MATER-BI MULCH FILM CERTIFIED AS AN INORGANIC SOIL IMPROVER UNDER EU REGULATION
Novara, November 6th, 2025 – Novamont announces that it has obtained the certificate of conformity with EU Fertilizer Regulation 2019/1009 for its Mater-Bi mulch film, used in agriculture for weed control. The film is biodegradable in soil and, at the end of its life cycle, does not require separate disposal.
According to the Regulation, the Mater-Bi film can be classified as an inorganic soil improver—a fertilizing product designed to maintain, improve, or protect the physical or chemical properties, structure, or biological activity of the soil to which it is applied.
The Mater-Bi mulch film has been shown to meet all the requirements set out in Delegated Act 2024/2787, which amended Fertilizer Regulation 2019/1009 by introducing criteria and testing methods for assessing biodegradability in the environment (water and soil) and ecotoxicity of polymers used in the manufacture of mulch films.
Mater-Bi film does not accumulate in soil, does not release persistent microplastics, and does not cause ecotoxic effects on the environment. The activity of microorganisms leads to its complete mineralization and subsequent conversion into carbon dioxide and water.
According to the FAO, global agricultural plastic consumption exceeds 12.5 million tonnes, nearly 20% of which is mulch film. Each year, over 3 million tonnes of microplastics contaminate seas and soils, largely originating from land-based sources, including agricultural plastics. Unfortunately, the percentage of mulch film properly disposed of remains minimal: in Europe, it is estimated that only 24% of agricultural plastic waste is recycled. One of the main causes of low recycling rates is soil contamination. It is estimated that the collection of mulch film removes approximately 166,000 tonnes of soil annually, contributing year after year to the loss of soil organic carbon (SOC), a critical component of soil health.
This issue is also being addressed at the European level through the Soil Monitoring Directive adopted on October 23, which aims to monitor and protect soil health across Europe, including through land-use control and remediation of contaminated sites.
“This certification is tangible proof that Mater-Bi, Novamont’s pioneering family of bioplastics, does not release persistent microplastics into the environment,” explains Catia Bastioli, CEO of Novamont. Over the years, Novamont has developed, alongside Mater-Bi bioplastics, a range of bioproducts and agronomic solutions to support the ecological transition—from biodegradable mulch films to biopesticides, biolubricants, and other biodegradable bioplastic applications. These solutions contribute to more efficient crop management, soil regeneration, and environmental protection. The construction of production plants for these bioproducts has fostered the development of an entire European bioplastics and biochemicals value chain, helping to regenerate deindustrialized sites. Novamont has voluntarily committed to adopting the stringent criteria of the EU Fertilizer Regulation for the development of Mater-Bi products used in shopping bags, fruit and vegetable bags, and many other applications. Applying the Regulation’s criteria enhances the guarantees of biodegradability, non-accumulation in the soil, and absence of ecotoxic effects, thus protecting the entire supply chain, our territories, and our communities”.
NOVAMONT - Francesca De Sanctis - +39 340 1166426
francesca.desanctis@novamont.com
www.novamont.com