"In winter, condensation can reduce light transmission and harm plants. Our special coating ensures condensation forms a thin water layer instead of droplets, which runs off safely into the gutters. This prevents diseases and maintains high light transmission," says Seiji Matsuda, Head of global sales at AGC Green-Tech as he talks about the company's Anti-Drip coating of F-Clean™.
This well-established technology, developed over 30 years ago, continues to be essential as greenhouse condensation can severely impact plant health by causing diseases if droplets fall onto the crops and the floor. AGC Inc., the parent company of AGC Green-Tech, has a global footprint in Japan, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, especially in the glass and chemical sectors, but also in advanced ceramics and life sciences.
The AGC Green Tech / F-CLEAN team pictured at the GPEC
On the horticulture end, AGC Green-Tech offers a range of F-Clean film designed to meet different greenhouse needs. Whether it's a clear film for maximum light transmission or a diffused film that scatters light evenly, there's a solution for every type of crop and growing condition. "Light coming into the greenhouse is always shifting, from morning to sunset, summer to winter. We offer films that can adapt to these changes, ensuring optimal light transmission throughout the day and year," Seiji explains.
The benefits of diffused light are particularly noteworthy. "For trellis plants like tomatoes and capsicum, our diffused films can increase the yield of the crop production, for example, cucumber production in kilograms increased by 4.3% and the number of cucumbers increased by 7.8% compared to clear greenhouses. These results are based on trials conducted at Wageningen University. The light is scattered in different angles, ensuring that the entire plant, not just the top, receives enough light," Seiji notes. However, he adds that for shorter crops like lettuce, the benefits of diffused light are less significant.
A Korean greenhouse operator using a multi-tier system
Robustness and longevity
At the core of AGC Green-Tech's innovation is its F-Clean greenhouse film, made from ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene), a highly durable and versatile fluoropolymer. "ETFE is a unique material thanks to its molecular structure, which combines fluorine and carbon atoms to form one of the strongest chemical bonds possible. This structure endows ETFE with exceptional durability, potentially lasting for many decades.
While the material hasn't yet reached its full potential lifespan in practical use, it has already been in service for 35 years and continues to perform as if it were new. Given its long life expectancy, ETFE film presents a highly viable alternative to poly film commonly used in the horticultural industry, which requires frequent replacement,'' Seiji explains.
ETFE's journey begins with fluorite, a mineral sourced from select regions around the world. AGC then transforms it into ETFE resin and finally into the ETFE film, all within its facilities. "We do everything from material production to creating the film itself. This gives us complete control over quality, allowing us to offer a range of solutions, including Anti-Drip coatings, UV transmission control, surface structural treatments, and advanced color technology."
We build the entire film from A to Z, ensuring that every aspect meets our high standards," Seiji emphasizes.
A German lettuce greenhouse operator
The non-stick properties of ETFE are another critical advantage. "ETFE is inherently non-stick, meaning very few substances adhere to its surface. If anything does stick, it doesn't last long. This property, combined with its durability, means our film stays clear and efficient over time," Seiji points out. This non-stick characteristic makes F-Clean film ideal for environments where safety and hygiene are paramount, such as hospitals and sports arenas. "Our film has never caught fire. It might melt, but it won't ignite, making it a safer choice for many applications," Seiji adds.
Economical solutions
Despite the many advantages of F-Clean film, adoption has its challenges, particularly regarding cost and installation. "Our film requires a specific tensioning system for proper installation, which not all growers are ready to modify. The process is intricate, and while the end product is superior, it's also more expensive due to the complex chemical processes involved," Seiji admits.
However, AGC Green-Tech is actively working to overcome these challenges by collaborating closely with greenhouse builders and offering campaigns to lower costs. "We are committed to collaboration and innovation. By working together with greenhouse builders, we can offer solutions that are not only high-quality but also economical," Seiji concludes.
A Japanese strawberry greenhouse grower
Incorporating sustainability
Seiji also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in AGC's operations. "We are focused on sustainability management. Our vision for 2030 is not just about numbers but also about social values. We're committed to creating materials that last longer, reduce waste, and ultimately help our customers operate more sustainably," he explains.
Aligning their new vision on sustainability, AGC is committed to exploring ways to enhance sustainability in agriculture by leveraging the unique strengths of ETFE film and glass. "While we are not currently offering specific products or services related to the integration of renewable energy with greenhouse structures, we are actively investigating how our materials can support sustainable agricultural practices, helping growers reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining high productivity. We remain open to suggestions from our customers and potential partners as we continue to explore these opportunities," Seiji shares.
As AGC Inc. approaches its 50th anniversary of the ETFE film business, the company is eager to celebrate its milestones with customers and partners."The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of our ETFE film business. We look forward to carrying forward our spirit of innovation and excellence."
For more information:
AGC Green-Tech Co., Ltd. / AGC Inc.
Seiji Matsuda, Head of global sales
[email protected]
www.f-clean.net