Top 10 Greenhouse Film Brand & Manufacturers

What is Greenhouse Film

Greenhouse film is a plastic film used to cover greenhouse structures. It is designed to create a controlled environment for plant growth by allowing sunlight to pass through while trapping heat and moisture inside. The film also helps to protect plants from adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. It is typically made of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and comes in various thicknesses, widths, and lengths to suit different greenhouse sizes and applications.

History of Greenhouse Film

The use of greenhouse films can be traced back to the mid-20th century. Before that, greenhouses were mainly covered with glass, which was expensive, heavy, and fragile. With the development of the plastics industry, polyethylene film was introduced as a more affordable and practical alternative. In the early days, the films were relatively simple and had limited durability and performance. However, continuous research and innovation have led to the improvement of greenhouse film technology. Today, greenhouse films are available with advanced features such as UV resistance, anti-fogging properties, and enhanced light transmission, making them more suitable for modern greenhouse cultivation.

Purpose of Greenhouse Film

• Creating a Controlled Environment: The primary purpose of greenhouse film is to create a microclimate inside the greenhouse that is conducive to plant growth. It allows sunlight to enter, which is essential for photosynthesis, while preventing heat from escaping too quickly. This helps to maintain a relatively stable temperature and humidity level, providing plants with an optimal growing environment throughout the year, regardless of the external weather conditions.


• Protecting Plants: Greenhouse film acts as a physical barrier, protecting plants from harsh weather elements such as strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and snow. It also helps to keep out pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and fungicides. Additionally, the film can prevent birds and other animals from damaging the plants.


• Enhancing Growth and Yield: By providing a controlled environment and protecting plants, greenhouse film can significantly enhance plant growth and yield. Plants grown in greenhouses covered with high-quality film tend to grow faster, have larger leaves and fruits, and produce higher yields compared to those grown in the open field. The film also allows for earlier planting and longer growing seasons, enabling farmers to harvest crops more frequently and increase their overall productivity.


• Reducing Water Loss: The film helps to reduce water evaporation from the soil and plant surfaces, conserving water and reducing the need for frequent irrigation. This is especially beneficial in areas with limited water resources or during dry seasons.

Principle of Greenhouse Film

Greenhouse film operates on the principle of the greenhouse effect. Sunlight passes through the transparent film and is absorbed by the plants and the ground inside the greenhouse. The absorbed energy is then converted into heat, which causes the temperature inside the greenhouse to rise. The film is designed to have low thermal conductivity, which means it does not allow the heat to escape easily. As a result, the heat is trapped inside the greenhouse, creating a warmer environment than the outside. At the same time, the film also has some permeability to gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, allowing for proper gas exchange between the plants and the environment. This is crucial for photosynthesis and plant respiration.

Features of Greenhouse Film

1. High Light Transmission: A good greenhouse film should have high light transmission to ensure that plants receive sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis. Most modern films have a light transmission rate of 85% to 95%, allowing for maximum utilization of natural light and promoting healthy plant growth.
2. UV Resistance: The film is often treated with UV stabilizers to protect it from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation can cause the film to degrade and lose its properties over time. UV-resistant films can last longer and maintain their performance even under prolonged exposure to sunlight.
3. Anti-Fogging and Anti-Dripping Properties: To prevent condensation from forming on the inside of the film and dripping onto the plants, greenhouse films are often equipped with anti-fogging and anti-dripping agents. These agents ensure that the film remains clear and free from water droplets, allowing for better light transmission and preventing damage to the plants caused by dripping water.
4. Durability and Tear Resistance: Greenhouse films need to be durable and tear-resistant to withstand the rigors of outdoor use and the forces exerted by wind and other weather elements. High-quality films are made from strong polymers and have good tensile strength, ensuring that they can last for several seasons without tearing or breaking.[!--empirenews.page--]
5. Thermal Insulation: The film provides thermal insulation to maintain a stable temperature inside the greenhouse. It helps to reduce heat loss during cold nights and prevent overheating during hot days, creating a more comfortable and consistent growing environment for plants.
6. Gas Permeability: Although the film is designed to trap heat, it also needs to have some permeability to gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. This allows for proper gas exchange between the plants and the environment, ensuring that the plants have enough carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and can release water vapor and oxygen through respiration.

