Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the requirements related to dimensional, mechanical, optical and thermal characteristics of thermoplastic films for mulching applications in agriculture and horticulture. These mulch films are intended to be removed after use and not incorporated in the soil. These mulch films are not intended to be used for soil disinfection by fumigation. Films for this application are in the scope of prEN 17098­1[1]. It specifies a classification for durability of mulching films and the test methods referred to in this document.

This document is applicable to thermoplastic mulch films, used for agriculture and horticulture in Europe, based on polyethylene and/or ethylene copolymers, of the following types: ­

transparent films; ­

black films; ­

reflective films (e.g. white films, black/white films and black/silver films); ­

films of other colour(s) for weed control (e.g. green, brown).

This document also defines installation, use and removal conditions of mulch films.

NOTE Mulch films are considered as highly contaminated by soil and vegetal residues: the observed rates (or levels) of contamination of mulch films can vary from 70 % to 90 %. Therefore the film thickness is a key factor on the rate of contamination, the thinnest films (e.g. less than 25 µm) will be the mostly contaminated, difficult, expensive to remove, recover and recycle.

Purpose

NWI decided in the framework of SReq M/584 "Plastics recycling and recycled plastics"