BASF light stabiliser to increase greenhouse crop yield

BASF’s plastic additive Tinuvin NOR 371 is a so-called light stabiliser that increases durability and lifespan of plastic greenhouse films made from low density polyethylene. With Tinuvin NOR 371, greenhouse films can withstand weathering for at least 3 to 4 years, says BASF.

Increase crop yields

The light stabiliser is now being used by Tân Hùng Cơ Masterbatch Manufacture Co., a leading manufacturer of additive masterbatches for plastic films in Vietnam. The goal is to help Vietnamese greenhouse farmers increase crop yields and at the same time reduce waste.

To get the most out of greenhouse technologies, light stabilisers need to be added to the polymer during manufacturing of greenhouse films, says BASF. These stabilisers make the films resistant to the intense sunlight and heat that develops at the contact points with the metallic greenhouse frame. If not, plastic films can become brittle and break within a few weeks.

Crop protection agents

“Natural weathering conditions affect the durability of polymers used outdoors, and greenhouse film poses an additional challenge because of the crop protection agents used in greenhouses,” said Hermann Althoff, Senior Vice President, of BASF’s Performance Chemicals unit in Asia Pacific. “Our Tinuvin NOR 371 light stabiliser lives up to the greenhouse challenge and extends the useful film life thus reducing cost for the growers and waste for the environment.”

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According to BASF, Tinuvin NOR 371 light stabiliser extends the useful life of greenhouse film by withstanding the effects of weathering for at least 3 to 4 years. – Photo: BASF

Tinuvin NOR 371 provides durability to greenhouse films by preventing degradation from ultraviolet (UV) rays, thermal stress and oxidation. With durable films that last for several seasons, farmers can cover greenhouses for growing chrysanthemums, roses and strawberries for the export market – thereby increasing yields of profitable crops while saving resources and reducing waste.

Films can be used in a variety of growing conditions

Additionally, according to BASF Tinuvin NOR 371 helps to ensure greenhouse films can be used in a variety of growing conditions. Although the sulfur compounds approved as agricultural products to prevent and combat fungal diseases are ecologically safe, chemically they deactivate the light stabilisers and accelerate their breakdown.

To counter this deactivation of light stabilisers, stabilisers for greenhouse films – based on BASF’s NOR technology – are added which are particularly resistant to sulfur compounds and other agrochemicals. As a result, Tinuvin NOR 371 offers stability that enables farmers to produce profitably for several growing seasons.