#China #Xinjiang #Sinopec #PBST #Wusu

Sinopec's Revolutionary Approach to Cotton Farming in Xinjiang

In a groundbreaking development, China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, better known as Sinopec, has made significant strides in sustainable agriculture with the introduction of its fully biodegradable polybutylene succinate-co-terephthalate (PBST) mulch film. This innovative product aims to tackle the persistent issue of residual plastic mulch films that plague Xinjiang's cotton fields, a region crucial for China's cotton production.

The Problem with Traditional Plastic Mulch Films

Xinjiang, renowned for its extensive cotton production, has long relied on polyethylene (PE) mulch films to enhance soil moisture retention and control temperature. However, these traditional films present a substantial environmental challenge. They are notoriously difficult to degrade, leading to problematic plastic accumulation in the fields. With the growing awareness of ecological sustainability, adopting biodegradable alternatives has become imperative.

Although other biodegradable films, such as PBAT, provide some benefits, they often fail to retain moisture and temperature effectively during critical growth stages, leading to inadequate conditions for cotton boll formation. This deficiency can significantly affect crop yields, creating a dilemma for farmers.

The Introduction of PBST Technology

The introduction of Sinopec's PBST mulch film has the potential to change the game's rules. Developed under Sinopec's fully independent intellectual property rights, PBST exhibits superior properties compared to existing biodegradable options. It offers enhanced UV resistance and moisture retention, crucial for ensuring optimal crop growth.

Recent pilot projects across Wusu City and Kuitun City in Xinjiang have shown that PBST mulch films can maintain cotton yields comparable to those using traditional PE films—an important finding given that many biodegradable alternatives do not perform as well.

Impressive Field Trials

Sinopec's collaboration with local agricultural authorities and the Liaoning Dongsheng Group has seen over ten thousand mu of cotton fields planted using PBST mulch. Third-party assessments conducted in October revealed promising results, confirming that fields covered with PBST mulch not only matched the yields of those using PE but also demonstrated a much quicker degradation rate.

The beauty of this transformation lies in the way the PBST mulch film decomposes. Instead of contributing to pollution, the film breaks down into harmless substances such as water, carbon dioxide, and minerals, eliminating the need for manual retrieval.

A Step Towards Sustainable Agriculture

This leap forward represents a dual victory for Xinjiang's cotton farmers: it meets the essential growth requirements for the crop, reduces costs related to pollution cleanup, and mitigates the environmental impact from traditional plastic films. Sinopec’s PBST technology could serve as a replicable model for sustainable development not just within Xinjiang, but across agricultural landscapes worldwide.

Moreover, Sinopec is taking its commitment to sustainable chemistry one step further. In March, it inaugurated a state-of-the-art production facility capable of generating 60,000 tons of PBST per year at its Hainan Refining Chemical site. This strategic move underlines Sinopec’s commitment to eco-friendly initiatives and a vision for greener agricultural practices.

Conclusion

As Sinopec continues to accelerate research and development in biodegradable materials, the agricultural industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. The success of PBST mulch films in Xinjiang exemplifies how innovation can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits. By addressing the critical issue of residual mulch film pollution while maintaining robust crop yields, Sinopec is paving the way for a sustainable agricultural future.

For more information about Sinopec and its commitment to sustainability, visit Sinopec’s official site.