Agriculture and Horticulture
The usually inherent property of biodegradability offers specific advantages in agriculture and horticulture. Mulching films – the most important example – are generally making rapid advances in these sectors: producing pure foods with a minimum of pesticide use is a powerful sales argument in vegetable-growing or organic farming. Ploughing-in mulching films after use instead of collecting them from the field, cleaning off the soil and returning them for recycling, is practical and improves the economics of the operation. In addition, they are in some cases considerably thinner than the PE films previously used. Biodegradable mulching films are today very well adapted to the location and fruit. Other promising applications in agriculture and horticulture include: films for banana bushes, which have to be protected from dust and environmental influences; fastening technology; plant pots for propagation/cultivation; fertiliser rods; or pheromone traps, which no longer have to be removed after use.
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| Trays for storing and shipping of flower bulbs © NNZ | Planting pots can be composted after use. © Novamont | Mulching flims are ploughed in after use. © Novamont |
Bioplastics also offer opportunities for potplant marketing. Herb pots are a good example. Once the herbs have been harvested, everything including the film can simply be deposited in the biobin or on the compost. Alternatively, products can be simply planted in their pot which is very convenient for hobby gardeners. Flower bulbs which can be planted directly into the soil in their packaging are also available. The packaging disperses rapidly and then plant growth can begin.