Buying greenhouse film is not as simple as choosing a thickness and asking for the lowest price.

Two films may both be described as “200 micron PO greenhouse film,” but they can differ significantly in:

• UV stabilization

• Light transmission

• Light diffusion

• Anti-fog performance

• IR thermal properties

• EVA content

• Layer structure

• Mechanical strength

• Expected service life

• Packaging

• Quality consistency

Before placing an order, buyers should ask the supplier the right technical and commercial questions.

A good greenhouse film supplier should be able to explain not only what the film is, but also why the specification is suitable for your greenhouse project.

1. What Type of Greenhouse Film Is This?

Start with the basic material and film category.

Ask:

• Is it PE, PO or EVA-containing greenhouse film?

• Is it a multi-layer film?

• What is the main material structure?

• Is it designed for commercial greenhouse use?

The terms PE, PO and EVA are often used differently in different markets, so do not rely on the product name alone.

Ask for the actual specification.

A film called “PO” may still differ greatly from another PO film depending on its formulation.

2. What Thickness Do I Actually Need?

Do not simply ask:

Do you have 200 micron film?

Ask:

What thickness do you recommend for my greenhouse and why?

Common greenhouse film thicknesses include:

• 100 micron

• 120 micron

• 150 micron

• 180 micron

• 200 micron

The correct thickness depends on:

• Greenhouse structure

• Wind conditions

• Expected service life

• Installation method

• Budget

• Film formulation

A thicker film may provide greater mechanical robustness, but thicker does not automatically mean better.

3. What Is the Actual Thickness Tolerance?

This is an important question that many buyers forget.

A nominal thickness of 200 micron does not necessarily mean every part of the film is exactly 200 micron.

Ask:

• What is the thickness tolerance?

• How is thickness measured?

• Is thickness checked during production?

• Can you provide inspection data?

Uneven thickness can create weak areas and affect film performance.

A reliable manufacturer should have a clear thickness-control process.

4. How Long Is the Film Designed to Last?

Ask:

• Is the film designed for 1 year, 2 years, 3 years or 5 years?

• Under what climate conditions?

• What factors can shorten the film life?

The expected lifetime depends on more than thickness.

Important factors include:

• UV intensity

• Temperature

• Altitude

• Agricultural chemicals

• Installation

• Film formulation

• Greenhouse structure

Be cautious if a supplier guarantees a long service life without asking where the film will be used.

5. What UV Stabilization Is Included?

Greenhouse film is continuously exposed to sunlight.

Without suitable UV stabilization, plastic can become:

• Brittle

• Weak

• Cracked

• Discolored

• Less transparent

Ask:

• What UV stabilization system is used?

• Is it designed for my country or climate?

• Does the film have any chemical-use limitations?

• What service life is the UV system designed to support?

For high-UV regions, this is especially important.

6. What Is the Light Transmission?

Light transmission affects how much useful sunlight enters the greenhouse.

Ask:

• What is the total light transmission?

• Is the data measured on new film?

• How does diffusion affect transmission?

• Is optical data available?

For many crops, maximizing useful light is important.

However, the highest possible transmission is not always the best choice in strong-sunlight regions.

The correct level depends on climate and crop.

7. What Is the Light Diffusion Percentage?

Light diffusion determines how incoming sunlight is distributed inside the greenhouse.

Ask:

• What is the diffusion level?

• Is it low, medium or high diffusion?

• Is the film suitable for dense crops?

• How does diffusion affect total light transmission?

High-diffusion film can help distribute sunlight more evenly through the crop canopy.

This may be useful for:

• Tomato

• Cucumber

• Pepper

• Flowers

• Other dense crops

But higher diffusion is not automatically better.

The goal is to find the right balance between:

light transmission + light diffusion

8. Does the Film Have Anti-Fog Performance?

In humid greenhouses, condensation can form on the inner surface of the film.

Ask:

• Does the film have AF?

• How is anti-fog performance achieved?

• Is AF built into a dedicated layer?

• How long is the AF function expected to work?

Anti-fog can help reduce fogging and maintain better visibility and light conditions.

Do not assume that PO or EVA automatically means anti-fog.

