Farmers Save Money without Sacrificing Quality with Innovative Solutions

Farmers Save Money without Sacrificing Quality with Innovative Solutions

The American agricultural business is one of the largest industries in the country, and through the years farmers have experienced their fair share of market changes. Everything from the rising costs of products to every-changing political regulations has put pressure on farmers to find cost-cutting solutions that actually work. Of course, identifying these challenges is paramount to finding a solution.

Agricultural Challenges

In addition to the previously mentioned challenges, farmers also must deal with environmental battles as well. While pesticides and technology drive many farming methods helping them to produce more crops, they can also harm the environment. Combined this with the cost of labor and elimination of mulch film disposal, and the pressure on farmers becomes abundantly clear.

A farmers produce is only as good as the cultivation methods and products he uses, and with better crops costing more to produce many farmers are left grasping at straws in order to save money. Obviously, these challenges add up to severe costs that are not easily negated. But there is a way for farmers to save money without sacrificing the quality of their crops.

The Solution

One of the easiest ways to save money, reduce your impact on the environment, and retain the quality of your crops is to use DegriFilm. DegriFilm helps farmers save money on both labor and on disposal costs through customizable solutions that fit their needs. DegriFilm is biodegradable and while it provides the same benefits of standard mulch cover, it goes a step further by completely breaking down and becoming part of the soil as an organic matter instead of requiring physical removal. 

Additionally, DegriFilm allows farmers to relax knowing that no burning or land-filling will be necessary.

Navigating through the agricultural business is no easy task, but it just got a lot easier with DegriFilm. 

EcoPoly Solutions Inc. Announces their New Global Director of Sales

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Kristan Dunkin

info@ecopolysolutions.com

Ontario-based EcoPoly Solutions has announced Stephen T. Hofmann as it’s

new Global Director of Sales.

EcoPoly Solutions announces new Global Director of Sales

Ontario, Canada, July 1, 2014 – Today, EcoPoly Solutions Inc. officially announced the appointment of a new Global Director of Sales. Stephen T. Hofmann will be responsible for organizing and leading EcoPoly Solution’s global sales team.

Furthermore, in his new position as Global Director of Sales, Stephen T. Hofmann will be responsible for expansion of sales for EcoPoly’s DegriFilm and OxoElite additive on a global platform, as well as growing the global sales team, and strategy formation for sales operation.  In addition, Hofmann will handle international trade, USDA programs, UN agriculture initiatives, and overall government relations. 

“Stephen T. Hofmann has an exemplary work record. Stephen combines a sharp business acumen with an excellent technical mind,” said Derek Rynard, Chief Executive Officer of EcoPoly Solutions Inc. “We know he will be a great contributor and we look forward to welcoming him to EcoPoly Solutions as our new Global Director of Sales.”

Stephen Hofmann brings with him 20 years of experience in driving sales and global expansion. Hofmann’s work includes direct sales of sustainable products and business consulting in the fields of biodegradable plastics, helping to expand customer sales and growth. In addition, Hofmann spent 15 years as congressional and state legislative staff working on key agriculture programs.  Hofmann has a proven track record in the plastics industry and is the former president of the Oxo-biodegradable Plastic Alliance, an international association of sustainable plastic manufacturers and suppliers.  He has gained an excellent reputation for building relationships and maximizing the talents of the teams that he works with including some of the world’s largest companies. Further, Hofmann has also earned himself a reputation as being one of the top Washington, D.C. trade negotiators for international business and has a completely fresh perspective on growth for the company. 

About EcoPoly Solutions

EcoPoly Solutions is the only company globally to develop, manufacture and distribute biodegradable products. EcoPoly’s state of the art lab and manufacturing facility provides the tools necessary to customize biodegradable products, manufacture the customized products, distribute the products and provide ongoing product enhancement and testing services all under one roof. A full circle and complete relationship for helping businesses become more sustainable. EcoPoly is most recently known for closing the environmental loop for farmers by offering a biodegradable mulch film, DegriFilm. EcoPoly Solutions Inc. also understand the importance and obligation to provide this alternative and affordable solution to the plastic industries waste problems and accept the role with the integrity and respect it deserves. 

