Degradation

The film is defined as “degraded” when, subjected to laboratory testing in order to determine its elongation to breaking point value (according to the ASTM D882 method), it obtains a result of less than 50% of its original value at the moment of installation (the same material, not subject to wear) , as set out by regulation EN13206:2017+A1 (January 2020).

Reports of premature failure

For all claims regarding premature failure, please contact the Plastik Advanced direct sales representative, distributor representative or area agent for all preliminary matters as well as for the collection of useful information and samples.
All claims, together with all relative information, are passed on to the Plastik claims department for the appropriate analysis and relative technical response.

Analysis results

The results of the checks will be communicated to the client directly by Plastik Advanced personnel or the representative of the distributor or the area agent as soon as possible.

Inspections and sample collection

Direct personnel from Plastik Advanced, the distributor representative or the area agent will carry out an inspection of the area affected by the degradation in order to collect a sample of at least 100 x 100 cm of the affected material. It will be necessary to take a second sample for comparative analysis ONLY in the event that a second area with film from the same batch but with different levels of degradation is available. The samples, clearly identified, must be sent to Plastik (claims department).

At the moment of making claims, the following information will be required:

• Distributor
• Client
• Type of product
• Length and thickness
• Date of supply
• Date of installation
• Date of failure
• Agrochemical products used
• A copy of the delivery note

Exceptions

The guarantee explicitly excludes damages due to:

• Extreme weather conditions (hail, strong gusts of wind)
• The formation of rust on the structure
• Mechanical damage due to errors in storage, transport, conservation and/or installation.
• The use of acid products or organic solvents for the whitening or cleaning of the covering film.
• The exceeding of the limits for Sulphur and Chlorine on the surface of the film in compliance with CEPLA recommendations.
  MAXIMUM limits permitted:
• Duration 2 years – Sulphur (ppm) : 1500
• Duration 3 years – Sulphur (ppm) : 2000
• Duration 2 years Chlorine (ppm) : 100
• Duration 3 years Chlorine (ppm) : 150

In any case, the exceeding of the upper limit of 1000 ppm/year of S and 70 ppm/year of Cl is not permitted.
These limits have been determined in compliance with the standardised method of analysis (as described in ) EN13206:2017+A1 (Gen 2020 )

In tunnel structures (e.g. with arches) and multi-tunnels, the sections of film in contact with the structure must be painted with specific acrylic or vinyl paints in order to protect the film from excessive heat.
Paints with organic solvents or relative blends must be avoided EN13206:2017+A1 (Gen 2020 )G1.1.3.

Claims not accompanied by the necessary documentation (for example the delivery note as proof of the consignment of the merchandise).

The quality control system reflects the same qualitative standards we use for the hygienic-sanitary and food divisions. In the quality control area, an Plastik Advanced s.r.l. is now operative thanks to a complete range of advanced tools which allow us to create the main basic characterizations in order to guarantee a high level of control and analysis.

The Quality Control Service is available for pre- and post-selling analysis. The development of covering films with a high technical level is possible thanks to an important R&D job in association with suppliers, universities, international well-known technicians and partners.

Our technicians check and analyse different data in areas devoted to Research &Development projects, where they carry out corrective actions and reach important results.

All R&D projects are realized under a Secrecy Agreement. As per business partners’ request, it’s possible to elaborate projects that meet the customer’s requirements.

On the occasion of the project funded as part of the Puglia 2007-13 Operative Programme “Support for Research investments for SMEs”, with Executive Motion n. 811 dated 17/11/2009 passed by the Puglia Region - Department for Development, Employment and Innovation Policies, the company set in motion a phase of research aimed at the development of surface treatments for the creation of self-cleaning sheets for covering greenhouses (or at least in which the quantity of residual contaminants is reduced to a minimum).

This research followed two contrasting lines, the second of which had never before been explored on an industrial level. In the first case the focus was on increasing the hydrophilicity of the sheets to facilitate the removal of dirt through rainwater; in the second case, a treatment with transparent nanopolymer paints aimed to increase the angle of contact (>140°) in order to impede condensation, a source of dirt, from remaining on the sheet.

This study required the main contaminating agents most commonly found on the external surface of agricultural sheeting to be characterised, and resulted in a new awareness of actual problems.

