Greenhouse films

The greenhouse films is an essential material for protecting crops from weather conditions. It is usually the most common material used for greenhouse coverings.

There are different types of greenhouse plastics and, of course, no option is better than another. When choosing, it is important to consider your needs and those of your crops.

There are several factors to consider when selecting greenhouse plastic:

• Thermicity: Heat exchange with the outside environment.
• Transparency: Greater transparency means better optimization for its use as a covering.
• Lightness: A lighter weight reduces structural demands and increases light uniformity inside.
• Durability: The lifespan of greenhouse plastic is between 3 and 5 years.
• Anti-drip properties: Improves light transmission and reduces the risk of water droplets falling on plants.

Types of Greenhouse Plastics

The most commonly used greenhouse plastics for coverings are ethylene vinyl acetate and polyethylene. Let’s look at their characteristics!

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)

This type of plastic stands out for:

• Excellent light transmission
• Excellent mechanical properties
• High thermal effect
• Excellent resistance to photodegradation

Polyethylene (PE)

It is the most commonly used plastic in greenhouses due to its low cost, good mechanical properties, and ease of adding additives to improve its performance.

We classify polyethylene based on its density:

• Low density: The most used for greenhouse coverings.
• Medium density: Used in small tunnels and mulches.
• High density: Mainly used in containers, irrigation, and drainage.

What Are Plastics Used for in Greenhouses?

The most widely used plastic in agriculture is undoubtedly greenhouse covering plastic. It is a low-density polyethylene plastic with a durability of 2 to 4 years and thicknesses ranging from 700 to 900 microns. It can be found with 3000 ppm or 5000 ppm, and its color can be clear or yellow.

Below we can see a comparison of the most commonly used greenhouse coverings:

Our Recommendations

Although our recommendations vary according to the type of greenhouse, we always recommend covering plastic with the following characteristics:

• A thickness of 800 microns or 200 micrometers
• A minimum durability of 3 years
• Protection against ultraviolet radiation
• We recommend that the plastic be clear to allow better lighting.
• Containing an additive to retain heat in winter or colder periods

You can find this type of plastic in our online store along with a variety of nets and plastics specially recommended for greenhouses.

At Sistemas Hortícolas Almería, we offer two types of covering plastics, available for purchase on our website:

• Greenhouse covering plastic with 3-year warranty, 800 microns, standard clear.
• Greenhouse covering plastic with 3-year warranty, 800 microns, thermal clear.

You can contact us if you need more information, we’ll be happy to help!