April 16, 2025 16:05
Bioplastic-based mulching films from Sirmax’s BioComp line have successfully passed open-field trials conducted as part of a research project led by the University of Turin.
The Italy-based company, known for its expertise in polyolefin and biopolymer compounds, is now entering the agricultural sector.
Mulching films are used in farming to suppress weed growth, but if not removed after use, they become a source of soil pollution. For this reason, there is growing interest in soil-biodegradable plastic alternatives.
Although BioComp is certified as “biodegradable soil” under EN 17033:2018-3, Sirmax sought to validate its real-world performance through field trials.
The company collaborated with the University of Turin to examine how biodegradable plastics behave in agricultural soils, comparing materials from various manufacturers.
The experiment, conducted at the university’s Experimental Center in Carmagnola (Turin), involved the application of mulching films on corn crops for a full year. Throughout the growing season, the effectiveness and potential side effects on crop yield were monitored in a scientifically independent setting.
According to Sirmax, the results confirmed that this 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-plastic 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 trials is scheduled for the current year to further validate these findings.
“This project,” says Alberto Zanon (pictured), 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.”
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