The results obtained were as follows: in the first case (with two different types of product), a 7 percent increase in nebulosity following a cycle of artificial dirt application (internal method) and cleaning through immersion in water was achieved. In the case of the nanostructured transparent paint, instead, the film returned to its original transparency, thus guaranteeing excellent anti-dirt efficiency.

All tested treatments can be used to coat agricultural sheeting via spray coating.

It was noted that the nanostructured paint created a continuous film on the sheet and that said film remained intact after repeating cycles of bending. It was also noted that loss of efficiency of the new coating remained acceptable for up to two years of use in the field.

Duration parameters

• The OROPLUS products offered are classified and governed in accordance with regulation EN13206:2017+A1 (Gen 2020).  . See the corresponding TDS relative to the product supplied.
• The identification of the CLASS of a film is obtained with the W.O.M. test (ISO 4892-2:2013) which allows for accelerated testing of the resistance to photodegradation with specific lights. For a specific constant type of radiation, the result is expressed in hours of resistance according to that specified in point 6, table 2 of the aforementioned regulation.
  The relative classes of the films are currently subdivided with respect to the W.O.M. test as follows:

All internal durability tests are performed with 0,51W/(m2-nm) lamps.
The results are comparable to the data shown in this table as per the Regulations.

• The kLy/Year (kilo Langley/Year) is an international unit used to measure global solar radiation or insolation of a determined area over one year.
• When the area in question is subject to exposure for less than 365 days per year, in order to determine the kLy value for a solar year it is necessary to refer to the regulation EN13206:2017+A1 (Gen 2020).  , with particular reference to appendix G, point:
  
  • G.1.3.2 Definition of a Season
• All the results regarding parameters of duration are conditioned, as per regulation UNI EN 13206:2017, appendix G, by points:
  
  • G.1.3.3 Abnormal climate conditions
  • G.1.3.5 Products and treatments for the protection of crops

The parameters for the theoretical duration of materials exposed are established as per regulation UNI EN 13206:2017, and are calculated as below:

The theoretical duration of the films with respect to the area of installation with exposure 365 days per year can be determined through empirical correlation:

1. Verify the values of solar radiation expressed in kLy/Year indicated for the area subject to coverage
   (E.g.: Sicily 160 kLy/Year)
2. Define the desired theoretical duration in years
   (E.g.: 3 years)
3. Multiply the kLy/Year value for the number of years forecast
   (E.g. Sicily = 160 kLy/Year x 3 years = 480 kLy)
4. Find the result on the X axis and check the corresponding result on line Z to see which CLASS of film is necessary in order to obtain the desired result.
   (E.g. Sicily = Considering that a CLASS E film has a resistance of 8500 hours as per W.O.M., it can be deduced that for a guaranteed duration of 3 years, a CLASS F film is recommended, as it has a minimum value of 10,700 hours as per W.O.M.).

In the same way, having defined the technical specifications of a film according to the standard TDS provided (in particular the CLASS), it is easy to identify the theoretical lifespan of the film in years according to the forecast exposure times (either continuous or seasonal) and the consequential kLy/Year according to the relative climatic zone.

The quality of material which will be provided in the event that premature degradation is confirmed is governed by Regulation UNI EN 13206:2017, appendix G, point:

• G.1.3.4 Duration of film for greenhouse coverings

Transportation and storage

• During transportation and storage, the rolls must be rested on a smooth surface free of any rough parts or unevenness in order to avoid damage. It is recommended to use dedicated structures for the correct storing of the items.
• Do not place heavy or sharp objects on top of the rolls (such as metal wires or rods).
• Do not drag the rolls during transportation or installation and do not scrape the borders.
• Unused rolls should be stored in a dry and shaded place, if possible, wrapped in a protective opaque film.

Installation

• Regularly check the structure (roof and metal joints) to ensure that there are no unprotected metal edges or rust.
• Check that the post caps are solidly fitted to the heads of the posts (wood/cement).
• Avoid excessively high coverage systems (in order to avoid excessive loads on the structure).
• Check that all the metal wires in the coverage system, particularly the central wire, are correctly tensioned.
• Do not drag the rolls during installation.
• The film must be stretched to the correct tension in order to avoid excessive friction on the structure if not tensioned sufficiently, or premature wear if pulled too tight. Avoid installation during the hottest part of the day, which may cause the plastic to soften, leading to excessive tension on the film and the consequential violent contraction of the same.
• Avoid direct contact between the cover and the structure. In these areas, the plastic must be covered by reflective adhesive strips or light-coloured water-based paint in order to prevent failure or tearing due to high temperatures.
• The recommendation above is fundamentally important in coverage arch-framed structures due to the high level of contact between the plastic and the tubes. If these measures are not applied in case of arch-framed structures, no guarantee can be made with regards to the lifespan of the film supplied.

