bioplasticsMAGAZINE_1406

Films | Flexibles | Bags
Until recently mulch film was mostly made from
polyethylene. These mulch films are used only when rubber
trees are not matured. After rubber trees reach maturity,
their canopies touch each other preventing the sunlight from
reaching the soil. Weeds cannot grow without sunlight. Then
the mulch films have to be removed. However PE mulch films
do not degrade hence have to be removed by manual labour
which is very costly in large scale plantations.
Bioplastics geotextiles prevent soil erosion
while they slowly degrade.
Maxrich is developing biodegradable mulch films by
compounding bioplastics. The mulch films are to meet
specific requirements in rubber plantations. Biodegradable
mulch films for rubber plantations have to last long enough
for rubber trees to reach maturity. The bioplastics mulch
films would support the policy of reducing the use of chemical
weed killers and set an example for other agricultural crops.
Economics comparison shows that, over a long period, savings
of chemical weed killers can pay back for biodegradable
mulch films.
Geotextiles for soil erosion control
Rubber plantations on hill slopes face the problem of soil
erosion. Soil erosion causes landslides which damage rubber
trees and presents a danger to farmers. There have been
incidents where many rubber plantations were completely
destroyed and lives lost by landslides.
The traditional method to counter soil erosion is to make
earth ladders. This method requires massive manual labour
in rough terrains. Another method is to lay geotextiles on
sloped hills to prevent soil erosion. Presently, geotextiles are
made from plastics (polypropylene or polyethylene). Similar
to mulch films, these geotextiles are required until rubber
trees have matured. After the rubber trees reach maturity,
their roots hold the soil tightly and become their own natural
soil erosion control. Maxrich is developing biodegradable
geotextiles from compounds of bioplastics, then converting
them into non-woven textiles or netting. These biodegradable
geotextiles, while slowly degrading, control the soil erosion
while rubber trees grow to reach maturity.
The application of bioplastics in natural rubber plantations
is on the agenda of the Senate Committee for Science and
Technology. The Committee awarded Maxrich Co., Ltd.
with Excellence in Science and Technology Award. A policy
advocacy on bioplastics in agricultures is expected to follow.
Conclusion
Bioplastics applications are used for packaging as well as
for durable goods. In these applications their performance and
cost have to be competitive with petroleum-based plastics, in
many instances, bioplastics are not justifiable, but natural
rubbers are an economics crop with 30 years life span – better
agricultural practices, better environment, and economics
savings, can easily justify bioplastics. Bioplastics will be a new
era for 2 million families of Thai rubber farmers.
By:
Nopadol Suanprasert
President
Maxrich Co., Ltd
Bangkok, Thailand
www.bioplasticpackages.com
www.rubber.co.th
14 bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/14] Vol. 9