Launch of a new development: Non-woven biobased nettle agrotextile
- Natalia Kuznetsova
- Jan 8
- 1 min read
Nettle TOC has received a grant to test agricultural covering material based on nettle fibre.
This means that the innovative company Nettle TOC is tackle another problem with plastic in the agricultural sector.
Nettle TOC already has solutions for replacing plastic in agriculture. Tomato holders can be printed from nettle composite for 3D printing. This unique eco-friendly material does not lose its strength at high humidity and temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius. And the ability to use the composite as a filament for 3D printing allows for the production of any unique holder designs.
Nettle composite has also been used in the design of irrigation systems, where the absence of microplastics and resistance to bacteria in fertilized soil are equally important.
In 2026, Nettle TOC will conduct tests on a covering material based on long nettle fibre impregnated with polylactide (PLA).
The uniqueness of the nettle composite covering is that it does not leave behind microplastics but instead releases beneficial microelements that are important for plant growth and development.
Nettle TOC sees the main challenge in developing biobased agrotextile covering as maintaining the functionality of traditional polymer sheets. Farmers need to be able to use their traditional equipment and keep the covering system they've developed over the years.
As for the technological work involved in creating the material itself, there are several interesting tasks for Nettle TOC engineers: maintaining the flexibility of the material, ensuring uniform and directional fiber distribution, and slowing down biodegradation during the season.
The subsidy was received under the Subsidie Testen circulaire biopolyesters (STCB) programme from the Nationale Groeifonds-programma BioBased Circular (BBC).
Comments