The SOUL project aims to develop a set of 11 Bio-Based and Biodegradable-in-soil Product Solutions (BPSs) for agriculture, gardening, landscaping, fisheries, leisure, and sport. These solutions aim to fulfil high performance requirements for bioplastic transformation with conventional technologies and achieving improved mechanical properties during its time of use while improving circularity and soil health. The 11 BPSs have unique characteristics:
RENEWABILITY (>95% RRM)
FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION
Full in-field VALIDATION in 5 demo sites
SAFETY by avoiding eco-toxicity, microplastic accumulation and environmental impacts on soil quality and fertility as well as combining the biodegradability-in-soil with different end-of-life options
High REPLICABILITY potential and transferability of technologies and processes
Film blowing
Corn crops
Italy and Spain (tomato, onion, potato), Poland and Ireland (corn)
Novamont, IUNG, Asetaga, SAMCO
biodegradable in soil
SOUL aims to develop ultrathin, transparent mulch film made from over 95% renewable materials which enhances and protects corn in the first stages of its growth “in the soil”. At the end of the crop, the film can be left in the soil where it will fully biodegrade.
Film blowing
Fruit Trees, Orchards, and Solar Farming (Agrivoltaics)
Italy and Ireland (almond and olive, aromatic plants, agrovoltaics fields), Spain (almond and olive), Poland (apples and cherry trees)
Novamont, IUNG, Asetaga, SAMCO
biodegradable in soil
SOUL black and white mulch film (>95% RRM) is designed to protect long-term crops like almonds, olives, apples, and cherries. The use of this mulch film will reduce the need for herbicides or mechanical treatments in the first period of the plant’s growth, where weeds are competing with the young plants.
Spray coating
Fruit Trees, Orchards, and Solar Farming (Agrivoltaics)
Spain (horticulture), Poland (oil crops)
Novamont, IUNG, Asetaga
biodegradable in soil
SOUL aims to develop a controlled release fertilizer based on coating to be sprayed onto fertiliser (NPK) granules. This 95% renewable coating acts as a barrier, allowing the fertiliser to be released slowly and steadily over 30 days. Once all the nutrients are delivered, the bio-based coating fully biodegrades in the soil.
injection moulding
Vineyards and Greenhouse Crops
Italy,Spain and Portugal (horticulture), Poland (barley and hop)
Novamont, IUNG, Asetaga, SICOR
biodegradable in soil, compostable, reusable, organic/mechanical recyclable
The clips (RRM > 95%) developed by SOUL are designed to be reusable, recyclable and biodegradable in soil in case of accidental dispersion. The materials are targeted to fulfill the usage requirements for the crops in diverse environments (greenhouse and open field) and timing. The clips offer multiple EOL options, including being sent to industrial composting facilities together with plant green waste.
extrusion, stretching, trimming and twisting
Binding and Trellising
Italy,Spain and Portugal (horticulture), Poland (barley and hop)
Novamont, IUNG, Asetaga, SICOR
biodegradable in soil, organic/mechanical recyclable, compostable
SOUL aims to design a highly tough twine (RRM > 95%) that at the end of their life cycle offer multiple options, including being sent to an industrial composting plant together with agricultural waste.
Injection Moulding and extrusion
Reduction of chemicals in Pest Control
Italy and Spain (rice, cotton, top fruits, citrus, nut, fruits), and Poland (corn, apple, peaches, fruit)
BEDOUKIAN, IUNG
biodegradable in soil, reusable, organic/mechanical recyclable, compostable
SOUL aims to develop two bio-based (RRM >95%) biodegradable in soil dispensers impregnated with pheromones to manage pests safely. After use, the dispensers offer several EOL options, including being sent to an industrial composting plant. However, if misplaced and left in the environment they can be fully biodegraded.
net extrusion bioriented
commercial grass and landscaping
Italy and Poland (garden, parks)
IUNG, Novamont
biodegradable in soil
SOUL is developing an innovative bio-based (RRM >95%), soil biodegradable net that can support heavy grass for the 12–14 months it takes to mature. Once the turf is harvested and installed, the net stays hidden underground, where it is fully biodegradable in soil.
net extrusion
reforestation and orchards
Italy (almonds), Spain (avocado and citrus trees), Poland (apricot and apple trees)
IUNG, Novamont
biodegradable in soil, reusable, organic/mechanical recyclable, industrial compostable
The tubular nets developed by SOUL will shield young trees from animals and the elements for up to +2 years. SOUL shelters will be biobased (RRM >95%) and designed to be reusable and biodegradable in soil in case of accidental disposal.
compounding with expansion
modern sports fields
Portugal and Poland (sports fields)
IUNG, Amorim Cork Composites
biodegradable in soil
SOUL’s innovative sports pitch infills will be made from a blend of bio-based materials (RRM >95%). They will provide excellent shock absorption for athletes while meeting the strictest safety standards. In case of accidental dispersion, they will be biodegradable in soil.
