BS EN 17033 is an international standard used for plastics that specifies the test methods and requirements for biodegradable mulch films used in agriculture. This test method ensures the film is biodegraded into the soil and that is not hazardous to the environment.
BS EN 17033 specifies the requirements for biodegradable films, manufactured from thermoplastic materials, to be used for mulch applications in agriculture and horticulture.
BS EN 17033 is applicable to films intended to biodegrade in soil without creating any adverse impact on the environment. BS EN 17033 specifies the test methods to assess these requirements as well as requirements for the packaging, identification and marking of films.
Note: Films intended to be removed after use and not incorporated in the soil are not in the scope of this standard. They are in the scope of EN 13655 [1].
BS EN 17033 on Plastics is useful for:
Biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) are used as a substitute for PE mulch films. This Biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) is designed to be tilled into soil after use where resident microorganisms degrade the plastic.
BS EN 17033 helps you to identify the evaluation criteria for biodegradation mulch films. By performing the ecotoxicity tests you can investigate the adverse effect caused by the material of the mulch film in the degradation process. The dimensions mentioned in BS EN 17033 are useful in determining the nominal thickness of biodegradable mulch films. The test methods help in determining the mechanical and optical characteristics which are useful in producing biodegradable mulch films. BS EN 17033 ensures avoiding the damages while delivering these films.
BS EN 17033 specifies the test methods and requirements for biodegradable mulch films used in agriculture and horticulture. These test methods are useful in manufacturing these films in such a way that they biodegrade in soil without harming the environment.
EN 17033:2018