BioAgri Mulch Film
Country of application:
Norway
Scope of innovation
☐ Office work
☒ Production / Service supply process
Sector-specific
☒ Yes / please, specify sector(s): agriculture
☐ No (relevant for all sectors)
Description of the needs
Agriculture today faces significant challenges, with pressing concerns over environmental degradation and the need for efficient resource utilization. One primary concern is the prevalent use of non-biodegradable plastics in farming, which leads to environmental pollution. When these plastics degrade, they form microplastics, small particles that contaminate our soils, waterways, and eventually, the food we consume. There is also a growing alarm about the declining health of our soils due to continuous farming and excessive chemical use. In addition to this, with global water resources depleting, efficient water use in agriculture becomes ever more crucial. Furthermore, the widespread use of pesticides and herbicides not only has environmental implications but also raises concerns about human health and biodiversity.
In response to these needs, Biobag has introduced an agricultural film that is biodegradable-BioAgri. This film breaks down naturally, effectively addressing the issue of plastic residue in farming. Its properties assist in conserving water, reducing the dependency on harmful chemicals, and promoting better soil health. The film also aligns with the principles of organic farming and ensures that agricultural practices are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Description of the solution
BioBag presents environmentally-friendly products that are certified as biodegradable and compostable, making them ideal for food waste collection. These products excel in the organic processing of food waste through biogas production or composting, playing a significant role in reducing plastic waste.
BioAgri Mulch Film: Paving the way to sustainability
BioAgri enhances environmental health. Making farmers’ daily routines simpler, this film is biodegradable in soil. After harvesting, remnants of the BioAgri film integrate into the earth, decomposing without leaving behind any plastic residues.
Environmental contribution:
Produced from Mater-Bi, a material made by combining starch with compostable and biodegradable polymers, BioAgri is certified biodegradable in soil. Such properties mean that the BioAgri agricultural film substantially aids in nurturing a healthier environment.
Distinguishing BioAgri Mulch Film:
Compared to traditional plastic, BioAgri agricultural film:
• Leaves no plastic remnants in fields, eliminating microplastics.
• Decomposes into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter.
• Has an adaptable lifespan tailored for various crops.
• Eliminates the need for post-harvest collection.
• Removes disposal costs related to plastic return.
• Emerges as an efficient alternative to traditional plastic film, both agronomically and environmentally.
• Offers quicker field turnaround as there’s no need for plastic collection; the film integrates into the soil.
• Reduces both time and costs associated with the removal and collection of traditional plastic film.
• Comes in different qualities to match the growth period of crops.
• Perfectly suits organic farming.
Benefits for farmers using BioAgri film:
• Increases soil temperature.
• Accelerates germination and growth cycles.
• Contributes to long-term fertile soil.
• Offers cost and labour efficiency.
• Reduces or eliminates the need for herbicides and pesticides.
• Optimizes water usage.
• Ensures closer contact of fertilizers to plants.
• Protects produce from direct soil contact.
• Prevents plastic accumulation in the ground.
• Is GMO-free with commendable LCA values and certified biodegradability in soil by TUV Austria.
Application areas:
BioAgri’s biodegradability spans 1-36 months depending on quality, climate, and temperatures. With exceptional test results, it is suitable for both seasonal crops (onion, melon, cabbage, cucumber, squash, lettuce) and perennial plants (vines, flowers, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, currants, various trees).
Film application tips:
BioAgri can be applied using tools designed for traditional agricultural plastic film. However, it is crucial not to over-tighten the roll. This ensures quicker field access after harvest without any PE-plastic pollution.
BioAgri’s adaptability:
BioAgri can be tailored to specific needs, from micro-perforated designs with needle holes to plant holes fitting the crop and available in black, transparent, or gray/black shades.
Certifications:
BioAgri is certified as biodegradable in soil according to the European standards EN 13432, EN17033, and the American standard ASTM D6400.
Choosing BioBag and BioAgri products not only aligns with environmentally-conscious decisions but also ensures efficient and sustainable practices in waste management and agriculture.
