EN 13655 Plastics, Post-Use Recoverable Thermoplastic Mulch Films for Use in Agriculture and Gardening

EUROLAB, with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of EN 13655 testing. This standard specifies requirements for dimensional, mechanical, optical and thermal properties of thermoplastic films for mulching applications in agriculture and horticulture.

These mulch films are intended to be removed after use and do not mix with the soil.

These mulch films are not intended to be used for soil disinfection by fumigation.

It specifies a classification for the durability of mulching films and the test methods referred to in this standard. This standard is based on polyethylene or ethylene copolymers used for agriculture and horticulture in Europe.

Applies to the following types of thermoplastic mulch films:

• Transparent films;
• black films;
• Reflective films (eg, white films, black-and-white films and black-silver films);
• Films of other colors (eg green, brown) for weed control.

This standard also defines the conditions for installation, use and removal of mulch films. Mulch films are considered highly contaminated by soil and plant debris. Contamination rates observed in mulch films can range from 70% to 90%. Therefore, the film thickness is a key factor on the contamination rate, the thinnest films (e.g. less than 25 µm) will often be contaminated, difficult, expensive to remove, recover and recycle.

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with EN 13655 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.