Why you should be using agricultural mulch film?

Why you should be using agricultural mulch film?

Any and every farmer is, by necessity, worried about keeping the land they own as healthy as possible, using only the best science and finest techniques that have been passed down to them. It is in your interests to keep your farm as productive and efficient as possible, giving the best possible yield with the least amount of money spent on it. One fantastic new method that is starting to gain much attention from scientists and farmers alike is biodegradable mulch film, also known as DegriFilm – but what on earth is it?

Let me start from the beginning. First and foremost why on earth would a farmer lay plastic to grow crops? Put simply, mulch film is laid on top of soil to grow vegetables and fruits in mass. This process can save water, create better yields, and even make the produce more attractive to buyers. I've highlighted below seven significant benefits of using mulch film:

1. Earlier Planting

Mulch film means that you will be able to alter the temperature of your soil – either higher, with dark films, or lower with clear or white films. This is perfect to speed up growth at the beginning of the season.

2. Moisture Retention

Once laid, mulch film prevents water from evaporating quickly in the sunlight, keeping all of that wonderful moisture right where you want it – in the soil, for your crops.

3. Weed Management

Exactly how the weeds are managed depends on the color of the film that you decide to lay. All colors will prevent rain water from reaching the weed roots, but clear film will allow sunlight to them, potentially allowing partial growth. However, it will be a greatly reduced growth rate.

4. Reduction of Leaching

One of the most frustrating things about fertiliser is the short amount of time that it is possible to keep it in the soil to work sufficiently. When you use mulch film, the plastic restricts the amount of movement of the fertilizer, preventing it from leaching.

5. Improved Quality

A great problem with growing fruit is the rot that can quickly set in if the fruit is resting on the soil. However, if you have been smart and invested in mulch film there will be a layer between the soil and fruit, keeping the quality of the fruit or vegetable stronger for a longer period of time.

6. Reduction of Compaction

Naturally, the sun and rain will eventually create a crust on the top of the soil, making it less productive to grow in. On the other hand, mulch film will prevent this from happening, keeping the soil loose and full of air, perfect for growth.

7. Reduction of Root Damage

Lastly, because of all the above benefits, manual cultivation of the soil will be reduced, and that will in turn reduce the potential damage that could be caused to the roots of your crops.

It’s only fair that I talk about the disadvantage of mulch film. The elephant in the room; obviously, plastic pollutes! At EcoPoly Solutions we recognized this problem and came up with a solution… DegriFilm! DegriFilm is a biodegradable mulch film. The amazing product is developed from beginning to end under our roof. Our lab is second to none globally and our manufacturing is in house. We have completely closed the loop on inconsistency in this market. DegriFilm helps farmers save money on disposing of mulch film while encouraging them to be more sustainable. DegriFilm is farming for the future.

EcoPoly Solutions Responds to French Proposal to Ban Oxo-Biodegradable Plastics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan, 15, 2014

EcoPoly Solutions

+1 905 967 9008

info@ecopolysolutions.com

EcoPoly Solutions Responds to French Proposal to Ban Oxo-Biodegradable Plastics

Newmarket, On. – EcoPoly Solutions is taking a stance, with the Oxo-biodegradable Plastics Association (OPD), on criticizing the lobbying attempt to take oxo-biodegradable plastics off the French market. If successful this would clear the way for bio-based plastics which have completely different uses and places in the market than their perceived oxo-biodegradable competition.

OPD states:

It would be surprising if the French Government allowed this proposal to pass into law, because in a civilized country you cannot close down a lawful business on the basis of a mere suspicion – you need to have credible evidence to justify such a serious interference with freedom. Moreover, any such law would contravene Art 18 of the EU Packaging Waste Directive, and even if that article were eventually amended as proposed by the Commission, it would still contravene Article 36 of TFEU.