AF is a separate function.

9. Does the Film Have Anti-Drip Performance?

Anti-drip helps condensed water spread across the film surface instead of forming large droplets.

Ask:

• Is anti-drip included?

• Is anti-drip different from anti-fog in this product?

• Is it suitable for high-humidity greenhouses?

This is especially important where condensation is frequent.

10. Does the Film Include IR?

IR greenhouse film is designed to improve thermal performance and reduce long-wave heat loss.

Ask:

• Does the film include IR functionality?

• Is IR recommended for my climate?

• Is it mainly for nighttime heat retention?

• Is IR necessary in a hot climate?

IR is particularly useful for:

• Cold nights

• Winter production

• Large day/night temperature differences

• Heated greenhouses

Do not pay for IR automatically if your project does not need it.

11. Does the Film Contain EVA?

Ask:

• Is EVA included?

• Why is EVA included?

• What performance is it intended to improve?

• Is EVA necessary for my greenhouse?

EVA can influence:

• Flexibility

• Low-temperature behavior

• Thermal performance

• Optical characteristics

However:

More EVA does not automatically mean better film.

The EVA formulation should match the actual greenhouse requirements.

12. Is the Film Clear or Diffused?

Ask whether the film is:

• Clear

• Low diffusion

• Medium diffusion

• High diffusion

• Full diffusion

A clear film may be more suitable where maximum direct light is important.

A diffused film may be better where:

• Sunlight is intense

• Crops are dense

• Light uniformity is important

• Localized heat stress is a concern

The correct choice depends on the growing environment.

13. How Many Layers Does the Film Have?

Ask:

• Is it 3-layer, 5-layer or 7-layer?

• What is the function of each layer?

• Why is this layer structure used?

Multi-layer co-extrusion can allow different functions to be assigned to different film layers.

For example:

Outer layer: UV and weather resistance

Middle layers: strength, optical and thermal properties

Inner layer: anti-fog and anti-drip performance

More layers do not automatically guarantee better quality, but they can provide greater formulation flexibility.

14. What Mechanical Properties Can You Provide?

Ask about:

• Tensile strength

• Elongation

• Tear resistance

• Puncture resistance

• Impact resistance

These properties can be especially important in:

• High-wind areas

• Large greenhouse structures

• Heavy-duty installations

Thickness alone does not tell the full story.

15. Is the Film Suitable for Strong Wind?

If your project is in a windy region, ask:

• Is this thickness suitable?

• What mechanical properties matter most?

• Do you recommend 150, 180 or 200 micron?

• Does the greenhouse structure affect the recommendation?

Film performance in wind depends on both:

film strength + greenhouse structure + installation

A thicker film cannot compensate for a poorly designed frame.

16. Is the Film Suitable for My Climate?

A reliable supplier should ask where the film will be used.

Tell them:

• Country

• Region

• Temperature

• UV conditions

• Humidity

• Wind

• Seasonal differences

Then ask:

Which film functions do you recommend for this climate?

A professional manufacturer should not recommend the same film to every market.

17. Is the Film Suitable for My Crop?

Tell the supplier what you are growing.

Examples:

• Tomato

• Cucumber

• Pepper

• Strawberry

• Flowers

• Melon

• Nursery crops

Then ask:

• What light conditions does this crop need?

• Is diffusion recommended?

• Is IR necessary?

• Is AF important?

The film should support the crop environment, not just cover the greenhouse.

18. What Widths Can You Produce?

Ask:

• What is the maximum production width?

• Can wide film be produced in one piece?

• Is the width customized?

• What width tolerance applies?

Wide film can reduce seams and simplify installation for some greenhouse designs.

The required width should match the greenhouse structure.

19. Can the Length Be Customized?

Ask:

• What roll lengths are available?

• Can length be customized?

• Is there a minimum or maximum roll length?

• How does roll length affect weight and handling?

This helps avoid unnecessary cutting and installation waste.

20. How Much Does One Roll Weigh?

Roll weight matters for:

• Installation

• Manual handling

• Forklift requirements

• Transport

• Container loading

Ask:

• What is the net weight?