Types of Greenhouse Film

• Polyethylene (PE) Film: This is the most common type of greenhouse film. It is inexpensive, easy to handle, and has good light transmission and durability. PE films come in different thicknesses and can be further classified into low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). LDPE films are more flexible and have better elongation properties, while LLDPE films have higher tensile strength and puncture resistance. HDPE films are the strongest and most durable but also the most expensive.


• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Film: PVC film is known for its high strength and durability. It has excellent UV resistance and can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, PVC films are more expensive than PE films and are less environmentally friendly due to the potential release of harmful chemicals during production and disposal. They are often used in high-end greenhouses or for applications where maximum durability is required.


• Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Film: EVA film is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. It has better light transmission and flexibility than PE films and is more resistant to low temperatures. EVA films are often used in cold regions or for growing crops that require a higher light intensity, such as tomatoes and cucumbers.


• Diffusion Film: Diffusion films are designed to scatter sunlight evenly throughout the greenhouse. This helps to prevent hot spots and provides a more uniform light distribution, which is beneficial for plant growth. Diffusion films are often used in combination with other types of films to improve the overall lighting conditions inside the greenhouse.

Precautions for using Greenhouse Film

• Proper Installation: Ensure that the greenhouse film is installed correctly and tightly to prevent leaks and drafts. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and use appropriate tools and techniques. Improper installation can lead to reduced performance and a shorter lifespan of the film.


• Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspect the film for any signs of damage, such as tears, holes, or yellowing. Check the seals and joints to make sure they are intact. If any damage is found, repair or replace the film as soon as possible to maintain the integrity of the greenhouse environment.


• Cleaning: Keep the film clean to ensure maximum light transmission. Remove dirt, dust, and debris from the film surface regularly. Use a soft brush or a mild detergent solution to clean the film gently. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the film.


• UV Protection: Although most greenhouse films have UV resistance, it is still important to protect the film from excessive UV exposure. Consider using shade cloth or other shading devices during the hottest part of the day to reduce the intensity of sunlight and prolong the life of the film.


• Ventilation and Temperature Control: Ensure proper ventilation and temperature control inside the greenhouse. Do not rely solely on the film to maintain the temperature. Use vents, fans, and other cooling and heating devices as needed to prevent overheating or undercooling. This will help to create a more stable and healthy growing environment for plants.

Things to consider when purchasing Greenhouse Film

• Type of Crop and Growing Conditions: Consider the type of crops you will be growing and the specific growing conditions in your area. Different crops have different light, temperature, and humidity requirements. Choose a greenhouse film that can meet the needs of your crops and provide the appropriate environment for their growth. For example, if you are growing tropical plants, you may need a film with better heat retention and light transmission.


• Quality and Durability: Look for high-quality greenhouse films that have good durability and performance. Check the film's light transmission rate, UV resistance, anti-fogging and anti-dripping properties, and thermal insulation. Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from other growers to ensure that the film will last for several seasons and provide reliable performance.[!--empirenews.page--]


• Cost and Budget: Consider the cost of the film and your budget. While it is important to get a good quality film, you also need to make sure it is within your budget. Compare prices from different suppliers and choose the most cost-effective option. Keep in mind that a higher-quality film may have a higher initial cost but could save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacement and maintenance.


• Brand and Reputation: Research different brands of greenhouse films and their reputations in the market. Look for companies with a good track record of producing high-quality and reliable films. A well-known brand is more likely to offer good customer support and have a track record of successful installations and applications.


• After-sales Service and Support: Check the availability of after-sales service, including technical support, spare parts availability, and maintenance contracts. A reliable service network can be crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of the greenhouse and minimizing downtime in case of any issues. Although greenhouse film is a relatively simple product, having access to technical support and spare parts can be helpful in case of unexpected problems.

Terms of Greenhouse Film

Some common terms related to greenhouse film include polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, greenhouse effect, light transmission, UV resistance, anti-fogging, anti-dripping, thermal insulation, and gas permeability. Understanding these terms is important for effectively operating, maintaining, and purchasing greenhouse films.