Repsol Chemicals has announced it has signed a technology alliance with Advanced Enzyme Science Limited to develop a new range of polyolefins for agriculture based on next-generation biotechnology.
This will allow for new mulching films that become biomass with minute quantities of water and carbon dioxide.
Microorganisms that naturally occur in the ground activate this process of biodegradation and this new technology avoids the need to remove the film after the crop has harvested.
This biodegradable polyethylene complements the existing system of agricultural plastic waste management and rules out any negative environmental impact that may occur from residues of conventional films that could ensure from its withdrawal.
Additionally, Repsol’s new biodegradable films for mulching retain the required functionalities of the conventional polyurethylene films: temperature, stabilisation, preventing weed germination and preserving soil moisture and nutrients, reducing water and fertiliser usage.
Furthermore, the films made with this new biodegradable material have the same mechanical properties as conventional films; consequently they can be processed with standard machinery and laid in the field in the conventional way.