With plastic use under scrutiny and sustainability goals climbing higher on the agenda , a major research project by Wageningen University & Research is assist nursery growers make confident , science - based alternative about plastics . The recently completed Circular Use of Plastics in Agriculture and Horticulture labor bid pragmatic results , including fully tested biodegradable grow old bag and flower netting , that bear witness circular alternatives can jibe conventional materials in performance while immensely ameliorate end - of - spirit resultant .
" We want to get a grip on the central question : what is the most circular and sustainable pick for a formative mathematical product used in USDA or horticulture ? " says Wouter Post of Wageningen Food & Biobased Research . " But we found that the answer is product- and cultivation - specific ; it depends on the craw , the product system , and how the stuff is used and disposed of . "
Two functional prototypes : grow bag and flower nettingIn quislingism with seven industrial partners , the research team focused on seven different plastic products widely used in greenhouses during their three - year inquiry . Grow bags and floriculture reenforcement netting were two personal highlights of Wouter out of these seven , as they read exactly what they intended with the labor . These were choose not only for their preponderance but for the expert complexness require in replacing them with biodegradable alternatives .
In the case of grow bags , currently made from polyethylene , the challenge lay in germinate a biodegradable film that could retain sufficient mechanical strong point , wet electric resistance , and nutrient barrier properties during an entire tomato crop cycle . Researchers at Wageningen ’s Food & Biobased Research build up the material , fictional paradigm , and tested strong-arm attribute such as stiffness , tensile durability , and water vapor permeability .
" We then transfer the materials to Wageningen Greenhouse Horticulture , where they were tested in live tomato plant product , " Wouter share . " And we showed that the tomato crop performed just as well in the biodegradable suitcase as it would in a conventional one . "
After harvesting , the bags were subjected to industrial compost circumstance . The material fully biodegrades , meeting EN 13432 standards , proving that circularity can be accomplish without sacrificing performance .
The 2d case involved floriculture netting , in particular in freesia and fascia flowers , where netting is often left in the soil post - harvest and treated as wasteland . Current polypropene or polyethylene netting does not degrade and can contribute to long - term grease taint .
" With another of the seven products , grass sod netting , the demand was even more complex : the cloth had to continue functional in soil for up to a year , but then biodegrade quickly , " Wouter explains . " We developed a net from biodegradable polymers , confirmed its strength and seniority in the craw cycle , and then validated that it degrade quickly once peril to composting or moist soil microbial activity . "
A double - lab coming : material and polish scienceThe undertaking was execute by two section under Wageningen Research : Food & Biobased Research , which focus on rise and analyzing polymer materials , and Greenhouse Horticulture , which handled the cultivation tribulation .
Wouter explain how this collaboration worked in praxis : " At our side , we developed young material formulation , processed them into demonstrators , and analyzed key holding like oxygen permeability , flexibility , and UV resistance . Then , we transferred the image to our fellow in the greenhouse labs . "
There , the products undergo harvest cycle trials - including plant operation , rooting behaviour , irrigation compatibility , and handling during and after use . " Once cultivation was complete , the material were send back to us for ending - of - life testing : compostability tryout , biodegradation dynamics , and possible recyclability . "
This workflow ensured a comprehensive assessment from the lab to the greenhouse to the waste material flow .
A actual - cosmos decision tool for growersWhile technical breakthroughs were primal , the project also bring out a decision - support peter for agriculturist and suppliers . The tool , freely uncommitted online , uses a guided questionnaire to help user judge which charge card character or electric pig road best fits their crop organisation and sustainability goal .
" We wanted to make our insights accessible , not just to our undertaking partner but to the all-encompassing sector . That ’s why we developed this creature and a comprehensive report covering materials , disposal options , effectual context , and tested case study . "
A role for legislation and market shiftsPost points out that some aspect of plastic use of goods and services in husbandry are already being work by policy . " In arena like mulch films and coated fertilizer , legislation is now requiring biodegradable alternative . This project supports that charge , while also providing data and prototypes that could inform future regulatory development . "
toll remains a consideration . Biodegradable materials currently be more than conventional plastics due to lower production volumes and modified industrial - scale availability . However , Wouter believes the opening is narrow .
" The terms difference is quail . And if governments set about applying ' true pricing ' to conventional plastics , calculate for environmental harm , then biodegradable options will become even more attractive . "
With these literal - world , test outcome in hand , the project volunteer glasshouse growers trial impression that round plastic solutions workplace .
" We ’ve prove that it ’s technically practicable to move toward round manakin in greenhouse output for a across-the-board range of a function of applications , " Wouter concludes . " Now it ’s about scale up and making indisputable grower have the dick and information they require to make informed decisions . "
For more selective information : Wageningen University & Researchwww.wur.nl
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