Mulching films disposal

Today, there are products that satisfy the technical requirements and have an acceptable market price. One commercial success story is represented by Mater-bi , a plastic material based on TPS and other polymers that is very versatile and suitable for applications such as composting bags, mulch film, disposable cutlery, etc. However, due to the complexity of its production, its cost is higher than conventional polyethylene or polypropylene, and it is generally sold for applications where biodegradability is mandatory. 

This application is very cost-sensitive because of the subsidy structure of the agricultural sector of the EU. The regulations for waste disposal of mulch film require either recycling or adequate treatment (e.g., incineration). If thin mulch films are concerned, the recovery of the film in the field is crop-dependent and difficult. Cleaning of the soil residues is cost-intensive. In this case, it can be more cost-effective to use biodegradable mulch film, which is adapted to the climate and the fruit application. 

Gilead D (1995) The disposal of mulching films after use. In Scott G, Gilead D (eds) Degradable polymers principles and applications. Chapman Hall, London, chap 10... 

Poly(butylene succinate) is currently used in fast-food packages, bottles, disposable plastic bags, mulch films and so on [85, 104, 105]. In these applications PBS is used as a homo... 

The most common current disposal practices for non-recyclable agricultural plastics waste are burying in the soil (mulching films), burning, or disposing of it in open fields or landfills [13]. All of these practices have serious negative consequences for the environment, and for the health of farmers and consumers, and impact on the quality and market value of agricultural produce. 

Poly(e-caprolactone)/PLA Blends Poly( -caprolactone) (PCL) is a water-insoluble biodegradable, petroleum-based aliphatic polyester synthesized by ringopening polymerization of -caprolactone (e-CL) [81, 82]. PCL blends are widely used in many applications such as compostable bags for yard waste or other organics collection, disposable food service items, food packaging, health care products, mulch films in agriculture, and adhesives [81, 82, 101-103]. The nontoxicity, biocompatibility. 

Besides mulch films, other potential agricultural applications for biodegradable polymers include devices for the controlled release of agrochemicals (such as fertilisers, soil applied active ingredients, insect pheromones and so on), disposable articles such as plant pots, composting containers and bags, envelopes of ensilage, seed trays and so on. 

In this scenario, compostable bioplastics can play a key role. Typical examples are waste bags for the collection of household waste, disposable catering items nsed in fast-food restaurants and agricultural mulch films. Bioplastics do not need separation but can be collected and treated in a homogeneous way with the other organic waste, making the system more efficient. 

The biodegradable characteristic of PLA is favorable in agricultural applications. This is because PLA can be well composted without leaving harmful residues in the soil. PLA mulch film can provide soil protection, weed management, fertilizer retention, etc. Over time, the mulch films slowly degrade and finally decompose when the crops reach the harvest period. This eliminates the need for farmers to collect and dispose of the used mulch film. The composted PLA mulch film also provides soil nutrients. Flower pots made of PLA can be buried in soil and left there to degrade when the plant is ready to be planted in the ground... 

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