Frequently asked questions
+ What does certified mean?
Certified means that an independent, third-party agency has tested and verified for itself that the product is truly as represented, namely compostable biodegradable.
Let's take a for instance in another category. Would you buy medicine that wasn’t USP certified for identity, strength, quality and purity? Probably not. Why? Because there is a safety risk. The medicine might not do all of what it says it will do. Worst yet, the uncertified medicine might be harmful.
TÜV is an independent, third-party agency that provides product certification services in the fields of safety and the environment. Certified compostable biodegradable means it is certified by a third party, in this case, TÜV, to be just that….Compostable biodegradable. So you can be sure it does what we say it does.
+ What do you mean by predictable lifespan?
You can choose between different mulch films with dialed in lifespans. There are many biodegradable mulch films on the market. Only a few are certified compostable biodegradable. With FilmOrganic, you can select the mulch film that has the desired lifespan, measured in months. For a short length crop, like lettuce or summer squash, you can choose a mulch film with a 2 or 3 months’ lifespan. If you grow over-Winter strawberries, you can choose a mulch film with a 12 to 18 months’ lifespan.
+ Are there any mulch layer models that require special attention?
FilmOrganic is suitable for all common types of mulch layers. Be careful with the Mechanical model 90. During installation, this model turns the color upside down. If the film is white on the outside and black on the inside, it will lay the white side on the inside and the black side up. All other layers of mulch commonly found on the market do not have this problem.
+ Can you lay this mulch with a standard mulch layer?
Yes. Keep the press wheels straight and 1’’ away from the bed. Apply a bit of tension lengthwise so the roll doesn’t free ride. Make sure your bed is nice and full. If you’re working in clumpy ground, check the trench opener. Soil can stick to metal surfaces and accumulate. The bottom roller needs to turn freely when you drive.
+ What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable-biodegradable?
There are many biodegradable mulch films on the market. But only a few are certified compostable-biodegradable. And only FilmOrganic provides mulch films with a predictable lifespan.
If a film is biodegradable, it means that micro-organisms commonly found in the soil will convert it into compost. With a biodegradable film, it could take years, sometimes decades. That may create havoc for future crop cycles, soil preparation and soil cleanliness.
Certified films will decay in a much shorter time frame. FilmOrganic mulch films are unique. We provide certified compostable-biodegradable mulch films that will break-down with predictable lifespans. Not too fast. Not too slow. There when you need it, gone when you want it.