• What is the gross weight?

• What core weight is included?

• Is packaging included in gross weight?

This is especially important for very wide films.

21. What Is the MOQ?

Ask:

• What is the minimum order quantity?

• Is MOQ based on tons, rolls or size?

• Can different sizes be combined?

• Does custom formulation change the MOQ?

• Does OEM packaging increase MOQ?

Customized greenhouse film usually requires a minimum production quantity.

Knowing this early helps avoid wasted quotation time.

22. Can Different Sizes Be Combined in One Order?

For distributors, this is very important.

Ask:

• Can one order contain multiple widths?

• Can multiple lengths be mixed?

• Can 150 and 200 micron be combined?

• Is there a minimum quantity per specification?

This affects inventory planning.

23. Can You Customize the Packaging?

Ask whether the supplier offers:

• OEM logo

• Printed woven bags

• Labels

• Product specifications

• Local-language packaging

• Custom branding

For distributors, packaging can be part of the commercial value.

24. Can You Provide Samples?

Ask:

• Is a film sample available?

• Can you send a small roll?

• Is the sample produced with the same formulation?

• Is shipping charged?

A sample can help evaluate:

• Appearance

• Flexibility

• Thickness

• Transparency

• Packaging

But a sample cannot fully prove long-term UV life.

25. Can You Provide Test Data?

Ask whether the supplier can provide test information for:

• Thickness

• Light transmission

• Diffusion

• Mechanical properties

• UV

• IR

• Haze

Not every order requires a full laboratory report, but a professional manufacturer should have a clear testing process.

26. How Do You Control Quality During Production?

Ask:

• How often is thickness checked?

• Is film width checked?

• Is roll weight verified?

• Are optical properties tested?

• Is appearance inspected?

• Is every batch recorded?

A reliable supplier should be able to explain the quality-control process step by step.

27. Can I See the Factory?

Ask whether the supplier can provide:

• Factory video

• Live video call

• Production-line photos

• Warehouse photos

• Quality-control area

• Loading videos

For large orders, you may also consider:

• Factory visit

• Third-party audit

A real manufacturer should normally be able to show its production process.

28. What Is the Production Lead Time?

Ask:

• How many days are required for production?

• Does custom formulation require extra time?

• Does custom packaging affect lead time?

• When can production start after deposit?

Production time and shipping time should be discussed separately.

29. What Are the Payment Terms?

Ask clearly:

• What deposit is required?

• When is the balance due?

• Which payment methods are accepted?

• Which currency is used?

• What company name appears on the bank account?

Always verify payment information carefully.

If bank details suddenly change, confirm them through another communication channel.

30. Which Incoterms Do You Offer?

Ask whether the supplier can quote:

• EXW

• FOB

• CFR

• CIF

• DDP, where available

Make sure both parties understand who is responsible for:

• Inland transport

• Export customs

• Sea freight

• Insurance

• Destination charges

• Import customs

• Local delivery

A low product price may not mean a low landed cost.

31. What Shipping Method Do You Recommend?

Ask whether the order is best shipped by:

• Sea

• Rail

• Truck

• Multimodal transport

The answer depends on:

• Destination

• Order size

• Transit time

• Freight cost

• Container availability

For large greenhouse film orders, full-container transport is often more practical.

32. How Much Can Fit in a Container?

Ask:

• How many tons can be loaded?

• How many rolls?

• How many square meters?

• Are pallets included?

• What is the loading plan?

This helps distributors calculate landed cost and local selling price.

For greenhouse film, square meters per container can be more useful than simply tons per container.

33. What Export Documents Can You Provide?

Typical documents may include:

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading

• Certificate of Origin

• Sales Contract

Ask whether additional documents can be provided if required by your country.

Import requirements vary by market, so confirm with your local customs broker.

34. What HS Code Do You Use?

Ask the supplier which HS code they normally declare.

However, the final classification should also be confirmed with your local customs broker or customs authority.

HS classification can affect:

• Import duty

• VAT

• Documentation

• Clearance requirements

Do not assume every agricultural film uses the same code.

