Soil Biodegradability

Mirel bioplastics are a natural fit for use in agriculture and horticulture, especially for applications where soil biodegradability is an important function of the material. Mirel bioplastics are biodegradable in natural soil and water environments, home composting systems, and industrial composting facilities, where these facilities are available. However, like nearly all other bioplastics and organic matter, Mirel is not designed to biodegrade in landfills. The rate and extent of Mirel's biodegradability will depend on the size and shape of the articles made from it. Mirel bioplastics are certified by Vinçotte as “OK Biodegradable Soil” for biodegradability in natural soil environments.

The “OK Biodegradable Soil” certified products find their main application in the agricultural and horticultural fields (e.g., agricultural films, flowerpots, etc.). Biodegradability time requirements vary depending on the agricultural or horticultural functionality of a particular application. In some horticultural applications, these products may need to last for one or two years. However, agricultural mulch films require much less time, typically lasting a single growing season.

Products that are certified as “OK Biodegradable Soil” have been shown to biodegrade in a natural soil environment. The added value of biodegradable agricultural and horticultural products is that no effort is needed to remove them after use in a natural soil environment, as these types of products are developed to biodegrade over time.