Sirmax Group Enters Agriculture with Biodegradable Mulching Film After Successful Field Trials
A study by the University of Turin certifies the effectiveness of Sirmax’s product, which suppresses weeds without releasing microplastics into the soil
The environmentally friendly plastic mulching sheets from Sirmax Group have passed open-field testing in a University of Turin study. The Sirmax Group, which has its headquarters in Cittadella, Padua, is a company that specializes in producing thermoplastic granules for a variety of industries, such as construction, automotive, and electrical and electronics. Entering the agriculture industry, where sustainability is still a difficulty, is a major milestone for the company, which has a strong commitment to sustainable innovation. Removing microplastics from the soil is one of the most pressing problems.
The mulching film is formed of BioComp, a biodegradable substance certified as “Biodegradable Soil” by EN 17033:2018-3. It is frequently used to prevent weed growth in vegetable gardens, orchards, and vineyards. By combining real-world open-field tests with conventional laboratory certifications, Sirmax Group aimed to commercialize this method. In order to verify the prototype, the business collaborated with the University of Turin on a study that compared materials from several producers and examined how biodegradable plastics behaved in agricultural soils. Mulching films were applied to maize fields for a whole year as part of the testing, which was carried out at the university’s experimental site in Carmagnola (Turin). To evaluate their efficacy in a separate scientific environment, researchers tracked their performance and possible effects on output.
At the end of the study period, the results confirmed that their mulching film successfully controlled weed growth throughout the entire crop cycle. Notably, there were no significant differences in yield between mulched corn, chemically weeded corn, and non-mulched corn. Furthermore, soil analyses revealed a decrease in micro-bioplastic concentration over the six months following harvest, indicating a potential for complete biodegradation of the material over time without any adverse effects on the soil. A new round of testing is scheduled for this year to further strengthen these findings.
“This project,” says Alberto Zanon, Head of the BioComp division at Sirmax Group, “was conceived with the goal of providing scientific backing for a product that can genuinely contribute to more responsible management of natural resources in agriculture. It offers an alternative to traditional plastics used in this sector, providing benefits by reducing soil pollution and minimizing the production of waste that is difficult to dispose of. We are proud of the results achieved in this study because it demonstrates that Sirmax can compete in the sector by offering a biodegradable product that meets the performance requirements of its intended application.”
“The work we conducted with four departments at the University of Turin (Agricultural Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, and Veterinary Medicine), in partnership with Sirmax,” explains Francesco Ferrero, scientific lead of the project at the University of Turin, “was aimed at studying the behavior of biodegradable plastics used for mulching corn, with a focus on the recovery of micro-bioplastics (MBP) in the soil, microbial biodiversity, soil functionality, and agronomic performance. The collaboration between Sirmax and the University of Turin serves as an exemplary model of synergy between industry and academic research, dedicated to developing innovative and sustainable solutions.”
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