Hops

Hop is fast growing and demanding crop. Earthtwine® OUTDOOR twine was developed specifically to meet these demands while also being completely compostable.
The benefits of using Earthtwine® for hops are twofold. Not only is pollution from plastic waste avoided, but it also provides an opportunity to upcycle the ample green waste left behind after harvest by turning it into compost. Composting the nutrient rich hop leaves and vines promotes more sustainable growing through nutrient recycling.
A perfect opportunity to close the circularity loop, but also to reduce the cost of fertiliser for future plantings.

Hop growers face unique challenges

  • As an outdoor crop, hop vines are exposed to constantly changing environmental conditions like rain, hail, strong winds and direct sunlight. UV exposure can be of particular concern for growers in New Zealand and Australia with our intense UV.
  • The physiology of the hop plant can leave it vulnerable to the elements. The large leaves not only make the entire plant heavier, but when it rains, the leaves catch water adding even more weight overall.
  • Hops are often exposed to harsh environments encountering wind, rain, hail and high UV.
  • Hop is a fast-growing plant, and the bines need to attach themselves to the twine so they can get to the top wire.

How does Earthtwine® address the challenges hop growers face?

  • One of the biggest challenges we faced when developing a compostable twine suitable for hop growers, was achieving both a high tensile strength (to carry the heavy load) as well as high dynamic strength (to cope with wind gusts and weight variations between wet and dry plants)
  • Earthtwine® OUTDOOR twine offers both a high tensile strength (40kg+) and resistance to dynamic force, such as wind gusts.
  • It is naturally UV stable and resistant to abrasion. Earthwine® outperforms other compostable hop twines in abrasion tests.
For guidelines on composting Earthtwine®, check this resource Composting-guidelines-for-Earthtwine.pdf

Earthtwine® OUTDOOR twine

Specifications:

  • Colour: Green
  • Breaking strength: 40kgf
  • Weight per spool: 7.2kg
  • Meters per spool: 3,800m
  • Dimensions per spool: 25 x 25 x 25 cm
  • Spools per pallet: 120
  • UV stable: Yes
  • Compostable wrapping: Yes
  • End-of-life: Industrially compostable
  • Indicative timeframe to compost: 8-16 weeks*
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Earthtwine® twine in use

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