Sirmax Group’s eco-friendly plastic mulching films have successfully completed open-field testing as part of a research project at the University of Turin. Based in Cittadella (Padua), Sirmax Group specialises in producing thermoplastic granules for a variety of sectors, including automotive, electrical and electronics, and construction. Now, the company has also directed its attention towards the agricultural sector, aiming to address the ongoing problem of microplastics entering the environment, among others via agricultural practices.
The company’s mulching film, primarily used for controlling weeds in orchards, vineyards, and vegetable gardens, is made from BioComp, a biodegradable material certified as “Biodegradable Soil” under EN 17033:2018-3. Sirmax aimed to bring this solution to market by bolstering traditional laboratory certifications with practical open-field studies. To that end, the company collaborated with the University of Turin to analyse the behavior of biodegradable plastics in agricultural soils, comparing products from multiple manufacturers. The tests were conducted at the university’s experimental center in Carmagnola (Turin), where mulching films were applied to corn crops for an entire year. Researchers monitored their performance and impact on production in an independent scientific setting.
At the end of the study period, results confirmed that Sirmax’s mulching film effectively controlled weed growth throughout the crop cycle. Importantly, yields among mulched corn, chemically treated corn, and non-mulched corn showed no significant differences. Soil analyses also indicated a reduction in micro-bioplastic concentration during the six months following harvest, suggesting the potential for the complete biodegradation of the material over time without harmful effects on the soil. A new round of testing is planned for this year to reinforce these findings.
“This project was designed to provide scientific evidence for a product that can genuinely enhance responsible agricultural resource management,” said Alberto Zanon, head of the BioComp division at Sirmax Group. “It offers an alternative to traditional plastics in this field, helping to reduce soil pollution and minimize hard-to-dispose of waste.”
Francesco Ferrero, the scientific lead of the project at the University of Turin, noted that the collaboration between four departments at the University of Turin (Agricultural Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, and Veterinary Medicine) and Sirmax exemplifies the ‘synergy between industry and academic research dedicated to developing innovative and sustainable solutions’.