35. Can I Arrange Third-Party Inspection?

For large first orders, ask whether third-party inspection is accepted.

Inspection may cover:

• Quantity

• Dimensions

• Appearance

• Packaging

• Weight

• Container loading

Technical testing requirements should be agreed before production.

36. What Happens If the Film Does Not Meet Specification?

Ask about:

• Quality complaint procedure

• Required evidence

• Inspection records

• Warranty terms

• Claim process

This should ideally be clarified before the order.

A professional supplier should have a clear way to handle quality disputes.

37. Can You Provide References or Case Studies?

Ask whether the manufacturer has experience with similar:

• Countries

• Crops

• Film thicknesses

• Climates

• Greenhouse projects

A relevant case study is more useful than a generic claim such as:

“We export worldwide.”

Useful case-study information includes:

• Country

• Crop

• Thickness

• Film type

• Functions

• Reason for specification selection

38. How Should I Compare Two Greenhouse Film Quotations?

Use the same specification for every supplier.

For example:

Only compare price after the technical specification is aligned.

39. What Are the Biggest Red Flags?

Be cautious if a supplier:

• Gives a price without asking your specification

• Says one film is suitable for every country

• Cannot explain UV life

• Cannot explain PO, PE or EVA

• Refuses to provide factory evidence

• Changes technical details frequently

• Gives unrealistic lifetime promises

• Cannot provide clear payment information

• Cannot provide written order specifications

One issue may not mean the supplier is unreliable.

But several warning signs together deserve attention.

40. The 10 Most Important Questions to Ask

If you do not want to ask 40 questions, start with these 10:

1. What film type do you recommend for my climate and crop?

2. What thickness should I use and why?

3. What UV service life is the film designed for?

4. What are the light transmission and diffusion levels?

5. Does the film include AF, IR, EVA or anti-drip?

6. How many layers does the film have?

7. What quality-control tests are performed?

8. What is the MOQ and production lead time?

9. What Incoterm and payment terms do you offer?

10. Can you provide factory evidence, samples and test data?

These questions are enough to separate a basic seller from a more professional greenhouse film supplier.

Greenhouse Film Buying Checklist

Before placing an order, prepare the following information:

This checklist helps the supplier provide a more accurate recommendation and quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important question to ask before buying greenhouse film?

Ask whether the film specification is suitable for your climate, crop and greenhouse structure.

This is more important than simply asking for price.

Should I ask for UV lifetime?

Yes.

UV stabilization is one of the main factors affecting greenhouse film durability.

Should I ask for light transmission and diffusion?

Yes.

These parameters affect how sunlight enters and distributes inside the greenhouse.

Should I ask whether the film has EVA?

Only if EVA is relevant to your project.

The more important question is what performance the film is designed to provide.

Is 200 micron always better than 150 micron?

No.

200 micron is thicker, but the correct choice depends on structure, climate, formulation and budget.

Should I request a sample?

For a new supplier, a sample can be useful for evaluating basic film characteristics.

However, long-term performance cannot be fully verified from a small sample.

Should I visit the manufacturer?

For large or long-term orders, a factory visit or third-party audit can provide useful verification.

Buy Greenhouse Film From a Chinese Manufacturer

GH Agricultural Film manufactures customized greenhouse films for commercial agricultural applications.

Our greenhouse film range includes:

• PO greenhouse film

• PE greenhouse film

• EVA greenhouse film

• Full-diffusion greenhouse film

• Anti-fog greenhouse film

• IR greenhouse film

• Customized multi-functional greenhouse film

Our production capabilities include 7-layer co-extrusion technology, allowing different film layers to be designed for different optical, thermal and mechanical functions.

Customization options include:

• Thickness

• Width

• Length

• UV service life

• IR

• AF

• Anti-drip

• EVA

• Light diffusion

• Packaging

• OEM branding

Maximum film width can reach 20 meters.

Request a Greenhouse Film Specification and Quotation

Before requesting a quotation, send us:

Country / Region
Crop
Greenhouse Type
Thickness
Width & Length
Required Service Life
Required Functions
Quantity
Destination Port

We can help evaluate the appropriate greenhouse film specification before quotation.