- Mater-Bi mulch film is certified under EU Fertilizer Regulation 2019/1009.
- The film is biodegradable, leaving no microplastics or ecotoxic effects.
- Global agricultural plastic use exceeds 12.5 million tonnes, with 20% as mulch film.
- Only 24% of agricultural plastic waste is recycled in Europe due to soil contamination.
Certification and Compliance
Novamont's Mater-Bi mulch film has achieved certification under the EU Fertilizer Regulation 2019/1009, classifying it as an inorganic soil improver. The film is biodegradable in soil, eliminating the need for separate disposal and ensuring it does not release persistent microplastics or cause ecotoxic effects.
Environmental Impact
The film's biodegradability is supported by Delegated Act 2024/2787, which sets criteria for assessing biodegradability and ecotoxicity of polymers in mulch films. Mater-Bi film undergoes complete mineralization, converting into carbon dioxide and water through microbial activity.
Agricultural Plastic Waste
Global agricultural plastic consumption exceeds 12.5 million tonnes, with nearly 20% attributed to mulch film. Annually, over 3 million tonnes of microplastics contaminate seas and soils, primarily from land-based sources like agricultural plastics. In Europe, only 24% of agricultural plastic waste is recycled, hindered by soil contamination.
Soil Health and Regulation
The collection of mulch film removes approximately 166,000 tonnes of soil annually, impacting soil organic carbon levels, crucial for soil health. The European Soil Monitoring Directive, adopted on October 23, aims to protect soil health through land-use control and remediation of contaminated sites.
