radiation. Furthermore, plastics also facilitate efficient water and nutrient distribution, optimizing crop growth and productivity.

Increasing Severity of Climate Change

Climate change has resulted in the rise of unpredictable weather events, including droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures. Furthermore, the rising severity of climate change has increased the range of distribution of agricultural pests and weeds, thus creating more potential for crop loss. Rising atmospheric CO2 levels are also purported to reduce the nutritional value of food crops.

Agricultural plastics help mitigate the impact of these weather events by providing protective structures, such as greenhouses and tunnels, which shield crops from adverse weather conditions. By creating a controlled environment, plastics enable farmers to cultivate crops in a more stable and favorable climate, reducing the risks associated with climate change and unpredictable weather patterns.

Limited Recycling Infrastructure

Alternative farming methods that extensively use plastic have grown tremendously in recent years, however, recycling infrastructure hasn't scaled up to account for this growth. Some countries have extremely stringent regulations on the generation and recycling of plastic waste. Agricultural producers in these countries face tough legal penalties due to the limited infrastructure available for handling plastic waste.

Although recycling initiatives are gaining momentum, the agricultural plastics sector faces challenges due to limited recycling infrastructure. The complex nature of agricultural plastics, such as multi-layer films and contaminated materials, makes recycling more difficult. The lack of proper collection, sorting and recycling facilities limits the recycling options for agricultural plastics, leading to increased waste.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains and had a significant impact on the global agricultural industry. Lockdowns and labor shortages affected agricultural activities which led to a reduction in demand for agricultural plastics. The production of agricultural plastics was also disturbed due to pandemic restrictions.

Furthermore, the economic downturn and reduced consumer spending had a ripple effect on the demand for agricultural products, indirectly affecting the demand for agricultural plastics. However, in the aftermath of the pandemic, the agricultural sector rebounded, leading to a resurgence in the demand for agricultural plastics.

AI Impact

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have the potential to revolutionize agriculture and impact the usage of agricultural plastics. AI-powered solutions, such as precision farming and autonomous systems, optimize resource allocation, crop management and yield prediction. The technologies reduce the need for excessive plastic use in certain applications, such as precision irrigation systems that precisely deliver water based on plant needs.

AI can also facilitate better data-driven decision-making in the use of agricultural plastics, improving their efficiency and reducing waste. Data-driven usage of agricultural plastics will help to curb the impact of microplastic pollution on food production. AI can also be applied to optimize the research and development process for new plastics.

Ukraine-Russia Impact

The Ukraine-Russia war disrupted the agricultural industries of Ukraine and Russia, thus leading to a reduced demand for agricultural plastics from both countries. Stringent economic sanctions were imposed by the EU and the U.S., on all major sectors of the Russian economy, including agriculture. The sanctions caused Russia to switch towards Asian suppliers to fulfill its demand for agricultural plastics.

The war also caused a major jump in European energy prices, as Russia disrupted supplies to the region. High energy prices have eroded the competitiveness of European plastic manufacturers. The scenario has created opportunities for Asian and North American manufacturers to increase their market shares at Europe's expense.

Segment Analysis

The global agricultural plastics market is segmented based on material, application and region.

Due to its High Versatility and Durability, Polyethylene is the Most Widely Used Agricultural Plastic

Polyethylene accounts for nearly a third of the market share of plastic materials. Polyethylene is a highly versatile plastic that can be easily molded, extruded, or formed into various shapes and sizes. The versatility allows for various agricultural plastic products such as films, sheets, bags, tubes, and pipes to be produced from polyethylene.

Polyethylene exhibits excellent durability and longevity, which are essential characteristics for agricultural applications. Agricultural plastics need to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to sunlight, moisture and chemicals. Polyethylene resists degradation from UV radiation, moisture and many agricultural chemicals, ensuring prolonged use in the field without significant deterioration.

Geographical Analysis

Strong Government Incentives Enable North America to Garner Major Market Share

North America occupies a share of nearly a quarter of the global agricultural plastics market. U.S. and Canada have encouraged innovation in their agriculture industries through strong government incentives. The U.S. federal government spends nearly US$ 20 billion annually on subsidies for farm businesses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also grants preferential grants and loans for new agricultural innovations. Agricultural R&D in the U.S. mainly focuses on areas such as biodegradable plastics, reducing plastic waste and enhancing the functional properties of agricultural plastics. In December 2022, the USDA announced a grant of US$ 9.5 million to develop new bioproducts and bioplastics for the agricultural industry.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players include: AEP Industries Inc., BASF SE, Dow, EYYonMobil Chemical, Novamont S.p.A., Trioplast Group, Berry Global, Grupo Armando Alvarez, Ab Rani Plast Oy and BioBag International AS.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global agricultural plastics market segmentation based on material, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of agricultural plastics market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global agricultural plastics market report would provide approximately 50 tables, 53 figures and 195 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Plastics Manufacturers
• Petrochemical Companies
• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies