A European cross-border research project is working to develop a system which will allow plastic irrigation pipes and green waste to be composted together at the end of a crop growing cycle.
The system is being developed by Spain's plastics research and technology institute Aimplas; Extruline Systems SL of Goñar, Spain; Metzerplas Irrigation Systems of Kibbutz Metzer, Irael; and OWS NV of Gent, Belgium, a specialist in biogas plants operating under the name Drius.
Once established, the new system will not require separation or burning of the pipes and green waste.
A new compostable system being developed will enable the entire waste stream to be handled in a composting plant.
New biodegradable micro-irrigation pipes have already been developed, while the new project aims to manufacture biodegradable drippers that will feed in water.
Aimplas said the project will seek to optimize the suitable material for the drippers to manufacture possible.
The Drius project, funded by the European Community, began in November last year and will run for two years.