Plastics in agriculture

Plastics contribute to feeding the world and for the past 30 years there has been dramatic development in the use of plastics in agriculture. For instance, the demand for plastics used in crop raising especially in the film area reached 3.6 million tonnes in 2008, according to Applied Market Information (AMI) with Asia holding the biggest share of the market at 60%. Benefits for using plastics range from increased yields, earlier harvests, less dependence on pesticides, protection from frost, and water conservation. Thus in general, such use of plastic materials has contributed to the more efficient use of farmlands. Growers nowadays are given ample information on the use of plastic materials in enhancing their farm production with ongoing researches undertaken to come up with improved materials. With the growing popularity of biodegradable plastics, growers are provided with even more options to supply their needs. Available also are a wide variety of semi-permeable films that include a LDPE sandwich containing HDPE; virtually impermeable films (VIF) typically comprise a LLDPE sandwich containing nylon. Total impermeable film (TIF) has been considered as an innovative film that aims to provide growers with a convenient alternative to avoid the emission of harmful gases caused by pesticides. During the 15th Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives & Emissions Reductions held last year, a team of professionals from Mitsui presented their plan to develop TIF, a new film that end-users would find highly convenient to avoid the emission of harmful gases caused by pesticides, not to mention reduce the concentrations of these pesticides currently in use. "Stabilisation of film under severe treatment with pesticides is critical" TIF's structure is based on proprietary technology that contains EVAL™, a special grade of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, which is combined with a tie resin ADMER™, a modified polyolefin with a functional group that promotes the adhesion to various materials. This adhesion is obtained due to the advanced anhydride grafting technology, which creates thermal stability equivalent to that of common polyethylene (PE). The advantages of this structure has allowed the development of the TIF project, which is targeted to increase fumigant retention, boost weed control and improve crop yields in broadcast fumigation and in mulch applications. As per the project abstract, the commercial applications of TIF in different countries will be reviewed and evaluated, along with the resultant reduction of fumigants applications and decrease of emission of pesticide gases into the environment. A test in Argentina on a pepper crop this year showed that the methyl bromide fumigant dose could be reduced by as much as 50% due to the low permeability. TIF has been noted to have good tear resistance which is crucial for installation, and also good overlap adhesion. A range of greenhouse films now extend the growing period by reflecting infrared and allowing visible light to pass for photosynthesis. Agricultural film for this purpose ranges from 20 to 300 microns thickness and up to 20 metres width, which demands large extruders and in turn means that temperature control and cooling are key factors. Greenhouse film needs good bubble stability because of the large size and often short lengths are needed (200 metres) so that the film is easier to handle in the field. Israel-based Kafrit Industries released a full range of additive masterbatches for agricultural use that cover every industry needs - from standard off-the-shelf products, to tailor-made formulations for unique demands. The company has been testing several combinations of stabilisers for film under treatment with pesticides. With increasing demand for durable, long lasting grSneakers Ash Shoes