Researchers in China have created a new biodegradable mulch film made from bamboo waste. This biobased material provides an eco-friendly solution for agricultural soil protection and could inspire sustainable innovations in product, packaging, and landscape design.

Rethinking Plastic Use in Agriculture

Plastic mulch films are widely used in farming. They help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, suppress weeds, and improve crop yields. However, most are made from polyethylene, a material that doesn’t break down in the environment. These films contribute to long-term soil damage, a problem often referred to as “white pollution”.

Turning Bamboo Waste into Bio-Film

To tackle this issue, scientists from the Central South University of Forestry & Technology developed a mulch film using bamboo residue. Bamboo is fast-growing, renewable, and rich in cellulose. These qualities make it a valuable resource for sustainable material development.

The team created a film using bamboo-derived sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and modified lignin (QL), combined with a selenium-based agent and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The result is a sprayable liquid that forms a dense, biodegradable coating on soil.

Strong Performance, Gentle on the Earth

The bamboo-based film shows excellent performance in soil environments. It keeps moisture in the soil and increases temperature by up to 2.1°C. It also blocks ultraviolet light, which helps reduce weed growth. In trials, weed germination dropped to just 13.3 per cent.

The film supports healthy crop growth as well. In pak choi seedlings, it boosted root and stem development and helped deliver selenium to the plants. These properties make it suitable for use in both standard and enriched agriculture.

Wider Potential for Designers

While the product targets farming, its material concept holds promise for other fields. Designers working with biodegradable films, natural coatings, or soil-facing products could explore similar bamboo-based formulations. This is especially relevant for landscape architects, product developers, and packaging designers aiming to reduce plastic use.

Advancing Circular and Local Material Use

This project shows how agricultural and forestry byproducts like bamboo can support circular design. By replacing synthetic materials with natural alternatives, designers can help reduce environmental harm while supporting new uses for waste resources.

Source: EurekAlert!
Photo: anaterate