What is Pha and Why is it Suitable for Horticulture?

PHA is a biosourced plastic produced by bacterial fermentation of organic waste. The micro-organisms responsible for its synthesis transform natural resources into a biodegradable material. Nature has a way of doing things… It degrades quickly, so it’s gentle on the soil and the environment.

PHA is ideal for horticulture because it leaves no toxic residues in the soil. Its degradability sets it apart from other types of bioplastics, offering a sustainable solution for players in this sector. Let’s plant without polluting.

Pha Applications in Horticulture

Pha Mulching Film: An Eco-responsible Alternative

Mulch film is used to protect crops from weeds and regulate soil temperature. Usually made of plastic, however, they contribute to soil pollution. PHA offers a biodegradable solution to reduce soil pollution.

PHA mulching film does not need to be collected after use! They degrade naturally in the soil, reducing management costs. Bioplastic products enable :

• simplified management of residues
• preserve and improve the soil (compost)
• promote plant growth

Pha Pots and Containers: A Sustainable Solution for Nurseries

Growing pots, often made of plastic, accumulate and generate waste. PHA pots offer a biodegradable alternative, reducing the plastic footprint of industry. Their main advantage is that they can be planted directly with the seedlings. This means less waste and richer soil.

PHA pots make planting easier and simplify waste management. So they represent a step forward for sustainable horticulture. Yes, according to a Zero Waste Europe report, biodegradable bioplastics significantly reduce agricultural pollution by plastics. PHA comes at just the right time.

Horticulture: Drip Systems and Pha Irrigation

PHA also has applications in irrigation systems. Plastic pipes and fittings, often used for drip irrigation, can be replaced by PHA products. PHA offers sufficient resistance to ensure constant flow and natural degradability in the soil. Irrigation with PHA limits the pollution associated with non-biodegradable irrigation equipment.

The Ecological Benefits of Pha for Horticulture

Biodegradability and Reduction of Agricultural Waste

The main advantage of PHA in horticulture is its ability to decompose naturally. Unlike conventional plastics, PHA biodegrades without leaving any toxic residues in the space of a few weeks.

This is a crucial feature for farmers wishing to reduce their ecological footprint. What’s more, using PHA encourages the circular economy by decomposing naturally and enriching the soil.

Soil Sustainability and Improved Crop Quality

The use of PHA products in horticulture helps to improve soil quality. The well-known PHA residues enrich the soil with organic matter, improving its structure and fertility. Biodegradable PHA residues enrich the soil, promoting better crop growth and reducing fertiliser use.

In short, by using PHA, horticulturalists can reduce chemical inputs, thereby promoting more sustainable, environmentally-friendly agriculture. Better for production, the planet and its inhabitants!

Reducing Operating Costs With Pha

PHA products help growers save money by eliminating the costs associated with collecting and recycling plastics. Although the initial cost may be higher than traditional plastics, the savings on waste management more than offset this investment.

Since PHA degrades naturally, the cost of collecting agricultural plastics is eliminated. There’s less labour involved, less tax to cover and fewer processing centres to finance. Operating costs are minimised.

Horticulture and the Future: Why Partner with Pha Sourcing?

Thanks to its in-depth expertise, PHA Sourcing supports manufacturers in integrating PHA into their processes, with solutions tailored to each horticultural application. For companies seeking to adopt sustainable practices, a partnership with our entity is a strategic choice. Want to know more?

• high-quality materials
• access to advanced technologies
• optimised costs
• a stronger commitment to the environment
• guaranteed competitiveness

PHA in horticulture offers greener product management, reducing the plastic footprint while respecting natural cycles. This is a major advance for horticulture, offering companies a sustainable, environmentally-friendly solution to traditional plastics. By integrating PHA into key applications (mulching film, growing pots and irrigation systems), horticulturalists can reduce their environmental impact while optimising their costs. This biodegradable biopolymer not only supports soil health, but also promotes farming that is more respectful of the ecosystem.