EN 13655:2018

European foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Types and use
5 Materials
6 Durability
7 Requirements
8 Test methods
9 Roll acceptance, storage and handling
10 Designation
11 Marking
12 Functions and factors of degradability of mulch films
13 Conditions for installation and use of mulch films
14 Removal instructions and end of life
Annex A (informative) - Exposure to other light sources
Annex B (informative) - Numerical correlation between
        durations of mulching films exposed to artificial
        weathering and a natural exposure
Annex C (normative) - Determination of solar reflectance
Annex D (normative) - Determination of the relative light
        transmission
Annex E (informative) - Guidance for conditions for
        installation, use and removal of mulch films
Bibliography

This document specifies the requirements related to dimensional, mechanical, optical and thermal characteristics of thermoplastic films for mulching applications in agriculture and horticulture.These mulch films are intended to be removed after use and not incorporated in the soil.These mulch films are not intended to be used for soil disinfection by fumigation. Films for this application are in the scope of prEN 17098-1[1].It specifies a classification for durability of mulching films and the test methods referred to in this document.This document is applicable to thermoplastic mulch films, used for agriculture and horticulture in Europe, based on polyethylene and/or ethylene copolymers, of the following types:-transparent films;-black films;-reflective films (e.g. white films, black/white films and black/silver films);-films of other colour(s) for weed control (e.g. green, brown).This document also defines installation, use and removal conditions of mulch films.NOTEMulch films are considered as highly contaminated by soil and vegetal residues: the observed rates (or levels) of contamination of mulch films can vary from 70 % to 90 %. Therefore the film thickness is a key factor on the rate of contamination, the thinnest films (e.g. less than 25 µm) will be the mostly contaminated, difficult, expensive to remove, recover and recycle.