Description of the effect
BioAgri agricultural film promotes sustainable agriculture by addressing key environmental concerns related to plastic usage in farming, enhancing crop yields, and conserving resources. Its adoption is a step towards more eco-friendly and efficient agricultural practices:
Biodegradability: Unlike traditional plastic films which can persist in the environment for decades or even centuries, BioAgri agricultural film is biodegradable. This means it naturally breaks down into harmless compounds such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass when incorporated into the soil.
Reduced plastic waste: As the film decomposes in the soil, it eliminates the concern of plastic residues accumulating in the agricultural fields, thereby helping to combat the broader issue of plastic pollution.
Elimination of microplastics: Traditional plastic films can degrade into smaller particles, known as microplastics, which can persist in the environment and potentially enter the food chain. BioAgri agricultural film, being biodegradable, do not contribute to this problem.
Carbon footprint reduction: The decomposition of the BioAgri agricultural film results in carbon dioxide, a component that was originally absorbed from the atmosphere by the plants used to make the film. This creates a cyclical carbon process that can be more balanced compared to the linear release of carbon from fossil-based plastics.
Water conservation: The film has properties that optimize water usage. It helps in maintaining soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering, and therefore conserving water.
Pesticide and herbicide reduction: The film can help in weed suppression, potentially reducing the need for chemical herbicides. Its barrier can also deter certain pests, possibly reducing the reliance on pesticides.
Soil health enhancement: By decomposing into organic matter (humus/biomass), the film contributes to soil fertility, improving its structure and water retention capacity.
No collection or disposal needed: Post-harvest processes for traditional plastic films often require collection, transportation, and disposal, each of which has an environmental impact. The BioAgri film’s in-situ degradation eliminates these steps.
Suitability for organic farming: BioAgri agricultural film’s properties align well with the principles of organic farming, enabling farmers to maintain organic standards while benefiting from the advantages of agricultural films.
GMO-Free: The film is produced without genetically modified organisms, ensuring a natural and non-modified product.
Enhanced crop yield: The film’s properties can result in quicker germination, better growth rates, and, in some cases, improved crop yields, thereby making agriculture more efficient.
Protection for Produce: It serves as a barrier between crops and the soil, minimizing direct soil contact which can lead to soil-borne diseases or spoilage.
Company/companies that developed/implemented/offer the innovation
BioBag International AS, recognized as a paramount figure in the global market, has paved its way through designing, manufacturing, and promoting certified compostable and biodegradable products. This venture is backed by an expansive global network of sales and production partners. When it comes to the range of available products in the market, BioBag stands out with its comprehensive assortment. Central to its operations is a commitment to preserving the high quality of its products while continuously embracing innovation.
BioBag’s inception can be traced back to 1959. Initially named PolarGruppen, it primarily dealt with polyethylene products. The company’s orientation took a green turn in 1993, steering towards renewable raw materials. By 2003, BioBag fully embraced its environmental calling, pivoting exclusively to biodegradable products. Now, its gaze is set on diverse sectors, ranging from waste management and industry to agriculture, HORECA, and retail.
The company’s mission and vision are intertwined. BioBag is dedicated to curating top-of-the-line bio-based products catering to a myriad of industries, all while championing the cause of renewable and sustainable raw materials. In line with this, their vision is clear: to lead the way in the compostable products sector. This involves a delicate blend of maintaining product quality, spearheading innovations, and emphasizing the unmatched benefits of sustainable products.
BioBag International center is situated in Askim, Norway. However, its reach extends far beyond, with branches sprinkled across numerous countries. Those interested in delving deeper into their locations and partners can access their exhaustive contact directory. Their operations are underpinned by its status as a fully privately-owned entity. BioBag actively partners with companies that share its ethos, encapsulated in the mantra “Think Globally, Act Locally”.
Contact:
BioBag Group: Norway
European Headquarters:
BioBag International AS
Address: Trøgstadveien 9A,
N-1807 Askim, Norway
Phone: +47 69 88 85 90
Email: post@biobagworld.com
Additional information
www.biobagworld.com