Commercial greenhouse film should be specified as an optical, mechanical, and climate-control component, not purchased only by thickness and price per kilogram. The right film depends on crop, structure, climate, installation practice, and expected service life.
Start with the operating environment
Give the supplier the project country, altitude, maximum and minimum temperature, annual solar exposure, wind conditions, greenhouse type, crop, heating method, and film-contact materials. UV dosage and service life cannot be compared without this context.
A statement such as ‘three-year film’ is incomplete unless the quotation identifies the film construction, UV stabilization grade, thickness tolerance, installation conditions, and geographic assumptions.
- Project location and climate
- Greenhouse structure and fixing system
- Crop and required light environment
- Expected installation date and service period
Compare film structure and resin formulation
Mono-layer film can meet basic seasonal requirements, while multi-layer co-extruded film allows different functions to be assigned to outer, core, and inner layers. A typical commercial specification may combine weather resistance outside, mechanical strength in the core, and anti-drip or anti-fog behavior inside.
Ask whether the quotation is PE, EVA, or PO-based and whether recycled content is present. Resin origin alone does not establish performance; require data for the finished film grade.
Specify optical performance, not just transparency
Total light transmission measures how much photosynthetically useful light enters. Haze or diffusion describes how evenly the light is distributed. High diffusion can reduce hard shadows and improve light distribution through the canopy, but the best target depends on crop and climate.
Confirm initial and aged light transmission, haze, UV transmission where relevant to pollinators or biological control, and infrared or thermal performance for heated structures.
Define thickness and mechanical acceptance
Nominal thickness should be stated in microns together with average and minimum tolerances. A film advertised as 150 micron may still vary materially across the width if the acceptance tolerance is not documented.
Compare tensile strength and elongation in machine and transverse directions, tear resistance, impact or dart-drop performance, fold durability, roll width, roll length, core, and winding quality.
| Specification item | Why it matters | What to request |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Durability and handling | Nominal micron plus average/minimum tolerance |
| Light transmission | Crop photosynthesis | Initial and aged test value |
| Haze / diffusion | Canopy light distribution | Test method and percentage |
| Tear and tensile | Installation and wind resistance | MD/TD results and standard |
| Anti-drip | Condensation management | Duration, orientation, and test method |
Treat UV life as a verified system
UV stabilizers slow polymer degradation but cannot make film immune to poor installation, sulfur and chlorine exposure, overheating at metal contact points, or abrasive movement. Pesticides containing sulfur or halogens can shorten film life and should be disclosed.
Request accelerated weathering data, relevant field references, the written warranty conditions, and the exclusions. Record storage time before installation because long storage in heat or direct sunlight can affect performance.
Procurement checklist before purchase order
- Approved technical data sheet with revision date
- Roll drawing, width, length, weight, core, and packing
- Thickness map or production tolerance
- Optical and mechanical test reports
- UV grade and warranty conditions
- Correct inside/outside installation marking
- Pre-shipment inspection plan and retained sample
- Container loading and storage instructions
Frequently asked questions
Can GSM replace film thickness?
No. Agricultural film is normally controlled by thickness in microns and density. GSM can be derived, but direct thickness tolerance and measured roll weight are more useful acceptance controls.
Does a darker or thicker film always last longer?
No. Service life depends on resin, UV stabilization, thickness, exposure, installation, chemical contact, and mechanical stress.
What is the difference between anti-drip and anti-fog?
Anti-drip encourages condensate to form a continuous film and run down the surface. Anti-fog targets suspended droplets or mist. Suppliers may use the terms differently, so request the test method and duration.
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