The cost of greenhouse film varies significantly depending on the film type, thickness, UV service life, optical properties, functional additives, order quantity and shipping terms.
There is no single universal price for greenhouse film.
For example, two products may both be described as:
200 micron PO greenhouse film
but their prices can still differ because one may include:
High UV stabilization
Light diffusion
Anti-fog
IR
EVA
Anti-drip
7-layer co-extrusion
Customized packaging
while another may be a simpler formulation.
For buyers, the most useful question is not:
What is the cheapest greenhouse film?
but:
What is the cost of the correct greenhouse film for my project?
What Determines the Price of Greenhouse Film?
The main factors affecting greenhouse film cost include:
Film material
Thickness
Width
Length
UV lifetime
Layer structure
Light transmission
Light diffusion
Anti-fog
Anti-drip
IR
EVA
Order quantity
Packaging
Raw material price
Shipping cost
Incoterm
Each factor can change the final quotation.
1. Film Type Affects Cost
Different greenhouse film types have different production costs.
Common categories include:
PE Greenhouse Film
PE film is generally one of the more economical greenhouse covering options.
It can still be produced with functions such as:
UV stabilization
AF
IR
Diffusion
Multi-layer structure
So PE should not automatically be considered a basic product.
PO Greenhouse Film
PO greenhouse film is often more expensive because it may include:
PO is commonly used for commercial greenhouse projects that require more functional integration.
EVA Greenhouse Film
EVA-containing greenhouse film can cost more than a simple PE formulation because EVA resin and related formulation adjustments may increase material cost.
The final price depends on how much EVA is used and what performance the film is designed to achieve.
2. Thickness Has a Major Impact on Price
Thickness directly affects the amount of raw material used per square meter.
Common greenhouse film thicknesses include:
100 micron
120 micron
150 micron
180 micron
200 micron
A 200 micron film uses more material than a 150 micron film.
Assuming the same density and formulation:
200 ÷ 150 = 1.33
This means 200 micron film uses approximately 33% more material per square meter than 150 micron film.
As a result, thicker film generally costs more per square meter.
3. Price per Kilogram vs Price per Square Meter
This is one of the most important points for buyers.
Greenhouse film is often quoted by:
But for a greenhouse project, cost per square meter may be more useful.
For example:
Two films may have the same price per kilogram, but the thicker film covers less area per ton.
That means the actual project cost can be different.
A better comparison is:
Price per kg + film thickness + area covered per kg
rather than price per kilogram alone.
4. How Thickness Affects Coverage
The thicker the film, the less greenhouse area can be covered by one ton of material.
A simplified relationship is:
Film weight = area × thickness × material density
Therefore:
For distributors, this affects:
5. UV Lifetime Affects Price
Greenhouse film intended for longer outdoor use generally requires a more advanced UV stabilization system.
Typical expected service-life specifications may include:
1 year
2 years
3 years
5 years
A longer-life film may require more expensive stabilization additives.
However, actual service life still depends on:
UV intensity
climate
altitude
chemicals
installation
formulation
So buyers should compare the designed UV system, not just the number of years printed on the quotation.
6. Light Diffusion Can Increase Cost
Diffusion additives are used to scatter incoming sunlight more evenly through the greenhouse.
Higher-performance diffusion systems may increase material cost.
This is especially relevant for:
However, buyers should not simply choose the highest diffusion percentage.
The correct balance is:
Light Transmission + Diffusion
7. Anti-Fog and Anti-Drip Affect Price
Anti-fog and anti-drip systems require additional functional additives or specialized inner-layer design.
These features can increase the cost of greenhouse film.
They may be particularly useful in:
The buyer should ask whether these functions are actually required for the project.
8. IR Affects Greenhouse Film Cost
IR greenhouse film is designed to improve thermal performance and help reduce long-wave heat loss.
IR functionality may increase the price because of additional materials and formulation requirements.
It is particularly useful in:
In very hot climates, IR may not always be the highest priority.
9. EVA Content Can Affect Price
EVA is often used to improve:
Because EVA resin can be more expensive than standard polyethylene materials, higher EVA content may increase the film price.
But:
More EVA does not automatically mean better film.
The correct formulation should match the actual greenhouse conditions.
10. Layer Structure Can Affect Price
Greenhouse film may be produced using:
3-layer
5-layer
7-layer co-extrusion
More layers can provide greater flexibility in assigning different functions to different parts of the film.
For example:
Outer layer: UV and weather resistance
Middle layers: optical and mechanical properties
Inner layer: anti-fog and anti-drip
A more complex multi-layer film may cost more to produce.
