BASF Introduces Ecovio® Biopolymer for Sustainable Castor Farming Solutions, Reducing Microplastics and Supporting Circular Economy

BASF Introduces Ecovio® Biopolymer for Sustainable Castor Farming Solutions, Reducing Microplastics and Supporting Circular Economy

(IN BRIEF) BASF has introduced its ecovio® 60 IA 1552 biopolymer, a certified industrial compostable solution designed for plant clips used in greenhouse fruit and vegetable cultivation. This innovation allows the clips to biodegrade in industrial composting facilities after harvest, reducing the microplastics typically found in green waste. The clips are made to withstand environmental conditions in greenhouses, offering flexibility and durability. BASF’s ecovio® 60 IA 1552 has been successfully tested at Renewi’s composting facility, showing biodegradation within six weeks. The biopolymer is also approved for food contact and provides an easy drop-in solution for manufacturers using standard PE or PP machinery. BASF’s commitment to sustainable agriculture continues with the development of further biopolymer solutions for farming practices that enhance soil health and minimize environmental impact.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 5-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF has introduced a groundbreaking solution for the agricultural industry with its ecovio® 60 IA 1552, a certified industrial compostable biopolymer designed to enhance sustainability in the cultivation of greenhouse fruit and vegetables. This innovative material is used in the production of plant clips for crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. These clips are not only durable and flexible but also offer an environmentally responsible end-of-life option. Following the harvesting of the crops, the clips can be collected with plant waste and sent to industrial composting facilities for biodegradation, reducing the presence of harmful microplastics in green waste, which is typically caused by traditional polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) clips.

At the upcoming Fruit Logistica event in Berlin from February 5 to 7, BASF will showcase the potential of this biopolymer at Hall 1.2, booth C-23. The successful testing of ecovio® 60 IA 1552 has already been proven at Renewi’s industrial composting facility in the Netherlands, where the clips, along with green waste, biodegraded within six weeks under ISO 2020 standards.

BASF’s commitment to sustainable farming practices is evident not only in the eco-friendly design of its plant clips but also in the performance of the product across various environmental conditions typical in greenhouses. The clips are made using standard PE or PP machinery, making them easy for manufacturers to adopt. Additionally, ecovio® 60 IA 1552 is FDA and European food contact approved, ensuring that it meets stringent safety regulations.

Antonella Pizzolante, Global Business Management Biopolymers at BASF, emphasized, “Our ecovio® biopolymer for clips is a step forward in helping farmers adopt sustainable practices while improving the overall health of agricultural soil. The collaboration with Renewi further demonstrates that these clips, combined with green waste, biodegrade effectively in industrial composting, supporting a circular economy in the agricultural sector.”

BASF continues to expand its biopolymer portfolio to further sustainable agriculture, with ecovio® T 2206 and ecovio® M 2351 for twines and agricultural mulch films respectively, supporting farmers in reducing waste and improving productivity.

For further details, visit www.ecovio.basf.com and www.biopolymers.basf.com.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division is at the forefront of the much-needed sustainability transformation in plastics. Our products are co-created with customers around the globe to bring innovations to major industry sectors such as transportation, consumer goods, industrial applications, and construction. Our R&D focuses on all stages of the plastics journey: Make, Use and Recycle. The MAKE phase is about improving how plastics are made, from product design to the choice of raw materials and the manufacturing process itself. The USE phase enhances plastics’ strengths such as light weight, robustness, and thermal resistance. At the end of the product lifecycle, the RECYCLE phase looks at how to close the loop to achieve a circular economy. In 2023, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €7.2 billion. Join #ourplasticsjourney at: https://www.performance-materials.basf.com

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

Media Contact:

Dr. Ulla Biernat
+49 621 60-42241
ulla.biernat@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF