14
THECOMMERCIAL GREENHOUSEGROWER • APRIL 2018
• FILMS
With an increase indemand for polythene covered
greenhouses,manufacturers of films and structures have
beenworking hard to raisequality anddeliver improved
benefits togrowers. AdrianTatum reports.
Advancements inpolytunnel films have almost gone
beyondwhat has beenpreviously expected in recent
years. As growers strive formore light levels andbetter
conditions inside the tunnels, recent developments in
‘smart technology’ havemeant a transition to films that
offermanymorebenefits outside of improved light levels.
XLHorticulture havepioneered spectral filters being the
first withUVopen, UV closed andPr/Pfrmanipulation
films. Their latest exampleswhich are creating a lot of
interest are their 2 new7 layer films.
XLHorticulture’sSunMaster CrystalThermwas developed
as the first horticultural film in theworld tobemade from
seven layers, it also has apermanent anti-drip system
for the life of the filmwhichoffers ‘excellent’ protection
against condensationwhile it also has an ultra smooth
external face to repel dirt anddelay the onset of algae. It
is immensely strongbut the clarity is similar toglass and
is suitable formost horticultural crops. Even though the
film is only 160mu it is stronger than competitors 180or
200mu film and has been tested to apuncture resistance
of 1200gms, a strength at break test to30mpa and has
a stretchbeforebreak result of 640%. TheSunMaster
CrystalThermhas a 93% light transmission, with the
average transmission level for glass being94%.
“We continue to focus on ‘smart films’ using the latest
polymer technologywhich are thinner, stronger and
longer lasting than180or even 200mu films. Due to the
significant advances inpolymer technology our sales
increase every year becausemost big commercial
growers like the longevity and strengthof the films that
weproduce. XL have their own commercial nurserywhere
the films are trialled, and they can showgrowers films 15
years old, and still intact.
Another development is XL’sSunMaster Cool whichwas
the result of seven yearsworthof research. Originally
ON THE UP
F-Clean film fromVDH.
