This document specifies the requirements related to dimensional, mechanical, optical and thermal characteristics of thermoplastic films for mulching applications in agriculture and horticulture.
These mulch films are intended to be removed after use and not incorporated in the soil.
These mulch films are not intended to be used for soil disinfection by fumigation. Films for soil disinfection are in the scope of EN 17098-1 [1] and EN 17098-2 [2].
The biodegradable mulch films intended to be incorporated in the soil after used are also not in the scope of this document. They are in the scope of EN 17033 [3].
This document specifies a classification for durability of mulching films and the test methods referred to in this document.
This document is applicable to thermoplastic mulch films, used for agriculture and horticulture in Europe, based on polyethylene and/or ethylene copolymers, of the following types:
- transparent films;
- black films;
- reflective films (e.g. white films, black/white films and black/silver films);
- films of other colour(s) for weed control (e.g. green, brown).
This document defines the criteria for design for recycling of mulch films and refer to EN 18109 for the product lifecycle, including installation, use, removal and collection for end of life for management of the product after its usage.
NOTE Mulch films can be highly soiled by organic and mineral residues at the end of their use life: the observed rates (or levels) of soilage of mulch films can vary from 70 % to 90 %, therefore the film thickness is a key factor on the rate of soilage, the thinnest films (e.g. less than 20 micron) will be the mostly soiled, difficult, expensive to remove, recover and recycle.