OPD’s full statement can be found here: http://www.biodeg.org/files/uploaded/Lobbyists%20risk%20making%20fools%20of%20French%20Deputies%20over%20plastic%20bags%2014.01.14.pdf

The reality is that bio-based plastics and oxo-biodegradable plastics should not even cross into the same markets therefore the need to “slam” one another is completely ridiculous. They both have their time and places for their respective technologies. For example, bio-based plastics are well suited for your local home organic program provided it is collected and sent to an industrial composting facility. These facilities are found in some parts of the world but certainly not found in developing countries. Oxo-biodegradable plastics are ideal for many single use applications including products we use every day. These products can range from grocery bags, fast food containers, soda/coffee cups and lids to agricultural mulch films; that are a necessity in the farming world. Some plastics are simply difficult to recycle and absolutely should not be buried or burned. It makes economic and environmental sense for these products to be made degradable. Globally, littered plastic is found on the side of roadways, fields, forests, deserts, streams, rivers, oceans and virtually anywhere in the environment. Oxo-biodegradable plastics only require oxygen and microbial activity to completely biodegrade however factors such as heat, light, wind and rain simply help accelerate the process.

We have seen bio-based lobbyists work to try and ban oxo-biodegradable plastics in several parts of the world. This is purely driven by commerce and if the time ever comes that they are successful it would be a complete travesty for the environment. There is no benefit to the environment for government to segregate one technology especially when they do not have the resources to properly deal with any or all bio-based materials. This does not even take into account the dramatically higher costs associated with bio-based plastics. There is a time and place for both technologies and it is time to stop the mud-slinging and make decisions based on what is good for everyone including stake holders, consumers and most importantly the environment.

   EcoPoly Solutions is a company that is in business to develop, manufacture and distribute the best oxo-biodegradable additive and agricultural mulch films available in the market. Our ongoing product development seeks to provide affordable solutions and alternatives to the plastic industry for waste problems and global food chain advancements.

EcoPoly Solutions Closes Environmental Loop for Farmers

(Press Release November 11th 2013)

The agricultural industry’s failure to provide farmers with adequate plastic mulch film alternatives has led to the introduction of a biodegradable mulch film from EcoPoly Solutions, an Oxo-biodegradable plastic film and additive manufacturer and distributor. In a market that currently disposes of mulch films by burning, burying or sending it to a landfill, this biodegradable film helps to offset the environmental and monetary costs that those methods present. Recognizing the visible benefits of biodegradable products EcoPoly Solutions created a mulch film technology that, like regular mulch films, can reduce soil compaction, fertilizer leaching, moisture evaporation, weed problems and increases soil temperatures to produce a higher yield and increased early growth in crops while providing the added benefit of biodegrading. Farmers currently face issues with inadequate biodegradable films, which create a buildup of plastic in tillable soil and leave farmers with mounting problems. These issues stem from too many different companies’ involved in the manufacturing of the additives and finished goods with limited expertise, knowledge and information to create products that work. EcoPoly Solutions has full control of the entire process in their own facility. Formulation design and testing is certified by their engineers and PHD’s, which then transfers to their manufacturing line for resin and additive compounding. EcoPoly Solution’s mono and co-ex film lines manufacture the film, which is then sent to a third party for proof of performance. “We are the only company globally that has a major, world-class lab facility onsite dedicated to biodegradable plastics research and development,” Steve Arsenault, Director of Sales at EcoPoly Solutions said. “There are hundreds of experiments and formulations worked on daily to continually improve the finished goods. EcoPoly Solutions manufactures all of the degradable, raw materials that are incorporated into the finished agricultural films. We also control the manufacturing process of the finished mulch film that farmers use on their fields.” There is no single product that will work on a global scale. Every country, region, municipality and farmer has different requirements due to varying environmental conditions and soil conditions, as well as differing crops, farm equipment and experience. This multi-billion dollar industry is expected to increase by more than forty percent in the next four years and EcoPoly Solutions has the ability to provide what the farmers require. “Bottom line is that with these films the environmental and financial gains to the farmers can be enormous,” said Derek Rynard, CEO of EcoPoly Solutions.
EcoPoly Solutions is a company that is in business to develop, manufacture and distribute the best Oxo-biodegradable additive and agricultural mulch films available in the market. Our ongoing product development seeks to provide affordable solutions and alternatives to the plastic industry for waste problems and global food chain advancements.