How a greenhouse film can help boost crop yields

Added on 24 March 2023

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How a greenhouse film can help boost crop yields

Polyethylene (PE) films have transformed the greenhouse industry due to their superior functional properties, the lower initial investment, and the ease of maintenance compared to alternatives such as glass and polycarbonate. Years ago, PE covers were considered the inexpensive protective solution, but with advancements in materials science, they have become an invaluable growth tool for farms all around the world and the predominant material for the industry.

Despite being the most popular choice for several decades, conventional PE films have fallen short in providing extended anti-condensate (AC) (or anti-dripping) functionality due to the migratory additive-based composition of materials used. This composition results in a gradual loss of these features well before the end of the film’s lifetime, typically in 18 to 24 months. To exacerbate matters, conventional AC tends to cause mist (or fog) in the greenhouse during early morning and before dawn when sharp fluctuations in temperature occur.

The negative impacts of condensation, dripping, and fog on crops are well known, as they diminish the quality and quantity of light, harm crops, and create conditions for fungal diseases to develop. This not only leads to reduced yields and slower crop cycles but also poorer crop quality and a greater dependence on pesticides. As a result, growers frequently replace their films years before their useful lifetime.

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Photo created by Katrien Van crombrugghe - Unsplash