Clear bale wrap to revolutionise farm recycling

A revolutionary clear bale wrap could cut recycling farm costs and feed waste by helping farmers monitor silage quality more closely.

Manufactured by Austrian company Coveris, Crystal Clear is already being used by farmers in mainland Europe.

All silage wrap starts off transparent. but unlike coloured film, the clear film is made using cast rollers rather than blown rollers so the plastic remains clear, but, more importantly, offers the same level of protection of coloured wrap.

See also: Edible bale wrap developed to reduce livestock farm waste

Ireland and UK sales manager Colm Malone told Farmers Weekly: “In the UK, it’s a new kid on the block, but it is starting to pick up interest. I think it will be a game-changer for farmers next season.”

He says the product offers a multitude of benefits:

• Farmers are able to keep an eye on the fermentation process to monitor silage quality and react to mould or air in the wrap, which is not visible when using coloured wrap
• Clear wrap is more aesthetically appealing on the landscape
• Less damage is caused by birds pecking at bales, because they see their reflection in the wrap which scares them off
• It offers far greater recycling opportunities: recycled black bale can usually only be used to manufacture heavy-duty outdoor furniture, but clear can be used in more products. One recycling company has already speculated that it may be able to offer free disposal to farmers using the clear wrap.

Mr Malone believes it could help reduce waste recycling costs for farmers by opening up new avenues for recycling, and says Coveris is already in early discussions with recycling companies to try to reduce recycling levies.

Crystal Clear will retail at the same price as the black variety, at about £52-£53 a roll.

Mr Malone confirmed discussions were taking place with independent retailers and said he hoped the clear wrap would be widely available throughout the UK from next season.