Sinopec's Fully Biodegradable PBST Material Tackles Residual Mulch Film Challenge in Xinjiang's Cotton Fields

Core Viewpoint - Sinopec has successfully piloted its PBST biodegradable mulch film in Xinjiang, achieving comparable cotton yields to traditional polyethylene films while addressing residual film pollution and supporting sustainable agriculture [1][3][7]. Group 1: Product Development and Performance - The PBST mulch film, developed with Sinopec's independent intellectual property, has shown equivalent cotton yield compared to traditional polyethylene mulch films, meeting design targets for degradation, moisture retention, and heat retention [2][4]. - PBST offers superior anti-UV and moisture barrier performance compared to other biodegradable materials, with long-term experiments indicating full degradation within one to three years into harmless substances [5][6]. Group 2: Environmental and Economic Impact - The project addresses the issue of residual plastic film pollution in Xinjiang's cotton fields, providing ecological and economic benefits while maintaining stable cotton yields [3][7]. - The PBST film reduces costs and mitigates soil pollution from polyethylene film residues, demonstrating clear economic and environmental advantages for sustainable agricultural development in Xinjiang [7]. Group 3: Implementation and Future Plans - Sinopec has established a 60,000-ton-per-year PBST industrial production facility and launched large-scale pilot projects in collaboration with local agricultural authorities, planting over ten thousand mu of cotton fields [6]. - Third-party assessments confirmed that PBST-covered fields achieved comparable yields to those using traditional films, with faster degradation, supporting the sustainable development of agriculture in Xinjiang [7].