A European Commission funded project that has researched ways of cleaning agricultural film to boost recycling has revealed promising results.
The consortium of partners in the project, which includes the Packaging and Films Association (PAFA) in the UK, has completed a programme of research and development into a prototype cleaning device that has reduced contamination by 65 per cent. This could take place on the farm or at a collection hub.
PAFA chief executive Barry Turner said: “This could not come at a better time as we are just about to start a project in the UK for producers of agricultural film aimed at finding ways to improve the collection rate for these products.
“Agricultural film performs an essential function in modern farming, but we need to resolve the collection and recycling to get a second life out of the polyethylene film.”
The project has brought together a number of parties across Europe to share and develop best practice. It has also developed logistical software that can help optimise the efficient collection of used film by agents.
Barry Turner added: “Clearly, the next phase is critical in exploiting the technology. It will involve selecting the right partners to work with who are capable of taking it to the next stage so we can ensure fill commercial exploitation of this breakthrough.”
