Advice

Properties of greenhouse films

20 - 12 - 2022

	UV stabilisation UV stabilisation (denoted as a number of seasons) indicates when a particular film should be replaced. This parameter is determined by the average UV load in a given climatic zone. One season in Poland means 6 months. It is worth adhering to the suggested replacement time, as greenhouse films' mechanical and luminous properties deteriorate over time.
	Light transmission and diffusion Light transmission is a parameter which determines the total amount of light reaching the crop. Adequate diffusion ensures that the sun's rays reach the plants from many directions and illuminate them evenly. The result is less light on the upper leaves and the parts of the plants previously in shade receive more energy.
	Crystal Clear films Crystal Clear films are films with extremely high light transmission and low diffusion. They provide an additional 3-5% of the light available to the crop. They are especially recommended for objects covered with double-inflated film and for crops sensitive to light deficit in early spring.
	Anti-Drip effect Droplets of condensed water vapour hanging on the film reduce the light reaching the crop, and drips increase plants' susceptibility to fungal diseases. The Anti-Drip effect changes the nature of condensation in the tunnel: condensed water no longer hangs as droplets on the film but forms a thin film flowing towards the object's sides. The effect turns the hydrophobic nature of the polyethylene film into a hydrophilic layer. The traditional Anti-Drip effect disappears over time (the Anti-Drip agent is washed away by condensed water vapour). The standard Anti-Drip effect works when the roof pitch is a minimum of 30°. Permanent Anti-Drip effect Unlike the traditionally obtained Anti-Drip effect, the permanent effect does not disappear over time. It is a permanent element built into the film's structure. Due to the subtle nature of the additive, we suggest extra care when installing the film. Care should be taken not to disturb its coating. In areas of friction, the effect may not work correctly. The permanent Anti-Drip effect works when the roof pitch is a minimum of 15°, showing a significantly higher actual effectiveness than the traditional Anti-Drip effect.
	Anti-Mist effect Reduces to a considerable extent a problem that sometimes occurs in buildings covered with Anti-Drip film: the formation of fog, especially in the morning and evening. It provides additional light available to plants and significantly improves growing conditions.
	Thermic effect In airtight, modern and heated greenhouse objects, energy losses due to infrared radiation are high. The addition of EVA significantly reduces these losses. It causes infrared radiation to be reflected back into the facility. The advantages of the film with a thermic effect can be seen especially in the morning. The temperature difference is estimated to be 1-3°C compared to an object covered with a typical film.
	Mechanical reinforcement with Metalocene Metalocene is a special additive that allows the production of films with increased mechanical strength. Films with increased strength are especially recommended for covering objects erected in locations exposed to strong winds and for covering poorer-quality structures.
	Mechanical reinforcement UltraStrong Thanks to the production of films in 7-layer technology, we can offer thinner films with higher mechanical strength than classic tunnel films. These films are recommended for covering structures exposed to high wind loads and crops requiring more light.
	UV-Open films Films transmitting UV radiation. Improves the quality of certain crops by affecting colour and fruit quality. The UV-open films can give a much better result in some crops, but we recommend you consult the grower before use. In Polish conditions, UV-OPEN films are recommended, especially for the cultivation of soft fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
	Films with increased chemical resistance Specialised films designed for conditions with an increased chemical load, mainly films with increased resistance to sulphur (e.g. films for rose producers) and chlorine. In horticulture, chemicals are used consciously (e.g., sulphurisation, decontamination with chlorine-based products) and without full awareness of the end result (e.g., the result of combining sprays with fertilisers). Customers are often unaware that using many different types of plant protection products and fertilisers in many different combinations can lead to accidental chemical reactions resulting in the formation of aggressive compounds. Therefore, if shortened actual film life or point/line degradation (e.g. near horizontal structural elements where water collects) is observed on the farm - it is worth considering the use of a film with increased chemical resistance, which will eliminate or minimise the problem.
	UHD films A unique combination of parameters to meet the requirements of soft fruit. The films are characterised by ultra-high diffusion with high total light transmission and exceptional mechanical strength due to the use of Metalocene and EVA (films designed for rope attachment). UHD films most often come in UV-OPEN versions. Due to the prevailing light deficit in the early spring period and the growing market requirements resulting in the need for an early harvest, we produce UHD films only after consultation and on request.
	Photo-selective films Photoselective films block part of the sunlight spectrum (usually in the broad UV range), affecting pest populations or reducing susceptibility to certain diseases. They allow significantly better cultivation result, but we suggest a consultation before application.