Greenhouse Film Information

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.