Since Shanxi Province undertook the pilot work of scientific use and recovery of mulching film for the central fiscal project in 2023 and 2024, the province has implemented relevant pilots in 36 and 45 counties respectively. Over these two years, various recycling models for waste agricultural film have emerged in Shanxi, including the “old-for-new” model in Huguan County and the “extended producer responsibility” model in Yanggao County, both of which have become typical cases in the industry.
In Yanggao County, Xinjinfeng Thin Film Co., Ltd. has not only improved crop emergence rate and yield, but also effectively reduced soil moisture evaporation and minimized long-term negative environmental impacts by promoting thickened and high-strength agricultural film. This type of agricultural film maintains good tension after use, facilitating easy recovery. The Yanggao County government, relevant departments, and enterprises have worked together to promote the recycling of waste mulching film through government guidance, departmental support, and enterprise leadership. As a leading enterprise in this field, Xinjinfeng Thin Film Co., Ltd. has an annual processing capacity of over 16,000 tons of waste agricultural film and other agricultural plastics, producing over 4,500 tons of recycled plastic granules, thereby achieving the recycling of waste agricultural film.
On the other hand, relying on Xingtang Plastic Products Co., Ltd., Huguan County has established a comprehensive recycling system for waste agricultural film. The company boasts strong production capabilities, including three polyethylene agricultural mulching film production lines and two waste mulching film processing lines. Under the guidance of the Huguan County government, the company launched an “old-for-new” campaign, effectively promoting the recycling of waste mulching film. It is reported that in 2023, the company recycled a large amount of waste mulching film, drip irrigation belts, and greenhouse films. This initiative not only encourages agricultural film manufacturers to assume social responsibility but also raises farmers’ environmental awareness.
According to the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, these successful recycling models have not only driven the recycling work of waste mulching film in surrounding counties but also set a sustainable development example for the entire industry. Zhang Jingbo, director of the Shanxi Agricultural Ecological Protection and Resource Zoning Center, emphasized that combining mulching film recycling work with enterprise benefits from the source is the key to achieving a win-win situation for environmental protection and agricultural development.