MULCHING FILM
The soil-biodegradable mulch film made of Mater-Bi has been used for over 20 years by farmers seeking a versatile, practical solution suitable for different environmental conditions, for managing both short- and long-cycle crops, from lettuce to strawberries.
Mulching with Mater-Bi: Practical and Environmental Benefits
Thanks to over 20 years of Novamont’s field experience and research, soil-biodegradable mulch films made of Mater-Bi offer both quality and reliability.
Because the Mater-Bi mulch film is biodegradable in soil, it does not require any recovery or disposal operations at the end of the crop cycle, simplifying waste management and reducing labor time in the field.
In addition, the soil-biodegradable Mater-Bi film promotes optimal crop development by protecting the soil from erosion, retaining moisture, and suppressing weed growth—just like a traditional mulch film.
How to Use Soil-Biodegradable Mulch Film Made of Mater-Bi
1.
Soil preparation
The soil should be prepared by refining it as much as possible and removing stones or residues from previous crops (e.g., corn stalks).
2.
Laying and transplanting
It is laid out and perforated using the same machines employed for traditional plastic films, taking care to reduce tension on the film.
Laying and mechanical transplanting operations can be carried out simultaneously.
3.
Agronomic
performance
It ensures excellent field performance in weed control, as well as in terms of crop yield and product quality.
4.
Collection
At the end of the crop cycle, it does not need to be collected or disposed of; instead, it is incorporated into the soil where it biodegrades, turning into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.
Certifications
Compliant with the EN 17033 standard issued by DIN CERTCO, the soil-biodegradable Mater-Bi mulch film is also the first material in the world to receive the “OK biodegradable Soil” certification from TÜV AUSTRIA. Soil biodegradability certifications ensure complete biodegradability and the absence of toxic effects in the soil.
Agronomic Versatility
Soil-biodegradable Mater-Bi mulch films stand out for their agronomic versatility, performing effectively across a wide range of environmental and climatic conditions. They are suitable for both vegetable and industrial crops such as processing tomatoes, lettuce, melons, strawberries, corn, rice, tobacco, hemp, watermelon, and many other species. This flexibility makes them ideal for farmers seeking effective and more sustainable solutions without compromising crop yield.
BENEFITS
ALL NOVAMONT SOLUTIONS FOR AGRICULTURE
Not just mulch films. Thanks to Novamont’s ongoing research and innovation, solutions have been developed for the agricultural sector that help address specific end-of-life issues of certain products, minimize the risks associated with the release of substances into ecosystems, and reduce the use of certain high-impact environmental chemicals.
Novamont’s agriculture-focused solutions—such as soil-biodegradable mulch films, compostable twines and clips made from our Mater-Bi bioplastic—help simplify the management of agricultural waste. Biodegradable biolubricants and plant protection products, thanks to their rapid biodegradability, contribute to drastically reducing the presence of pollutants in soils and waters in applications where environmental dispersion is certain or highly likely.
