Those involved in commercial horticulture require clarity on the materials they use. This overview explains essential concepts related to greenhouse plastic film, providing a foundation for informed material selection. HGDN operates as a specialized plastic film manufacturer within this sector, and the terms defined here are central to their product development.
Material Composition and Polymer Types
The base composition of a film determines its core characteristics. Common polymers include polyethylene (PE) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). A technical plastic film manufacturer may create multi-layer co-extruded films, where each layer adds a specific property, such as strength, anti-drip, or infrared retention. Understanding polymer type and structure is the first step in assessing a film’s potential performance.
Light Transmission and Diffusion Metrics
Two critical optical properties are Total Light Transmission (TLT) and diffusion. TLT measures the percentage of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) that passes through the greenhouse plastic film. Diffusion refers to how the light is scattered; a higher diffusion coefficient can reduce plant shadow and improve growth uniformity. These metrics directly influence crop yield and quality.
Durability and Longevity Indicators
For greenhouse film manufacturers, longevity is a key design parameter. It is often expressed as a guaranteed service life, which is influenced by additives that protect against ultraviolet (UV) degradation. Other mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and tear resistance, define how the film withstands environmental stress like wind load or hail impact.
A clear grasp of these concepts allows for more productive dialogue between growers and suppliers. When evaluating greenhouse plastic film, attention to polymer composition, light metrics, and durability specifications is necessary. HGDN, as one of the greenhouse film manufacturers, focuses on these technical parameters to create products that meet defined operational requirements for commercial greenhouse operation.
