Sanitized (Burgdorf / Switzerland; www.sanitized.com) has introduced a solution to extend the life of biodegradable polymers used in agricultural films and an antimicrobial additive for bio-based plasticisers.

Biodegradable PLA films used in agriculture must remain in place for a defined period of time, depending on the crop they are protecting and the region where they are in use. Sanitized says this can range up to one year, but most often is three to six months, allowing seedlings to propagate and benefit from being in the open air.

The company said its antimicrobial additives prevent rapid degradation of biodegradable polymers by protecting against microbe and fungal attack and allow polymers to be “programmed” in their effective use through control of the rate at which they biodegrade. This allows the farming industry to maximise the production volume per hectare and determine when crops can be harvested and delivered in optimum condition.

Sanitized has also introduced an antimicrobial additive for bio-based plasticisers used in the production of PVC. The sustainable additive is claimed to prevent premature deterioration of the bio-based plasticiser caused by microbial attack from bacteria and fungi. Maria Toscan, product manager polymer at Sanitized, said: “Our tailor-made solution for the PVC market positions Sanitized products as the natural choice for sustainable effects in the protection of PVC with bio-based plasticisers, helping to improve the environmental impact of the vast PVC market segment that continues to grow year on year.”