Boosting agricultural film properties with performance polymers : case study on recycled low-density polyethylene

AUTHOR : Nadia Cannell, Application Development Team Chair, Product Solutions, ExxonMobil
Mulch films offer many benefits to growers and are therefore an ally for growers. They must fulfil various technical, requirements including mechanical properties. Those may nevertheless be challenged at the time of incorporation of recycled polymers. This is where performance polymers play their role in enabling high mechanical properties while incorporating recycled materials. Plasticulture Magazine is sharing a case study from ExxonMobil.
Deploying mulch film can offer many potential benefits including weed control, moisture protection & prevention, improvement of fertilizer efficiency, enhanced root development, modification of micro-climates in soil environments as well as repelling or attracting pests.
Types of mulch film and market
All mulch films are not created equal; different types of films are available depending on the requirements:
- Conventional films: trapping heat from the sun using clear films can potentially help control weed germination & prevent harmful fungi, nematodes & bacteria.
- Fumigation/barrier films: co-ex barrier films with PA/EVOH offer extremely low permeability to gases.
- Micro-tough embossed mulch film: cast film fabrication with hot embossing can offer stretchability and recovery to help keep film from flopping when exposed to high wind.
Mulch film requirements and decision criteria are not just driven by soil type, crop selection or weather patterns, geography also can play a role. Mulch film is a 2.2-million-ton global market, growing at 2% yearly¹. Most of the demand (>60%) is driven by China. Its mulch film is often thin (10 micron), which can result in lower mechanical performance. Pressure to reduce post-use film residue may drive films in the region to become tougher and/or thicker in future. Thicker films can offer easy installation and recovery.
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