Controlled Biodegradation of Plastic Packaging in Grow Bags

At CoirMedia, we are committed to enhancing the sustainability of our products while maintaining high performance. At the end of their lifecycle, grow bags are often discarded in landfills, where their polymer packaging undergoes biodegradation. Through continuous innovation, we have developed biodegradable polyethylene-based grow bags by integrating a biodegradation ingredient into the polymer matrix, enabling significant plastic breakdown within 720 days.

Our groundbreaking technology, Envirofil, is designed to address the environmental concerns associated with traditional plastic packaging. Unlike conventional plastics that take over a century to degrade, Envirofil accelerates the process, making disposal in anaerobic landfill environments more efficient. In these settings, anaerobic microorganisms interact with the polymer, breaking it down and producing methane and carbon dioxide. These gases can be captured, further enhancing landfill utility. The biodegradation process has been validated through the ASTM D5511 test methodology, demonstrating over 70% degradation of the plastic within 720 days.

Enhancing Plastic Packaging Sustainability

One of the primary challenges in the greenhouse sector is ensuring that materials withstand demanding environmental conditions, including UV radiation, moisture, oxygen, and pesticide exposure. While managing UV degradation is complex, the incorporation of biodegradation additives into the polymer matrix has been a relatively straightforward process. By balancing polymer integrity with controlled biodegradation, we have successfully developed packaging that maintains durability during use while breaking down efficiently post-disposal.

The Role of Cocopeat Exports

Sri Lanka and India are the leading producers of coco peat, a crucial growing medium. Together, they export approximately 1 billion metric tons of coir products annually, valued at over $410 million. These products are predominantly packaged in polyethylene-based materials, with an estimated 14,000 metric tons of plastic used in coir packaging each year.

According to World Bank data, global municipal solid waste production stands at 2.01 billion tons annually, averaging 0.74 kilograms per person per day. By 2050, this figure is expected to rise to 3.4 billion tons, driven by population growth and evolving consumption patterns. Around 12% of this waste—equivalent to approximately 241 million metric tons annually—is plastic, much of which is improperly disposed of.

With increasing global environmental regulations, we at CoirMedia are leveraging sustainable innovations to address these challenges. Envirofil is our solution to ensuring that plastic packaging is disposed of efficiently in landfills while aligning with sustainability objectives. By integrating biodegradable technology into our grow bags, we are taking a proactive step toward reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices.