1. Ginegar Plastic Products Ltd.
Headquarters: Kibbutz Ginegar, Israel
Specialization: Advanced knitted shade nets and greenhouse films.
Flagship Product: Aluminet® — high-reflective aluminized shade net for light diffusion and temperature control.
Why They Stand Out: Strong agronomic R&D with crop-specific solutions for varied climates.
Notable Use Case: Mediterranean greenhouses balancing hot summers and low-light winters.
2. Phifer Incorporated
Headquarters: Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Specialization: Woven mesh fabrics for industrial, architectural, and agricultural use.
Flagship Product: Phifertex® SunScreen — UV control with excellent airflow.
Why They Stand Out: Exceptional tear resistance; GREENGUARD® low-emission certification.
Notable Use Case: Coastal U.S. greenhouses in high-wind, hurricane-prone areas.
3. Serge Ferrari
Headquarters: La Tour-du-Pin, France
Specialization: Flexible composite materials with high tensile strength.
Flagship Product: Soltis® 88 — micro-perforated screen for UV filtering and diffusion.
Why They Stand Out: Précontraint® technology for stability and longevity; strong sustainability focus.
Notable Use Case: Premium European horticulture needing low-maintenance performance.
4. Coolaroo
Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia
Specialization: Outdoor shade products including agricultural cloths.
Flagship Product: Commercial Grade Shade Cloth — UV-stabilized and mildew-resistant.
Why They Stand Out: Knitted construction resists fraying and is easy to fabricate.
Notable Use Case: Vineyards protecting grapes from sunburn while preserving flavor.
5. Royal TenCate (TenCate)
Headquarters: Almelo, Netherlands
Specialization: Technical textiles for agriculture, defense, and industry.
Flagship Product: TenCate Outdoor Fabrics — engineered for durability and UV resistance.
Why They Stand Out: Recyclable constructions and reduced carbon footprint processes.
Notable Use Case: European greenhouses targeting sustainability certifications.
6. Green-Tek
Headquarters: Clinton, Wisconsin, USA
Specialization: Greenhouse coverings and environmental control accessories.
Flagship Product: Thermal shade cloths combining shading with energy savings.
Why They Stand Out: One-stop packages: films, screens, and integration hardware.
Notable Use Case: Commercial vegetable producers extending seasons.
7. US Netting
Headquarters: Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
Specialization: Custom netting solutions for agriculture and industry.
Flagship Product: Heavy-duty agricultural shade nets with reinforced borders.
Why They Stand Out: Tailor-made dimensions, shading rates, and reinforcements.
Notable Use Case: Specialty farms with unique structures and non-standard spans.
8. TOP Greenhouse
Headquarters: Changzhou, China
Specialization: Greenhouse engineering solutions: shade cloth, insect netting, ground cover, and accessories.
Flagship Product: High-quality shade cloth for precise light and temperature control with robust UV protection.
Why They Stand Out: Durable materials, customizable specs, and climate-tailored solutions with strong value.
Notable Use Case: European commercial greenhouses improving yield and quality via optimized shading.
9. Polyfab
Headquarters: Australia & USA
Specialization: Premium knitted shade fabrics for commercial, residential, and agricultural use.
Flagship Product: Polyfab Commercial 95® — engineered for up to 95% UV blockage.
Why They Stand Out: Vibrant color range and high strength-to-weight ratio.
Notable Use Case: Tropical greenhouse projects where UV exposure is extreme.
10. Knittex
Headquarters: Pinetown, South Africa
Specialization: Knitted shade cloths for agriculture and horticulture.
Flagship Product: HDPE shade cloth designed for intense solar radiation.
Why They Stand Out: One of South Africa’s oldest producers with proven field durability.
Notable Use Case: Citrus farms across southern Africa.
11. Alnet (Pty) Ltd
Headquarters: South Africa
Specialization: Industrial and agricultural shade solutions.
Flagship Product: Customizable knitted shade cloth across multiple percentages.
Why They Stand Out: Extensive export network with global availability.
Notable Use Case: Export-oriented floriculture in Kenya and Ethiopia.
12. Elastic Enterprises
Headquarters: India
Specialization: Agrotextiles for crop protection.
Flagship Product: Elastic Green Shade Net — lightweight yet durable.
Why They Stand Out: Cost-effective solutions for developing markets.
Notable Use Case: Indian polyhouse farms growing flowers and high-value vegetables.
Crop-Specific Greenhouse Shade Cloth Recommendations
Tomatoes: 30–40% shade in warm climates to prevent flower drop.
Leafy Greens: 40–50% to reduce bolting.
Orchids: 60–70% to mimic forest understory light.
Blueberries: 20–30% in high-UV regions to reduce leaf burn.
Nursery Plants: 50–60% for balanced, compact growth.
Regional Buying Tips for Greenhouse Shade Cloth
Hot, Arid Regions
Choose aluminized cloth to reflect heat and stabilize canopy temperatures.
Humid, Tropical Climates
Select mildew-resistant yarns and breathable knits to maintain airflow.
Windy Locations
Reinforced borders and heavier meshes improve longevity.
Trends in Greenhouse Shade Cloth Technology
• Smart Fabrics: Sensor-ready screens that interface with automated controls.
• Eco-Friendly Materials: Recyclable HDPE and lower-impact production routes.
• Multi-Function Cloths: Shade plus insect control or hail mitigation in one layer.
Conclusion
Choosing shade cloth is a strategic decision that affects plant health, yield, and operational costs. The manufacturers above represent proven performance and innovation. Match product specifications to your crop and climate to unlock consistent results and better ROI.
FAQs
1. How do I choose the right greenhouse shade cloth percentage?
Align with crop light requirements and local climate intensity.
2. Can I mix different shade percentages in one greenhouse?
Yes. Zoned shading is common in commercial setups.
3. What’s the difference between knitted and woven cloth?
Knitted tends to be more durable and fray-resistant; woven is often more economical.
4. How do I install shade cloth for best results?
Keep it taut with UV-resistant fasteners and allow airflow beneath the fabric.
5. Does color matter?
Yes. White diffuses, black absorbs, aluminized reflects sunlight.
6. Can shade cloth protect from hail?
Heavy-duty meshes can significantly reduce hail damage.
7. How long should it last?
Premium screens typically last 8–12 years with proper maintenance.
8. Are these manufacturers suitable for small growers?
Absolutely. Most offer retail cuts and small-scale packages.
