Agriculture 
Automotive 
Building & Construction 
Electrical & Electronics 
Home, Sport & Leisure 
Packaging 
Textile & Fibers 
Tosaf combines perfectly matched UV stabilisers and color masterbatches for mulch films
Tosaf has developed a comprehensive portfolio of optimally matched combinations of UV stabilisers and color masterbatches to meet the different application-specific requirements of the agricultural sector for the properties of soil mulch films. These offer manufacturers universal options for extending the service life of PE films and adapting their colors to the respective application. Beyond, stabilized solarization film made of uncolored PE offers a non-chemical alternative for soil sterilization and weed control, reducing the reliance on herbicides and other pesticides.
UV protection matched to the chemical load
Protecting mulch films that can be used on one or both sides from the degrading effects of UV rays is essential for outdoor agricultural applications. Tosaf has three types of UV stabilisers in its range, which differ – largely irrespective of the film color – in terms of their recommended use when exposed to chemicals such as fertilizers. Without exposure to chemicals, UV2218PE provides the necessary protection, UV1813PE is suitable for medium exposure, and for increased exposure to chemicals, the manufacturer recommends UV2817PE for coloured films, especially designed for silver mulch and includes a unique UV formula, taking under consideration the silver pigment that accelerates the polymer degradation. For multilayer films with a silver-coloured side, UV2817PE is recommended even at low chemical loads.
The right color for every application
As diverse as the protective and yield-enhancing applications of mulch films are, the spectrum of color requirements is just as broad. Transparent or translucent solarization PE films are used to harness solar energy for weed control and soil disinfection. Allowing sunlight to pass while trapping heat underneath raises soil temperatures to lethal levels for pests and weeds. A no-drip additive is often added to increase transparency. Tosaf recommends UV1813PE EU where chemical treatment is present, UV2218PE EU if not, and AF0406PE EU Antifog for hot climate.
Beyond additives for transparent or translucent applications, Tosaf’s portfolio also includes all the necessary color masterbatches. For example, LP9400CL as black UV-resistant films and film sides, which primarily prevent and control weed infestation. A yellow colouring (ME201154, free of heavy metals), as well as silver (ME955376), repels insects and thus prevents and delays the transmission of viruses.
When turning a white (ME82958/ME80080) /silver (ME955376) and black (LP9400CL) coloured film, this multilayer film structure, silver or white on the side facing up and black on the side facing down reflects radiation to prevent the overheating of seedlings, plants and fruit, enhances photosynthesis and repels pests; and the black color prevents the penetration of light and reduces the germination of weeds.
Beyond soil mulch films
“Our specially formulated color masterbatches and UV protection additives are designed to meet the unique needs of agricultural mulch films“ says Maya Grushka, Agriculture and UV Product Manager at Tosaf, “while Tosaf’s product range for general agricultural purposes goes far beyond this and also includes tailor-made additives for greenhouse covers, nets or silage films. They all enable farmers to achieve better quality and efficiency in crop production while reducing the consumption of valuable resources such as water, pesticides, fertilisers, energy and arable land. With this broad offering, we are a first point of contact for all manufacturers of blown and cast films for agriculture who are looking for ways to develop easily recyclable films that are thinner and offer new optical properties.”
If you have any questions, we’d love to hear them. Please contact us:
Maya Grushka: [email protected]