Sinopec's Biodegradable PBST Material Revolutionizes Cotton Farming in Xinjiang
The challenge of plastic waste in agriculture is a growing concern, particularly in major cotton-producing regions like Xinjiang, China. Here, traditional polyethylene (PE) mulch films have been long used to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. However, these materials are notoriously difficult to dispose of, leading to significant plastic residue in the fields.
To tackle this problem, the China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has developed a groundbreaking biodegradable mulch film made from PBST (Polybutylene Succinate-Co-Terephthalate). This innovative solution not only meets the agricultural needs but also aligns with ecological sustainability goals. Results from a recent pilot project in Wusu demonstrate that crops planted using the PBST film achieved comparable yields to those planted with conventional PE mulch, all while ensuring environmental benefits.
Sinopec's PBST material showcases remarkable resistance to UV light and moisture barrier properties, structure stabilization under various conditions, and a degradation timeline of one to three years into harmless substances. This means that after the crop cycle, the mulch film can completely break down into water, carbon dioxide, and minerals, minimizing the need for manual removal and thus reducing labor costs.
Launched in March 2025, Sinopec’s first PBST production facility operates with an impressive capacity of 60,000 tons yearly. Following this, a large-scale pilot project commenced in collaboration with local agricultural authorities, covering over ten thousand mu of cotton fields in major production areas of Wusu and Kuitun. These pilot projects have confirmed that PBST effectively retains moisture and regulates temperature without compromising the cotton's development, matching the performance of standard PE mulch.
In the wake of environmental concerns, the introduction of PBST mulch films marks a significant shift toward sustainable agricultural practices. The independent assessments conducted in October reaffirmed the film’s enhanced biodegradability and performance, thereby delivering a reproducible and scalable solution for the agriculture sector in Xinjiang.
This transformation not only provides farmers with a viable product but also promotes the idea of green agriculture in a region heavily reliant on cotton production. Sinopec’s commitment to developing eco-friendly materials represents a significant leap toward reducing agricultural waste and aligning with global sustainability efforts.
To tackle this problem, the China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has developed a groundbreaking biodegradable mulch film made from PBST (Polybutylene Succinate-Co-Terephthalate). This innovative solution not only meets the agricultural needs but also aligns with ecological sustainability goals. Results from a recent pilot project in Wusu demonstrate that crops planted using the PBST film achieved comparable yields to those planted with conventional PE mulch, all while ensuring environmental benefits.
Sinopec's PBST material showcases remarkable resistance to UV light and moisture barrier properties, structure stabilization under various conditions, and a degradation timeline of one to three years into harmless substances. This means that after the crop cycle, the mulch film can completely break down into water, carbon dioxide, and minerals, minimizing the need for manual removal and thus reducing labor costs.
Launched in March 2025, Sinopec’s first PBST production facility operates with an impressive capacity of 60,000 tons yearly. Following this, a large-scale pilot project commenced in collaboration with local agricultural authorities, covering over ten thousand mu of cotton fields in major production areas of Wusu and Kuitun. These pilot projects have confirmed that PBST effectively retains moisture and regulates temperature without compromising the cotton's development, matching the performance of standard PE mulch.
In the wake of environmental concerns, the introduction of PBST mulch films marks a significant shift toward sustainable agricultural practices. The independent assessments conducted in October reaffirmed the film’s enhanced biodegradability and performance, thereby delivering a reproducible and scalable solution for the agriculture sector in Xinjiang.
This transformation not only provides farmers with a viable product but also promotes the idea of green agriculture in a region heavily reliant on cotton production. Sinopec’s commitment to developing eco-friendly materials represents a significant leap toward reducing agricultural waste and aligning with global sustainability efforts.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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