ACBD Project—Biodegradable Products.
Transforming the linear economy into a circular one is no easy task. Such a radical change entails a significant transformation of traditional patterns of production and consumption.
That is why we are proud to lead this transition toward a circular economy, where every product and every resource is valued and used to its
fullest potential.
Among other projects, Fruca is participating in the development of techniques to accelerate and control the degradation process of bioplastics used on our farms and in our crops, through trials conducted under various conditions (soil, climate, and management practices for different horticultural crops) and in different production areas throughout the Region of Murcia.
Part of this development is reflected in our participation in the ACBD+ BIODEGRADABLE MULCH project, alongside other leading companies in the agricultural sector and cutting-edge research centers, the Horticulture team at IMIDA (Murcia Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research and Development), and the CEBAS-CSIC working group, part of the Soil Enzymology and Bioremediation Group.
The Biodegradable Mulch Task Force is researching the compounds needed to “formulate a biodegradable mulch that meets the specific needs of our region and ensures that, after use, it biodegrades in the shortest time possible. To this end, we intend to use native microorganisms,” explains Abelardo Hernández, technical manager at Proexport and coordinator of ACBD+. (Proexport news article)
What are the main objectives of this project?
– To increase knowledge about new biodegradable materials
adapted to the growing areas of southeastern Spain.
– To study the degradation of mulch under conditions involving new farming techniques to accelerate degradation in the region.
And what are the advantages of using biodegradable mulch?
● Significant savings in irrigation water and fertilizers, which, according to studies, range from 20% to 30% in vegetable crops.
● Better weed control with less or no use of chemical herbicides.
● Earlier harvests, due to the buffering effect against temperature fluctuations.
● Reduction in plastic waste, since biodegradable mulch does not need to be removed or disposed of after the harvest cycle.
The ACBD innovation project aims to develop techniques to accelerate and improve the decomposition of biodegradable polymers used in mulching, with the goal of increasing the competitiveness of horticultural production in the Region of Murcia.
This will allow for more efficient management of water and plant protection products, reducing the amount of waste generated and promoting the use of renewable raw materials.
At Proexport, you can find more information about this novel and
innovative project.
At the following link, you can read the full article