BASF develops certified industrial compostable biopolymer
Sustainability

BASF develops certified industrial compostable biopolymer

BASF’s ecovio 60 IA 1552 extends end-of-life of clips to organic recycling

  • By ICN Bureau | February 04, 2025

BASF has developed a certified industrial compostable biopolymer that can be used to manufacture black and white plant clips. This is for the sustainable cultivation of greenhouse fruit and vegetables.

With clips made of ecovio 60 IA 1552 annual creepers like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers can be easily fastened in commercial greenhouses. The clips benefit from the biopolymer’s balanced high performance of strength and flexibility, while being certified industrial compostable according to EN 13432. Thus they can be collected together with the plant residues after harvesting and put into organics recycling in industrial composting facilities (depending on local regulations) where they biodegrade.

With this end-of-life option for clips, persistent microplastic in green waste usually caused by clips made of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) can be avoided. At the same time more green waste can be turned into valuable compost contributing to a circular economy.

Clips made of ecovio 60 IA 1552 are designed to perform effectively in horticulture for many different crops and in many climates throughout the entire crop cycle, easily adapting to various environmental conditions typical for greenhouses, including temperature fluctuations, relative humidity, and exposure to UV radiation. Farmers also benefit from a more cost-effective waste disposal than with non-biodegradable materials: After harvesting they do not have to remove the clips made of ecovio from the plants but simply collect them together for industrial composting.

Composting tests on industrial scale at the Dutch waste management company Renewi at Hook of Holland, show that the green waste together with the clips is successfully processed in industrial composting acc. to ISO 2020 and biodegrades within six weeks after each crop cycle. “As an expert in agricultural waste disposal, we recognize the significant value of BASF’s certified compostable ecovio to increase organic waste collection and reduce landfill waste”, says Johan van Paassen, head of recycling at Renewi.

“This ties in with our commitment to a circular economy, i.e. to make smart use of materials also at the end of life, manage waste effectively and give new life to used materials. This is especially true for agriculture where recycling plays an important role to ensure soil health and food safety.”

The BASF biopolymer is also approved for food contact according to FDA and European regulations. “We are proud that our ecovio grade for clips can help farmers to improve the sustainability of their horticultural production and contribute to enhancing compost quality”, says Antonella Pizzolante from global business management Biopolymers at BASF.

“We believe that employing sustainable farming practices can advance a farmer's reputation and attract environmentally conscious consumers. We partnered with Renewi to prove to farmers and consumers alike that the green waste, along with the clips, successfully biodegrades in industrial composting, thus supporting environmentally responsible agricultural practices and enhancing the overall health of agricultural soil.”

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