BASF launches Tinuvin NOR 211 AR heat and light stabilizer for sustainable agricultural practices

German multinational BASF recently announced the launch of Tinuvin NOR 211 AR, a heat and light stabilizer intended to support global plastic film producers and converters in the challenging plasticulture landscape. Plasticulture, which refers to the use of plastic materials in agricultural applications, faces significant challenges due to intense exposure to inorganic chemicals, UV radiation, and thermal stress. Tinuvin NOR 211 AR appears as an option to extend the useful life of agricultural plastics, promoting sustainability and efficiency.

Plasticulture has benefited from significant advances, especially with the development of new polyethylene (PE) grades that allow the thickness of plastic films to be reduced without compromising their performance. This trend not only helps reduce plastic waste, but also improves production efficiency and facilitates practices such as recycling and upcycling.

Plastic film producers and converters are investing in new equipment that increases the number of layers in films, improving the durability and performance of the materials. However, exposure to inorganic chemicals such as sulfur and chlorine, used in crop management and disinfection, represents a significant challenge. It is in this context that Tinuvin NOR 211 AR stands out, offering effective stabilization against the adverse effects of such products.

According to the company, Tinuvin NOR 211 AR is an exclusive stabilization system, capable of protecting agricultural plastics even in extreme conditions of UV radiation, heat and the presence of chemicals. This new additive is especially effective in applications where film thickness reduction is necessary, withstanding high levels of sulfur and chlorine.

With the increasing adoption of integrated pest management practices and organic agriculture, the demand for stabilized agricultural films is increasing. “The Tinuvin NOR 211 AR additive solution addresses a wide range of challenges for agricultural plastics, including sustainability requirements, increased chemical exposure, longer usage durations and thinning trends,” explains Bettina Sobotka (pictured), " head" of global marketing and development for plastic additives at BASF.