Earthtwine™ is made from Plant-based Biopolymer!
Our aim is to provide growers with a fully compostable alternative that is not only kind to the environment but meets the same technical specifications as the conventional plastic twine and at a competitive price.
Product Info Buy NowMade from plant-based polymer
Fully compostable with no toxic residue
Same tensile strength as conventional plastic twine
Avoid disease-causing
pathogens
Earthtwine™ Compostable Bio Twine
Earthtwine™ is made from a plant-based biopolymer derived from plant starch. It can be converted to compost under industrial composting conditions in less than 90 days, depending on the temperature and humidity maintained in your composting system. It is designed to replace the twine made from polypropylene. Our aim is to provide users of horticultural/agricultural twines with a fully compostable alternative that is not only kind to the environment but meets the same technical specifications as the conventional plastic twine and at a competitive price.
Earthtwine™ can be used in various applications. Initial tests were aimed at confirming its suitability as a horti-twine (for vegetable growing in commercial glasshouses), but it can also be used as baling twine and tying twine (for grapes and kiwifruit). It has been developed and tested with commercial growers in New Zealand to ensure that it meets the demands of the industry.
The benefits of EarthTwine™
EarthTwine™
EarthTwine™ is made from a plant-based biopolymer derived from natural starches. It offers the same mechanical properties petro-chemically derived polypropylene twines but with the benefit that it is fully compostable without needing to be separated from green waste. It is made from natural and renewable raw materials and do not leave toxic residues behind in the environment.
Fully Compostable
Earthtwine™ breaks down into compost in as little 90 days depending on the composting environment. The compost generated in the biodegradation process can be used on crops as soon as the twine is no longer recognisable. We are currently working with a local CRI to complete testing required for certification.
High Strength
Earthtwine™ looks and performs the same as conventional growers twine. We offer a number of options making it easy for you to find the twine most suitable to your crop. We understand that tensile strength is important for all crops, but also that the requirements of tomato growers are different to those for hops or capsicum crops. Our twine is UV stable, flexible and has been tested by local commercial growers to ensure its suitability. Contact us to discuss the best option for your requirements.
Best Alternative
Earthtwine™ has an advantage over biodegradable twines made from natural fibres such as jute, cotton and sisal. These natural fibres are not UV stable and can be susceptible to mould and fungae which not only reduces their tensile strength, but also endangers the health of the crop. Earthtwine™ has a low moisture absorption and does not encourage the growth of disease-causing pathogens.
Frequently Asked Questions
EarthTwine was developed to be compostable under industrial composting conditions and it is not recyclable and should not be placed into any recycling systems.
Recycling centres NZ are not able to process compostable polymers unless they are set up for it because biodegradable plastics can cause disruptions to the existing recycling systems on a chemical level. Also, twine can get tangled in the blades of chipping machines at recycling stations so it should be kept out of these systems.
The standard indoor and outdoor versions of EarthTwine are developed to be composted under industrial composting conditions. That means that it needs a relatively high heat profile in the compost heap/bin combined with sufficient humidity before it will start to break down.
To start the composting process, the internal temperature in the compost heap needs to reach 55 degrees Celsius for it to break down fast and completely. If your compost heap does not quite reach those temperatures, EarthTwine will still compost, but it will take longer.
We make different types of EarthTwine, and each of them have different functional specifications. Check the tensile strength (or average breaking load) of the twine before making a choice, but if you are unsure, you are welcome to contact us.
A higher breaking load generally means that the twine can support heavier crops and also withstand stronger winds.
Our standard EarthTwine is white. The green twine was specifically developed for hop growers working very closely with these growers. Our hop twine was specifically designed to handle outdoor environmental demands such as wind gusts, persistent wind and variations in temperature. The green colour is also visually less obtrusive when used in hop yards.
Usually the green twine has a higher tensile strength (breaking load) and works well for any outdoor tying.
The raw material that EarthTwine is made from, is naturally UV stable. EarthTwine will eventually weaken if exposed to direct sun, but it will only happen after a couple of years.
EarthTwine will break down into water, CO2 and biomass molecules. Think of biomass as carbohydrates. No harmful residues are left behind and even the colour pigments we use are organic.
We make all our compostable products from proprietary recipes of bio-based raw materials. For most products these materials are sourced from plants such as corn and sugar cane. The additives we use are from minerals or other organic materials that are non-toxic and food safe.
Keep in mind that it is a combination of high humidity and high heat that starts the composting process, so these are the types of conditions that you want to avoid.
We recommend that you keep EarthTwine in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Ideally it should be kept below 25 degrees Celsius to ensure that you get the best performance and longevity from the twine.
In the early days of selling EarthTwine we wrapped the individual spools in plastic wrap. It was the best thing we had available but clearly not ideal so we now make our own compostable wrap. So since 2022 EarthTwine comes in compostable wrapping on the individual spools – a first for the industry! The wrapping is sturdy to ensure that the spool will collapse, even when you are using the very last little bit and it is thick enough to protect the spool from moisture when used outside.
Contact Details
Getting in touch is easy. Please find our contact details below. We look forward to hearing from you!
PO Box 281, Ruakaka 0151
[email protected]
(+64) 9 988 9560
Enquire Now
If you’d prefer to send a message from our site, please fill in the form below and one of our experts will be in touch with you.
Earthtwine™ is made from a plant-based biopolymer derived from plant starch.
© Copyright 2023 – Extrutec Ltd