bioplasticsMAGAZINE_1406

Films | Flexibles | Bags
while they are slowly degrading they keep the moisture inside.
The moisture supplements the rain during temporary rain
breaks and so ensuring a higher survival rate. The bioplastics
bags also save fertilizer which is normally washed away by
rain.
Although the material cost of bioplastics bags is higher
than that of the conventional polyethylene bags the benefits of
bioplastics bags far outweigh the material cost increase. An
economics comparison reveals that the benefits of bioplastics
bags are worth more than 30 times the increment in material
costs. Also, because rubber farmers get a subsidy from
ORRAF for replanting, the increase in material costs qualify
for ORRAF’s subsidy. In turn ORRAF will benefit from a better
environment, better plantation management and an economic
pay-back from lower rubber tree mortality.
Maxrich and ORRAF have done several field tests using
bags compounded from either PLA or PBS. The tests were
conducted in different geographical areas, in different soil and
temperature conditions. The field tests and growth monitoring
draw the above conclusions. From this stage Maxrich and
ORRAF are planning to expand the implementation to cover
all of Thailand. It is estimated that a few thousand tons of
bioplastics will be used to implement the change. Similar
ideas can also be applied to other economics crops such as
oil palms, fruit orchards and high value teaks.
Root trainers for rubber planting
A root trainer is a plastic tube used for raising root stock
in nurseries for the same purpose as that of planting
bags. Planting rubber by root trainers is a new agricultural
technology which increases latex productivity and extends
the service life of rubber trees. By planting in root trainers
the rubber tree’s root system can go deeper into the ground,
hence higher latex yield and stronger resistance to typhoons
and heavy storms are obtained. Root trainers are now made
by the injection moulding of polypropylene which does not
degrade in soil. Similar to PE planting bags, they have to be
removed before transferring rubber trees into the ground.
Maxrich is developing Bio Root Trainers by compounding
of biodegradable bioplastics for the injection moulding
process. The benefits of Bio Root Trainers mean a better
environment and economic savings from higher survival rates.
Transportation over long distance by plane to neighbouring
countries can also be done with root trainers.
Mulch film for rubber plantations
The technology for rubber plantation requires rubber trees
to be planted with standard spaces between rows of rubber.
Weeds that grow between the rows compete for soil nutrients
with young rubbers and jeopardize the growth of rubber trees.
In order to eradicate weeds the traditional method is either
to spray with chemical weed killer or by using manual labour.
Chemical weed killers do drastic damage to the ecology. They
kill not only weeds but are also harmful to human and other
natural living animals. The residual chemicals contaminate
the soil and water in the plantations.
Rubber planted with a bioplastics bag.
Rubber nursery using root trainers.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/14] Vol. 9 13