However, number of layers alone does not determine quality.
11. Width Can Affect Production Cost
Very wide greenhouse film can require:
larger extrusion equipment
more complex production control
special roll handling
larger packaging
more careful transportation
So extra-wide film may cost differently from standard-width rolls.
Buyers should provide exact width requirements before requesting a quotation.
12. Roll Length Also Affects Cost
Roll length can influence:
roll weight
core size
packaging
handling
transportation
Longer rolls may reduce installation joints but can also become heavier and harder to handle.
The final specification should balance convenience and logistics.
13. Order Quantity Has a Major Effect on Price
Greenhouse film manufacturing has setup costs.
For customized production, the factory may need to:
prepare raw materials
adjust the formulation
clean the line
set machine parameters
change width
prepare packaging
As order quantity increases, these setup costs are spread across more material.
Therefore:
larger orders often receive better unit pricing
than very small customized orders.
14. MOQ Can Influence Unit Cost
If the order quantity is close to the minimum production quantity, the cost per kilogram or per roll may be higher.
For distributors, larger orders can improve:
production efficiency
packaging efficiency
freight utilization
unit cost
However, buyers should also consider inventory risk.
15. Raw Material Prices Change
Greenhouse film is strongly affected by petrochemical raw material markets.
Prices can change because of:
This means a greenhouse film quotation may only be valid for a limited period.
Buyers should check:
16. Packaging Affects Cost
Packaging options can include:
standard woven bags
protective wrapping
pallets
customized labels
OEM bags
logo printing
local-language packaging
Custom packaging may increase the total order cost.
For distributors, however, branded packaging can improve local resale value.
17. Freight Can Be a Large Part of Total Cost
The factory price is only one part of the total landed cost.
Freight may include:
Freight rates can change significantly over time.
For international buyers, it is important to compare:
EXW / FOB / CFR / CIF / DDP
correctly.
18. EXW, FOB, CFR and CIF Price Differences
EXW
The buyer collects the goods from the factory.
This price usually excludes most logistics services.
FOB
The supplier delivers the goods to the loading port and handles export procedures.
The buyer arranges main freight.
CFR
The supplier pays freight to the destination port.
Insurance is normally handled separately.
CIF
The supplier pays freight and basic cargo insurance to the destination port.
Because responsibilities differ, a CIF quotation will usually look higher than an EXW quotation.
That does not mean the product itself is more expensive.
19. How to Calculate Greenhouse Film Landed Cost
A simple landed-cost calculation is:
Product Cost
China Inland Freight
Export Charges
Ocean / Rail Freight
Insurance
Import Duty
VAT / GST
Destination Port Charges
Customs Clearance
Local Delivery
= Landed Cost
This is the real cost of getting the greenhouse film to your warehouse or project.
20. Why Price per Ton Can Be Misleading
Many buyers compare:
Supplier A: USD X per ton
Supplier B: USD Y per ton
But this can be misleading.
Two films may differ in:
thickness
density
additives
width
UV life
diffusion
EVA
IR
layer structure
A better comparison is:
Price per ton + square meters per ton + technical specification
21. How to Compare Greenhouse Film Quotations
Use the same specification for every supplier.
For example:
| Specification | Supplier A | Supplier B |
|---|
| Film Type | PO | PO |
| Thickness | 200 μm | 200 μm |
| Width | 12 m | 12 m |
| UV Life | 3 years | 3 years |
| Diffusion | XX% | XX% |
| IR | Yes | Yes |
| AF | Yes | No |
| EVA | Yes | Yes |
| Layers | 7 | 5 |
| MOQ | XX | XX |
| Incoterm | FOB | FOB |
| Price | XX | XX |
Only compare prices after the specification is aligned.
22. Why One Supplier May Be Much Cheaper
A significantly lower price may be caused by:
A cheaper price is not always a problem.
But buyers should understand why it is cheaper.
23. Does 200 Micron Cost 33% More Than 150 Micron?
Not necessarily.
Although 200 micron uses about 33% more material per square meter than 150 micron, total cost also includes:
additives
production
packaging
labor
freight
order quantity
So the final price difference may not be exactly 33%.
But material consumption is an important part of the calculation.
24. How Much Does PO Greenhouse Film Cost?
PO greenhouse film cost depends on:
thickness
UV lifetime
diffusion
AF
IR
EVA
width
layer structure
quantity
A basic PO film and a highly customized multi-functional PO film can have very different prices.
For this reason, buyers should request a specification-based quotation.
25. How Much Does PE Greenhouse Film Cost?
PE greenhouse film is often one of the more cost-effective options.
