Biodegradable mulch film enhances the environmental sustainability compared with traditional polyethylene film from multidimensional perspectives

Abstract

Considering the minimum environmental concerns associated with biodegradable mulch (BDM) films, these are widely seen as a promising alternative to traditional polyethylene (PE) films. However, lack of an in-depth evaluation of BDM plastic films has hindered its largescale applications. To fill this knowledge gap, this study was planned to comprehensively evaluate the environmental impacts of BDM films as an alternative to the traditional PE film utilizing an advanced life cycle assessment (LCA) technique coupled with multiple field experiments, including three solanaceous crops i.e. eggplant, pepper and cherry tomato. These crops were grown at three different experimental sites comprising Chengmai, Qionghai, and Ledong; all located in Hainan Province of China. The results revealed that an in-situ biodegradation of BDM during the waste disposal stage greatly reduced the environmental pollution and cumulative energy demand (CED). But such a positive effect was largely nullified by the stimulated environmental cost during its manufacturing stage. And thus, the average environmental impact and CED from cradle to grave were reduced by only 2.6% and 9%, respectively, under BDM film when compared with PE. The seven sites/years-based field trials of three solanaceous crops revealed that the average crop yield under both plastic mulching cultivations was increased by 52%, while the integrated environmental impact per ton yield was reduced by 30%, compared with conventional bare planting (CP). Overall, it can be inferred that BDM film is a sustainable alternative to traditional PE mulch film based on its reduced environmental impacts.