Sirmax enters the agricultural sector with biodegradable mulching films

The mulching films made from bioplastics developed by Sirmax Group - a company specialised in the production of thermoplastics for various applications - have successfully passed open-field experimental testing as part of a research project led by the University of Turin. With this achievement, Sirmax Group, already a supplier of compounds for several markets including automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and more, is effectively entering the agricultural sector - an area still facing major sustainability challenges, including the elimination of microplastics in soil caused by the use of conventional materials.

The mulching film in question is produced with BioComp, a certified biodegradable material formulation bearing the “Biodegradable Soil” label in accordance with EN 17033:2018-3. The product was developed with the aim of combining traditional lab-based certification with dedicated open-field studies. For validation purposes, the company took part in a research project led by the University of Turin, designed to assess the behaviour of biodegradable plastics in agricultural soils by analysing materials from various producers. The trials were carried out at the University’s Experimental Centre in Carmagnola (Turin), where mulching films were applied to maize crops for a full year, with performance monitored and potential side effects on crop yield evaluated in an independent scientific context.

Following the study period, results confirmed that the mulching film made with Sirmax material successfully suppressed weed growth throughout the entire crop cycle. However, no significant differences were recorded in maize yields when comparing plots with biodegradable mulch, chemical weeding, or no mulch at all. Furthermore, soil analysis for micro-bioplastics revealed a reduction in their concentration within six months after harvest, suggesting a potential full biodegradation of the material over time, with no adverse effects on soil health. A new phase of testing is scheduled for this year, aiming to consolidate the findings.

“This project,” said Alberto Zanon, Head of the BioComp Division at Sirmax Group, “was initiated with the goal of providing a scientific foundation for a product that can genuinely contribute to more responsible management of natural resources in agriculture. It offers advantages over traditional plastics by aiming to reduce soil pollution and the generation of difficult-to-dispose waste. We are proud of the results achieved through this study, as they prove that Sirmax is capable of competing in this sector by offering a biodegradable product with performance that meets the demands of its intended application”.

“The work we carried out with four departments of the University of Turin - agricultural sciences, chemistry, biology, and veterinary medicine - in collaboration with Sirmax,” explained Francesco Ferrero, scientific coordinator of the project for the University of Turin, “was aimed at studying the fate of biodegradable plastics used for maize mulching in terms of micro-bioplastics recovery in soil, microbial biodiversity and soil functionality, as well as agronomic performance. The partnership between Sirmax and the University of Turin stands as a virtuous example of synergy between industry and academic research, geared towards the development of innovative and sustainable solutions”.