Berry Global’s Baletite® and SilotitePro® agricultural films offer farmers a smarter solution to silage preservation. By using the Film&Film (F&F) bale wrapping method, farmers can optimise the way in which they wrap, store, and utilise crops.
Silage bales are typically bound using netwrap and wrapped with several layers of bale wrap, sealing the silage and protecting it from the elements. However, if not used correctly, netwrapped bales can be prone to oxygen ingress, which can cause spoilage. Instead, F&F uses Baletite – a stiff, wide roll film – in tandem with SilotitePro, for a dual wrapping system with a high tightening force that can be applied by most modern combi wrappers, making it a highly effective alternative to netwrap.
The F&F wrapping system is applied on the bale in the opposing direction to the outer bale wrap layers, cross wrapping the bale, helping to prevent oxygen ingress, and adding extra layers of protection around the mantle of the bale.
F&F has been shown to improve silage quality and reduce dry matter losses. By using this method, farmers have been shown to gain an additional 7.35kg of dry matter per bale, versus traditional netwrap techniques.*
SilotitePro bale wrap uses multilayer Pro Technology to provide users with extra film length for fewer reel changes** and is now also available in a version that incorporates recycled plastic. Further efficiencies can be found with the film’s convenient, easy-to-remove polyethylene (PE) sleeve package that replaces bulky boxes and can be recycled with Baletite baler film and SilotitePro bale wrap.***
When it comes time to remove the film, the absence of a netwrap layer allows it to be peeled away easily from the surface of the silage without becoming entangled in the net. Additionally, Baletite and SilotitePro balewrap films are made from the same PE material, eliminating the need for separation of crop plastic prior to recycling, unlike netwrap which typically cannot be recycled alongside bale wrap.
“We are continually looking for ways to add value for our customers, developing solutions that take advantage of the latest innovations in film and baler technology,” said Bart Geeraert, Commercial Director of Berry Global’s Flexible Agriculture business, “Film&Film provides superior protection, ease of use, and easier recycling when compared to traditional netwrap. We have seen excellent results in the field with farmers already using the combination of Baletite and SilotitePro and we are sure that new users will see the same benefits in the quality of their bales.”
The Baletite and SilotitePro F&F solution is included in Berry’s B Circular range of packaging and product solutions that leverage our engineering expertise and proprietary processes in the design for circularity to reduce products’ impact on the environment, focusing on helping brand owners meet and exceed their sustainability goals.
F&F is part of Berry’s five-pillar approach to sustainable agricultural films, alongside a commitment to consistent quality, reduced waste with sleeve packaging, lightweight films, and the integration of recycled content.
To learn more about Baletite, SilotitePro, and the F&F method, visit the Silotite website.
*In 2013, trials conducted by Dr Dave Davies, from Silage Solutions Limited, in real working farm conditions, demonstrated that F&F wrapped bales had (contact agrifilms@berryglobal.com for full study details):
7.5% less DM (Dry Matter) losses on F&F bales compared to netwrap bales due to an enhanced fermentation process.
80% less DM losses on F&F bales compared to netwrap bales due to mold formation on the bale.
an overall 52% reduction on F&F bales compared to netwrap bales in DM losses.
**Compared to Silotite Original 25μm, 1500m film.
***Where PE film collections exist.