Usage

• Regularly check that the structure is sound.
• Regularly check that all of the bindings are properly tied to the structure.
• Avoid painting the plastic film during hot periods as this may alter the characteristics of the film itself, leading to unpredictable consequences.

Storage and winding on the structure

• Check the integrity of the structure.
• Check the integrity of the film.
• Once the film has been fixed to the structure, it is necessary to cover it with a dedicated protective film which is firmly bound in place. If the film is not correctly protected, no guarantees can be made to the lifespan of the film supplied.
• Group the film and alternate the sides from year to year.

Dismantling

• Check the integrity of the structure.
• Check the integrity of the film.
• Check that all bindings have been untied.
• If machinery is to be used, first check through manual movement of the film that there are no obstacles which may cause tears or damage.
• If machinery is to be used, reduce the winding speed in order to reduce stress on the film.
• Avoid excessive stress on the film on the perimeter post.

Application of agrochemical products

The use of phytosanitary products (pesticides, insecticides, nematicides…) may lead to the releasing of substances which may in turn compromise the efficiency of the UV radiation stabilisers. It is therefore of utmost importance to respect the following recommendations:

• Respect the recommended quantities and the frequency of application in order to limit the use of pesticides as much as possible, in particular those which may contain Chlorine and/or Sulphur (please refer to the section “Claims”).
• Apply the product to the crops and not the plastic film. Avoid the build-up of pesticides in the areas of contact between the film and the structure.
• Air the greenhouse as often as possible.

A document is available to Plastik Advanced S.r.l. clients which contains all the technical recommendations necessary for the correct management of a coverage system. This document contains the technical parameters which are the result of 25 years of experience and collaboration on an international level.

The document is available on request from the sales representative.

STANDARD

Protection

The main function of our agricultural films is to protect cultivar against the mechanic action of weathering agents, in particular against hail. Their goal is to maintain the cultivar integrity.

Mechanical strength

Covering films, applied on support structures and anchored by strings, during their protective function are submitted to different and constant mechanical stress by weathering conditions. A careful selection of the polymer matrix allows us to guarantee a convenient and constant mechanical strength which reduces the risks of tears and breaks.

Strength against UV radiations

Agricultural films are submitted to degradation due to the light (in particular UV radiations). Their special protective formulation allows to:

• partially absorb the harmful light
• Avoid the advancing of the degradation

Through the use of these substances the lifetime of our films is guaranteed. Furthermore, this type of additivation is useful not only for its own function, but also for the protection of the cultivars: in fact, radiations between 200 and 315nm (ultraviolet) are highly harmful for plants.

High light transmission

Our films are produced respecting the right level of visible light transparency (transmittance) in order to guarantee an effective photosynthesis.

SPECIAL

Diffusive

The transmission can be direct or diffused: where sun radiations are very intense, the most exposed leafage can show burning effects or intense and reciprocal shading; for this reason, pigments or mineral charges are added to modulate the light diffusion. Application: it is usually used to avoid burning effects.

Light Selecting

The research in the field of material for covers has addressed itself towards the development of films able to filter solar radiations at different wave lengths. Very recent studies of the Arboriculture, Botany and Plant Pathology Department of the University of Naples “Federico II”, carried out on cultivar protected by Plastik Advanced s.r.l. films, have allowed to know that the selecting light process, from the point of view of the production qualitative features, develops a higher nutritional profile in terms of total antioxidant action. Applications: it is usually used to improve the organoleptic and nutritional features of the fruit.

Thermic

By the word Thermicity, we mean the capacity of plastic films to limit the radiations of those electro-magnetic infrared radiations that rise from the soil. The so-called thermic films must guarantee a constant temperature into tunnels or greenhouses in order to avoid sudden changes during the alternation of night and day and the succession of the seasons. Of course, a cultivation carried out with the help of thermic film allows us a better growth, both in qualitative and quantitative terms, by reducing the risk of freezing. Applications: it is usually used to anticipate the growing of the fruit.