SpaFo : machine for cleaning asparagus film

AUTHOR : Dr. Martin Geyer, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy
Protected crops are an effective way of producing high quality fruits and vegetables. But asparagus producers in Germany are facing a big challenge: how to limit sand residue at the time of film removal? SpaFo machine brings an innovative and operational response. Dr. Martin Geyer summarizes the project and its outcomes. This valuable work extends and completes the realization of the RAFU project in France. Homogenous and clean used film is key to enhancing recycling possibilities and limit costs.
More than 20,000 hectares of white asparagus are grown under black/white Polyethylene (PE) film in Germany. Around 1 ton of plastic is needed per hectare. After 7 to 8 years, the films are worn out and are disposed of. In Germany alone, this results in around 2,500 tons of film waste every year. These quantities are currently only rarely recycled, as there is about 1 kg of sand per running meter in the side film pockets to prevent the film from being blown away by the wind. The sand in the film pockets accounts for more than 80% of the total mass of the film.
A collaborative project resulting in innovative technology
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