What Makes White Greenhouse Plastic Different from Clear Films?

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Unlike clear greenhouse plastic, which allows direct sunlight to pass through, white greenhouse plastic scatters the incoming light evenly throughout the structure. This diffused light effect eliminates harsh shadows and helps create a more uniform growing environment. The color difference might seem simple, but it plays a major role in the internal microclimate of the greenhouse. White plastic reflects more of the sun’s heat compared to clear or transparent covers, which means the interior stays cooler during hot afternoons. In sunny climates like those in southern California, this becomes a huge advantage for growers cultivating leafy greens, flowers, or nursery plants that can suffer from high heat or leaf scorch. Additionally, white films can reduce the UV impact inside the greenhouse while still transmitting enough photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) needed for optimal plant development. This balance is one of the reasons why white greenhouse plastic is being widely adopted by modern growers aiming for controlled growth conditions.