Global polyethylene consumption in 2008 was around 70 mln tons, out of which 31 mln tons constituted HDPE, while 39 mln tons consisted of both LDPE and LLDPE. 3.6 mln tons of PE film was used in agriculture in 2008 - about 5% of the total PE and 9% of the total LDPE/LLDPE consumption in 2008. Asia, due to massive use in China, consumed 60% of the world’s PE film used in agriculture. China alone contributed 1.5 mln tons out of 2.15 mln tons of PE film consumed by Asia in 2008 for agriculture. Europe was the second largest region consuming about 700,000 tons of PE film in agriculture. The key drivers of PE film growth in agriculture are: • World population growth of 2% • Stagnant growth or even negative growth of arable land • Increasing need for higher food due to population, along with decline in poverty • Water shortage or decline in availability of irrigation water • Inclement weather conditions It is essential that yields of crops are increased and growing seasons should be extended. PE film plays an important role in utilizing scarce water resources (mulching) and growing food in inclement weather conditions (green house). PE film has three major applications in agriculture: • Mulching • Greenhouse • Silage Mulch PE is the largest segment with about 40% of the total PE film used in agriculture. Mulch film raises soil temperature and conserves moisture. Crops are able to grow in a modified environment, allowing plants to grow earlier and to a better size and quality. Growing global population is placing pressure on water and food supplies. By using plastics film and sheet in agriculture, water can be conserved and production increased. The latest trends and developments in this field were discussed at AMI’s third international conference, Agricultural Film 2010. The conference was kicked off with an overview of the markets from Andrew Reynolds of AMI Consulting. The use of films and netting in agriculture and horticulture is increasing across South America, Africa and Eurasia, from greenhouses, tunnels, floating covers and mulch, to silage and storage bags. It is being used in cold climates for winter protection and warmth, and as shade and for water conservation in hot seasons. Specialty films can inhibit the growth of weeds and pests and promote plant growth, even improving colour of crops like red roses. The increasing use of pesticides has caused early failure of films and this is the subject of extensive studies, along with the effects of photoselective films on pollination by bees. At the top end of the cover market there are very high tech hydroponic installations with complete circulation of air and water. Sustainability is a big issue and efforts are being made to improve recovery and recycling rates. Biodegradable plastics are being used in mulch film, which saves money by cutting recovery costs. However, the degradation has to occur at just the right rate for the grower to get maximum benefit. BSK Plast Pack & Agrarservice und Trade has examined the changes in structure of the agricultural industry and the effects on plastics consumption including silage stretch film, sheets, round bale net and twine. In Turkey, Naksan Plastik has reviewed the effects of plastic mulch in orchards and greenhouses on plant growth. One of the latest innovations in South Africa, announced by Greencult, is a netted mulch to combat wind stress and increase yields of Cucurbit. The natural and artificial ageing of tri-layer polyethylene film has been studied in North Africa by the Algerian Universite IBN Khaldoun Tiaret. Polimeri Europa has looked at the effectiveness of EVA film on increasing productivity. EVOH is a high barrier resin and Nippon Gohsei Europe has developed stretch film grades for agriculture. In sterilisation of soil, film is placed over the ground before the chemical is applied. Totally impermeable film (TIF) grades are produced by EVAL Europe to reduce fumigant dosage and VOC emissions. The University of Basilicata has studied the environmental aspects of film use. One issue for the industry is recovery of film from mulch applications when the material is often torn and dirty. Biodegradable mulch is becoming widely used to overcome some of the problems. Mirel Biobased Plastics has examined the biodegradability of these materials in both Europe and North America. The Japanese bioplastics industry is well developed: Campo Tecnico produces film and compost bags. Biodegradable plastics can be difficult to process because they are made to degrade: Clariant Masterbatches has solutions for additivation. Meanwhile, the machinery manufacturers have been working out the optimal processing conditions and Kuhne has new developments to aid in film processing. Paul & Co. has paper cores for film to assist in reducing the environmental impact of production.