Properties of polyethylene films for greenhouses. How to choose a film for a greenhouse.

The primary function of a greenhouse film is to protect plants from atmospheric phenomena (sun, rain, hail, snow, wind, etc.).

What properties should a greenhouse film possess:

• Weather resistance (shelter from external atmospheric factors);
• UV stabilization — resistance to UV radiation and UV degradation, which extends the service life of the film;
• Elasticity and molecular memory (the film does not deform from wind, snow, temperature minimums and maximums, and does not sag on the greenhouse frame over time);
• Tensile strength;
• Impact strength (for example, resistance to hail);
• Good optical properties (ability to transmit and diffuse light);
• Heat retention;
• Moisture retention;
• Ensuring a stable microclimate inside;
• Creating a favorable greenhouse effect;
• Withstanding temperatures from -40°C to +50°C.

Greenhouse films can be:

• Stabilized. Designed for a long service life — 12 months or more, due to the addition of a special substance — a stabilizer that protects the film structure from the effects of UV rays.
• Non-stabilized. Can last on a greenhouse for no more than 6 months due to the lack of protection against UV rays.

We manufacture stabilized films — single-layer (ST series) and multi-layer (UV series):

	Single-layer (ST series)	Multi-layer (UV series)
Service life	12 – 36 months	10 – 60 months
Thickness, microns	100, 120, 150	100, 120, 150, 180
Width	3 – 6 meters	8 – 12 meters

We manufacture our greenhouse films from European raw materials using modern extrusion equipment. All our greenhouse films undergo laboratory control and testing of physical and mechanical properties (tensile strength, maximum elongation at break, etc.). The films feature enhanced strength because we add the latest generation of ethylene co-polymers to the composition. Our multi-layer series of greenhouse films has increased mechanical strength thanks to its multi-layer structure (“reinforcement effect”). All our greenhouse films are recyclable.

Planet Plastiс LLC is the only manufacturer of multi-layer professional greenhouse film with a width of 12 meters in Ukraine. Our greenhouse film production process complies with international quality requirements. Quality control of finished products is carried out according to international ISO and ASTM methodologies.

So how can a consumer NOT get lost in this variety of greenhouse films presented on the Ukrainian market?!

Before choosing a film, you need to answer the following questions:

• For how long do you plan to set up the greenhouse? Will it be a greenhouse exclusively for the summer, or do you need it to last for several years? How many years/seasons are you counting on? Based on this, you choose a film service life from 12 to 60 months.
• Will you leave the film on the greenhouse in winter? Or do you plan to remove it? Or will you have a winter greenhouse and heat it? What is the installation site of the greenhouse — windy or calm? Thus, a film thickness of 80 or 100 microns is suitable for covering a greenhouse for the spring-summer season. However, for winter greenhouses or windy regions, you need to choose a film with a thickness of 120 microns or more.
• What is the width of the future greenhouse? For small greenhouses, a film width of 6 meters is suitable. But, for example, a greenhouse with a width of 6 meters will require a 12-meter film.

So, for instance, for a small budget “home” greenhouse, our ST Greens film with a width of 6 meters and a service life of 12 months is suitable. But if you are building a large greenhouse for many seasons — it is advisable to choose a multi-layer professional greenhouse film from the UV series. This film has increased mechanical strength (“reinforcement effect”), an extended operation interval (up to 5 years), and increased resistance to atmospheric phenomena.

But whichever film you choose, it is absolutely necessary to follow the rules of its operation, and then the greenhouse film will serve you for the declared period and even longer. From the experience of our clients, we can say that they have greenhouses covered with our film that has been serving for 36 months, even though it was designed for 24 months, meaning it lasts longer than the specified service life.

In our next article, we will take a detailed look at recommendations for preparing the greenhouse frame, rules for operating polyethylene greenhouse films, and recommendations for covering a greenhouse with film.

Wishing everyone a rich harvest!