BS EN 13655:2025 - Thermoplastic Mulch Films for Agriculture and Horticulture

Introducing the BS EN 13655:2025, a comprehensive standard that sets the benchmark for thermoplastic mulch films used in agriculture and horticulture. This standard is essential for professionals in the agricultural and horticultural sectors who are committed to sustainable practices and efficient resource management.

Overview

The BS EN 13655:2025 standard provides detailed guidelines and specifications for thermoplastic mulch films that are recoverable after use. These films are designed to enhance agricultural productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers and users can ensure that their mulch films meet the highest quality and performance criteria.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN 13655:2025
• Pages: 38
• Release Date: August 21, 2025
• ISBN: 978 0 539 31510 3
• Status: Standard

Benefits of Using Thermoplastic Mulch Films

Thermoplastic mulch films offer numerous advantages for agricultural and horticultural applications:

• Weed Control: These films effectively suppress weed growth, reducing the need for chemical herbicides and promoting healthier crop growth.
• Moisture Retention: By minimizing evaporation, mulch films help maintain soil moisture levels, leading to more efficient water usage.
• Temperature Regulation: The films help regulate soil temperature, creating optimal growing conditions for plants.
• Soil Protection: They protect the soil from erosion and compaction, preserving its structure and fertility.
• Enhanced Crop Yield: By improving growing conditions, these films can lead to increased crop yields and better quality produce.

Environmental Impact

The BS EN 13655:2025 standard emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability. The thermoplastic mulch films covered by this standard are designed to be recoverable after use, reducing waste and promoting recycling. This aligns with global efforts to minimize the environmental footprint of agricultural practices.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is invaluable for a wide range of stakeholders in the agricultural and horticultural industries, including:

• Manufacturers: Ensure your products meet industry standards and customer expectations.
• Farmers and Growers: Optimize your crop production with reliable and effective mulch films.
• Environmental Consultants: Advise clients on sustainable practices and compliance with industry standards.
• Regulatory Bodies: Develop and enforce regulations that promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion

The BS EN 13655:2025 standard is a crucial resource for anyone involved in the production, use, or regulation of thermoplastic mulch films in agriculture and horticulture. By adhering to this standard, you can ensure that your practices are not only efficient and effective but also environmentally responsible.

Invest in the future of agriculture and horticulture with the BS EN 13655:2025 standard, and contribute to a more sustainable and productive world.

BS EN 13655:2025

This standard BS EN 13655:2025 Plastics. Thermoplastic mulch films recoverable after use, for use in agriculture and horticulture is classified in these ICS categories:

• 83.140.10 Films and sheets
• 65.060.99 Other agricultural machines and equipment

This document specifies the requirements related to dimensional, mechanical, optical and thermal characteristics of thermoplastic films for mulching applications in agriculture and horticulture. These mulch films are intended to be removed after use and not incorporated in the soil. These mulch films are not intended to be used for soil disinfection by fumigation. Films for soil disinfection are in the scope of EN 17098-1 [1] and EN 17098-2 [2]. The biodegradable mulch films intended to be incorporated in the soil after used are also not in the scope of this document. They are in the scope of EN 17033 [3]. This document specifies a classification for durability of mulching films and the test methods referred to in this document. This document is applicable to thermoplastic mulch films, used for agriculture and horticulture in Europe, based on polyethylene and/or ethylene copolymers, of the following types: - transparent films; - black films; - reflective films (e.g. white films, black/white films and black/silver films); - films of other colour(s) for weed control (e.g. green, brown). This document defines the criteria for design for recycling of mulch films and refer to EN 18109 for the product lifecycle, including installation, use, removal and collection for end of life for management of the product after its usage. NOTE Mulch films can be highly soiled by organic and mineral residues at the end of their use life: the observed rates (or levels) of soilage of mulch films can vary from 70 % to 90 %, therefore the film thickness is a key factor on the rate of soilage, the thinnest films (e.g. less than 20 micron) will be the mostly soiled, difficult, expensive to remove, recover and recycle.