“In winter, condensation can reduce light transmission and damage plants. Our special coating ensures that condensation forms a thin layer of water instead of drops, which drains safely into the gutters. This prevents diseases and ensures high light transmission,” says Seiji Matsuda, head of global sales at AGC Green-Tech, about the company’s F-Clean™ anti-drip coating.

This proven technology, developed over 30 years ago, remains indispensable as condensation in greenhouses can severely affect plant health by causing disease when drops fall on the plants and soil. AGC Inc., the parent company of AGC Green-Tech, has a global presence in Japan, Asia, Europe and the Americas, particularly in the glass and chemical sectors, but also in advanced ceramics and life sciences.

The AGC Green Tech / F-Clean team at GPEC

In horticulture, AGC Green-Tech offers a range of F-Clean films tailored to the different needs of greenhouses. Whether clear film for maximum light transmission or diffuse film that evenly scatters the light, there is a solution for every type of crop and every growing condition. “The light entering the greenhouse changes constantly, from morning to evening, from summer to winter. We offer films that adapt to these changes, ensuring optimal light transmission all day and all year round,” explains Seiji.

The benefits of diffused light are particularly noteworthy. “For espaliered plants such as tomatoes and peppers, our diffused films can increase the yield of crop production. For example, cucumber production in kilograms increased by 4.3% and the number of cucumbers increased by 7.8% compared to transparent greenhouses. These results are based on experiments conducted at Wageningen University. The light is scattered at different angles, ensuring that the entire plant, not just the top, receives sufficient light,” notes Seiji. However, he adds that the benefits of diffused light are less significant for shorter plants such as lettuce.

A Korean greenhouse operator uses a multi-stage system

Robustness and durability
At the heart of AGC Green-Tech’s innovation is the F-Clean greenhouse film made from ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), an extremely durable and versatile fluoropolymer. “ETFE is a unique material thanks to its molecular structure, in which fluorine and carbon atoms are combined to form one of the strongest chemical bonds ever. This structure gives ETFE exceptional durability that can last for many decades.”

Although the material has not yet reached its full lifespan in practical use, it has been in use for 35 years and still works like new. Due to its long lifespan, ETFE film is a very viable alternative to poly film, which is often used in horticulture and needs to be replaced,” explains Seiji.

ETFE’s journey begins with fluorite, a mineral sourced from select regions around the world. AGC then converts it into ETFE resin and finally into ETFE film – all in its facilities. “We handle everything from material production to manufacturing the film itself. This gives us complete control over quality and allows us to offer a range of solutions including anti-drip coatings, UV transmission control, surface texture treatments and advanced color technology.”
“We build the entire film from A to Z and make sure that every aspect meets our high standards,” emphasizes Seiji.

A German lettuce greenhouse operator

ETFE’s non-stick properties are another key advantage. “ETFE is naturally non-stick, meaning that very few substances stick to its surface. If something does stick, it doesn’t last long. This property, combined with its durability, ensures that our film remains clear and effective over time,” Seiji emphasizes. These non-stick properties make F-Clean film ideal for environments where safety and hygiene are of paramount importance, such as hospitals and sports arenas. “Our film has never caught fire. It can melt, but it won’t ignite, making it a safer choice for many applications,” Seiji adds.

Economical solutions
Despite the many benefits of F-Clean film, its adoption has come with challenges, particularly in terms of cost and installation. “For proper installation, our film requires a special tensioning system that not all growers want to change. The process is complicated and although the final product is better, it is also more expensive due to the complex chemical processes,” Seiji admits.

However, AGC Green-Tech is actively working to overcome these challenges by working closely with greenhouse growers and offering cost-cutting campaigns. “We are committed to collaboration and innovation. By working with greenhouse growers, we can offer solutions that are not only high quality but also economical,” Seiji concludes.

A Japanese strawberry greenhouse grower

Integrate sustainability
Seiji also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in AGC’s business activities. “We focus on sustainability management. Our vision for 2030 is not just about numbers, but also about social values. We strive to develop materials that last longer, reduce waste and ultimately help our customers operate more sustainably,” he explains.

As part of its new vision for sustainability, AGC is committed to exploring ways to improve sustainability in agriculture by leveraging the unique strengths of ETFE film and glass. “While we do not currently offer specific products or services related to integrating renewable energy into greenhouse structures, we are actively investigating how our materials can support sustainable agricultural practices and help farmers 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 the 50th anniversary of its ETFE film business, the company wants to celebrate its milestones with customers and partners. “The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of our ETFE film business. We look forward to continuing our spirit of innovation and excellence.”

For more information:
AGC Green-Tech Co., Ltd. / AGC Inc.
Seiji Matsuda, Head of Worldwide Sales
(email protected)
www.f-clean.net