AS the issue of waste rises to the national agenda once more, an agricultural plastics company says its biodegradable mulch could have a major impact on reducing farm rubbish.
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BioBag World Australia produces biodegradable agricultural mulch film called BioAgri.
BioBag mulch film is made from Mater-bi, a bioplastic raw material which breaks down entirely, rather than fracturing into damaging micro-plastics, as is the case with conventional oxo-degradable plastics.
BioBag World director, Scott Morton, says the biodegradable agricultural mulch film is a game changer by not only reducing waste but also making it easier for growers and producers to dispose of used film in a way that does not impact negatively on soil quality.
"Put into context, Australia disposes of more than 40,000 tonnes of plastic mulch film each year... that is being sent to landfill," Mr Morton said.
"It's hard to think about how many additional tonnes are also being buried or stockpiled, negatively affecting soil quality and what we consume from those properties.
Traditionally, one of the major hurdles for smallcrop producers adopting biodegradable plastics is the cost.
"Farmers and growers can can help make a difference to our bio economy by researching alternative products for both farming and use at home," Mr Morton said.
"A little investment of time can make a big difference to our soil quality, food and water quality, and help us to make better use of our organic waste."
According to Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water figures last October, just 6000 metric tonnes of compostable mulch film is being used across Australia each year.
In use up north
NORTH Queensland certified organic grower and BioAgri user, Jess Volker, said there is an urgent need to protect soil health and the wider environment.
Her company, Peakfresh Products, produces organic tomatoes, eggplant and mangoes.
"Just take a drive around and through our Bowen growing area, and you can see mounds and mounds of single-use plastic film stored on farms,'' Ms Volker said.
"If we have flooding here, which is of course a reality, that plastic quickly finds its way into our waterways, and then out to sea and onto the reef. The environmental damage can be catastrophic.
"But the potential environmental damage plastic films can cause on our own farms is just as concerning. We will never get rid of the micro plastics that are in our soils already."
Ms Volker said she is able to turn her biodegradable plastic mulch into the soil without any concerns about it affecting the soil
Ms Volker has used BioAgri film for the past four growing seasons and advocates for other growers to get on board with the use of biodegradable plastics.
"In terms of pricing, I think it is comparable (with conventional oxe-degradalbe plastics), particularly when you take into account the cost of dumping plastic wraps,'' she said.
"But I would pay the cost in any regard. I believe in the product. I don't believe in single use plastics.''
With an estimated 200,000 kilometres of plastic mulch film laid in Australia each year, and with most regions having limited or zero recycling options, most of the plastic is being stockpiled, buried, or burnt.
Western growers commit to reduction
WESTERN Australian growers David and Barbara Doepel have invested in using compostable mulch film for their operations, primarily for maintaining soil health and protecting the environment as they see tens of thousands of tonnes of plastic mulch film burned or sent to landfill.
The couple lays around 6km of mulch film the farm, Melville Park.
"It's either getting ploughed into the soil and mulched up or being burned or sent to landfill,'' Mr Doepel said.
"From our perspective, the labour saving cost of pulling up the plastic film at the end of the summer growing period offsets the extra cost of the compostable mulch film.
"And the other benefits, to the soil health and the environment, of course, are clear."
"It's still more expensive and adds about 4 cents/kg to my tomatoes... would the public be willing to pay a premium for operating with no plastic?
"While it is the most visible plastics in the food chain that get the attention - the shopping bags and wraps on products - there's so much of this unseen plastic in the food chain and that's where huge inroads in the war on plastic can be made," Mr Doepel said.
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