Its final cost still depends on:
thickness
UV stabilization
width
diffusion
AF
IR
service life
order quantity
Standard PE film may be cheaper than advanced multi-functional PO film.
But the correct choice depends on the greenhouse requirements.
26. How Much Does EVA Greenhouse Film Cost?
EVA-containing film may cost more because:
EVA resin is used
formulation is more complex
thermal performance may be enhanced
multi-layer structure may be required
The buyer should compare actual EVA content and function rather than relying only on the product name.
27. Which Film Gives the Best Value?
The lowest-priced film is not always the best value.
A better value film may provide:
longer service life
better crop light management
better condensation control
fewer replacements
lower installation cost over time
The correct metric is:
Total Cost of Ownership
not just purchase price.
28. Total Cost of Ownership
For example, compare:
Film A
Lower price
But:
Film B
Higher initial price
But:
Film B may be cheaper over the total project life.
29. How to Reduce Greenhouse Film Cost Without Sacrificing Quality
Buyers can reduce cost by:
Choosing the Correct Thickness
Do not automatically buy 200 micron if 150 micron is sufficient.
Avoiding Unnecessary Functions
Do not pay for IR, EVA or high diffusion if the project does not need them.
Ordering Efficient Quantities
Larger production runs can reduce unit cost.
Optimizing Roll Size
Correct width and length can reduce installation waste.
Using Full Container Loads
For larger orders, FCL may reduce freight cost per unit.
Planning Purchases Early
Avoid urgent orders that force expensive freight options.
30. How to Get an Accurate Greenhouse Film Quote
Before asking:
How much is greenhouse film?
send the supplier:
Country / Region
Crop
Film Type
Thickness
Width
Length
UV Lifetime
Diffusion
AF
IR
EVA
Quantity
Destination Port
Without this information, any price may only be a rough estimate.
Example 1: Standard Commercial Greenhouse
Film: PE
Thickness: 150 micron
Climate: Moderate
Functions: UV + AF
Quantity: Commercial order
The price may be lower than a high-diffusion multi-functional PO film because the formulation is simpler.
Example 2: High-Performance PO Film
Film: PO
Thickness: 200 micron
Functions: UV + IR + AF + EVA + High Diffusion
Structure: Multi-layer
The price may be higher because more functional materials and production complexity are involved.
Example 3: Hot-Climate Greenhouse
Climate: Strong sunlight
Crop: Tomato
Main requirement: UV + diffusion
Instead of paying for every available function, the buyer may focus on:
UV stabilization + suitable diffusion + correct thickness
to improve cost efficiency.
Common Mistakes When Comparing Greenhouse Film Prices
Mistake 1: Comparing Only Price per Kilogram
The specification may be different.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Thickness
Different thicknesses cover different areas per ton.
Mistake 3: Ignoring UV Life
A cheaper film may require earlier replacement.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Functions
AF, IR, EVA and diffusion can significantly affect price.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Freight
The lowest factory price may not give the lowest landed cost.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Packaging
OEM and pallet requirements can change cost.
Mistake 7: Comparing Different Incoterms
EXW and CIF prices cannot be compared directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does greenhouse film cost per square meter?
It depends on thickness, resin, formulation and order quantity.
To calculate accurately, buyers should know both the film weight and price per kilogram.
Is 200 micron greenhouse film much more expensive than 150 micron?
It generally costs more per square meter because it uses more raw material.
However, the final difference depends on formulation and order conditions.
Is PO greenhouse film more expensive than PE film?
Generally, multi-functional PO film can cost more because it often includes more advanced additives and layer structures.
Does EVA increase the price?
It can.
EVA resin and formulation requirements may increase material cost.
Does high diffusion increase the price?
It may.
High-performance optical additives can increase production cost.
Does longer UV life cost more?
Usually yes.
Longer designed service life generally requires a more advanced UV stabilization system.
Should I compare price per ton or price per square meter?
For greenhouse projects, price per square meter is often more meaningful.
For distributors, both figures are useful.
Why do greenhouse film prices change?
Raw material prices, exchange rates, freight and production costs can all change over time.
Greenhouse Film Manufacturer in China
GH Agricultural Film manufactures customized greenhouse films for commercial agricultural applications.
Our greenhouse film range includes:
Our production capabilities include 7-layer co-extrusion technology.
Available customization includes:
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 Price
To receive an accurate quotation, please provide:
Country / Region
Crop
Film Type
Thickness
Width & Length
Required UV Life
Required Functions
Quantity
Destination Port
We can then calculate the appropriate film specification and quotation for your project.