PHA biodegradable mulch film addresses key environmental concerns associated with plastic residues in agriculture, especially the persistent pollution from conventional polyethylene (PE) films.
Addressing Farmland Residual Film Pollution
"No Recovery Needed, On-Site Plowing and Degradation"
PHA mulch film degrades fully in soil via microbial processes. Bacteria and fungi produce esterases that break ester bonds, converting the material to CO₂, water, and microbial biomass without toxic leftovers.
Field studies confirm over 90% breakdown within 3-12 months under optimal soil conditions, preventing residue buildup and reducing pollution directly.
The PE Contrast
PE films persist due to low degradation rates. Recovery is often limited to 40-60%, leading to microplastic densities of thousands per kg of dry soil.
Compliance Standards
Fully complies with EN 17033 and ASTM D5988, eliminating the need for expensive collection or transport logic.
Effects on Soil Ecology
Microbial Boost
Enhances microbial respiration and enzyme activity. Levels of β-glucosidase can rise by 0.6 to 5 times.
Fertility Maintenance
Supports higher microbial biomass and fungal diversity, aiding organic matter cycling and fertility.
Hotspot Creation
Fosters microbial hotspots on PHA surfaces, boosting Acidobacteria and Verrucomicrobia groups.
Ready to eliminate White Pollution?
Dive deeper into the technical advantages and real-world application results of PHA biodegradable mulch film.
Read: Use, Degrade, No White PollutionPHA vs. Traditional PE Comparison
| Dimension | PHA Biodegradable Film | Traditional PE Film | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residual Pollution | Degrades on-site without persistent microplastics | Leads to long-term micro/nano plastic accumulation | PHA |
| Labor & Costs | Avoids removal and disposal efforts | Involves collection or burial, increasing expenses | PHA |
| GHG Emissions | Reduced in use/end phases via mineralization | Elevated from production and waste handling | PHA |
| Soil & Crops | Maintains root access and nutrient transport | Promotes compaction and permeability loss | PHA |
| Initial Burden | Elevated in production due to fermentation | Lower during manufacturing | PE |
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Fermentation-based PHA production uses sugars or oils. While manufacturing footprints are 20-100% higher than PE, the use and disposal stages benefit from in-soil degradation, bypassing recovery emissions.
- PHA blends reduce overall impacts by 2-30%
- GHG and energy demand cuts of 9-30% in some cases
- Strong performance in waste phases vs microplastic harms
Local Climate Factor
In colder climates, PE may appear favorable if fully recovered. This underscores the importance of local factors like climate and recovery efficiency when choosing mulch solutions.
Summary and Outlook
PHA mulch film minimizes persistent residues while supporting soil microbial health, offering a balanced approach to agricultural plastics. Initial production demands more energy, but life cycle benefits emerge clearly, especially against microplastic risks.
Current Adoption
Policies in China, including plastic bans, drive adoption through firms like LanJing, with field applications in crops demonstrating viability.
Future Research
Future efforts will focus on decade-long ecosystem studies, degradation rate control, and cost reduction for broader global use.
For a comprehensive overview of starch-based biodegradable plastics, including their material properties, real-world applications, and commercial challenges, see our detailed article: Starch Based Biodegradable Plastics: Materials, Applications, and Commercial Reality.
