Weathering the current pandemic and the looming recession, the global market for Mulch Films is projected to reach US$5. 1 billion by 2027. Intricately linked to food security, the agriculture industry is expected to buck the economic pressures posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure enough food to feed a growing population, governments worldwide are extending financial support in addition to easing restrictions on farming, food production and distribution. Agricultural productivity cannot be undermined without serious implications to food security even amidst a public health crisis. Already, regional and international food supply chains are coming under severe pressure with movement of goods facing disruptions as a result of transport restrictions. Protectionist trade measures banning food exports is additionally aggravating global food security. Demand for food in global markets is witnessing massive spikes as consumers stockpile and hoard essentials to survive the lockdowns. Rising food prices and a possible famine can very likely confront the world if immediate remedial measures are not taken. As a result, safeguarding food security has suddenly shot into the spotlight as a priority for governments as they seek to mitigate impact of COVID-19 on food production, transport, distribution and trade. Given their role in improving crop quality, minimizing weed spread, ensuring soil temperature control and water retention, mulch films will continue to remain in demand among farmers worldwide.

Mulches are applied to the surface of the soil, and around flower beds, trees, and paths, for preventing soil erosion from slopes, and in growing areas for vegetable and flower crops. Layers of mulch are normally applied 2 inches or more deep. Depending on their intended use, mulches are applied at several times during the year. Towards the start of the cultivation season, mulches are initially applied for warming the soil by preventing loss of heat during the night. The prevention of heat loss, while enabling early transplanting and seeding of certain crops, encourages faster growth. Plastic mulch, which is used by large-scale commercial farms, is spread across the field either in the form a standalone plastic mulch layer or with the help of a tractor. Plastic mulch generally forms a part of a high-end mechanical process, in which raised beds covered with plastic are created, and seedlings transplanted into the soil through holes in made the plastic. Since the plastic mulch is impervious to water, drip tapes are laid under the mulch for providing drip irrigation. A key trend in the market is the growing preference for biodegradable mulch film. With agriculture contributing to over 20. 4% of global man made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide, pressure is mounting on the agricultural sector to minimize its role in climate change. Biodegradable mulch offers several benefits such as eco-friendliness and sustainability when compared to polyethylene (PE) mulch; least impact on soil biological and biogeochemical processes; reduced risk of microbial community changes and functioning via microclimate modification; elimination of labor costs and landfill disposal fees associated with removing and disposing PE mulch; lower environmental burden when compared to on-farm burning and stockpiling issues associated with PE mulches; cost effective, easy application, zero toxic residues in the soil and ensures agro ecosystem sustainability.