BS EN 13655:2018

What is BS EN 13655 - Thermoplastic mulch films about?  

BS EN 13655 is a European standard for plastics that specifies the test method, requirements, and characteristics for thermoplastic mulch films used in agriculture and horticulture. 

BS EN 13655 specifies the requirements related to dimensional, mechanical, optical, and thermal characteristics of thermoplastic films for mulching applications in agriculture and horticulture. BS EN 13655 specifies a classification for the durability of mulching films and the test methods referred to in this document. 

Note 1: These mulch films are not intended to be used for soil disinfection by fumigation. Films for this application are in the scope of EN 17098-1. 

Note 2: BS EN 13655 applies to thermoplastic mulch films, used for agriculture and horticulture in Europe, based on polyethylene and/or ethylene copolymers, of the following types: 

• Transparent films 
• Black films 
• Reflective films (e.g. white films, black/white films, and black/silver films) 
• Films of other colors for weed control (e.g. green, brown) 

Note: Mulch films are considered highly contaminated by soil and vegetal residues: the observed rates (or levels) of contamination of mulch films can vary from 70 % to 90 %. Therefore the film thickness is a key factor in the rate of contamination, the thinnest films (e.g. less than 25 μm) will be the most contaminated, difficult, expensive to remove, recover and recycle. 

Who is BS EN 13655 - Thermoplastic mulch films for? 

BS EN 13655 on plastics is relevant to: 

• Greenhouses  
• Horticulture 
• Research on agriculture 

Why should you use BS EN 13655 - Thermoplastic mulch films?  

The biggest use of plastic in agriculture is for plastic mulch films and silage wrap. These Thermoplastic films and tubes are made from polyethylene (PE) because it is cheap, easily processed, highly durable, and flexible.  

BS EN 13655 ensures the durability of thermoplastic mulch films used in agriculture and horticulture. The test method mentioned in BS EN 13655 is useful in determining the thickness, width, film length, tensile characteristics, impact resistance, luminance transmittance, and also helps in determining the solar radiation in PAR and NIR regions. BS EN 13655 is useful in classifying the variation of tensile strength at the beaker of the specimen after exposure to xenon-arc lamps. Examining the thermoplastic mulch films as mentioned in BS EN 13655 you can identify the defects and failures while storing and handling the films. The instruction for the installation and use of the film specified in BS EN 13655 can help you in installing the films in different conditions. The removal instruction is useful in minimizing the harmful emissions which result in saving the environment.  

BS EN 13655 specifies the test method and test procedure that is useful in determining the mechanical, optical, and thermal characteristics of thermoplastic films used for agriculture and horticulture.  

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 13655:2018 supersedes BS EN 13655:2002. BS EN 13655:2018 includes some technical changes concerning BS EN 13655:2002. These include: 

• The Scope has been extensively specified and enlarged to installation, use, and removal conditions of mulch films 
• The standard is only applicable to thermoplastic mulch films recoverable after use 
• Modification of the minimum nominal thickness of the mulch films which conform to this standard, 20 μm instead of 10 μm 
• The types of mulch films have been redefined 
• The Table 2-Classification according to artificial weathering, has been modified 
• The paragraphs for requirements, test methods, acceptance, storage, and handling have been drafted in a new frame 
• The paragraphs on functions and factors of degradability, instructions disposal of mulch films and end-of-life, have been added