Fully Biodegradable Materials

PBST material, developed by Sinopec with fully independent intellectual property rights, offers a promising environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polyethylene (PE) mulch films. Field trials show that PBST mulch maintains cotton yields comparable to PE while meeting key targets for biodegradation, soil-moisture retention, and heat preservation. This demonstrates its potential to reduce long-term plastic waste in agriculture without lowering crop performance.

In major cotton-producing regions such as Xinjiang, reliance on PE mulch has resulted in significant residual plastic accumulation because the material degrades extremely slowly. Other biodegradable options, including PBAT, often break down too quickly, losing effectiveness before critical growth stages and limiting their ability to protect soil conditions.

PBST provides improved UV resistance and stronger moisture-barrier properties, allowing it to remain functional throughout the season while still degrading naturally within one to three years. By converting into harmless substances, it helps reduce soil contamination, limit plastic pollution, and support more sustainable agricultural practices.

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