BIODEGRADABLE WEED MATS – ‘THEY COME
FROM NATURE AND GO BACK TO NATURE’
The Rainbow biodegradable weed mats (bio-weed mats) are made of 100% plant
material. The fabric contained in the bio-weed mats will simply biodegrade to compost
at the end of their lifetime providing a nutrient rich element for the soil and reduce any
possible ongoing maintenance costs to the absolute minimum. The use of these type
of mats means that the use of synthetic mats or herbicides can be avoided which are
so harmful to the environment. The mats are supplied in a subtle brown colour that
blends harmoniously with the landscape and can be secured in place with a Rainbow
biodegradable weed mat peg. After a period of 3-5 years the plants will have grown
over the fabric which will take over the light blocking function of the bio-weed mat.
The mats are UV stable and do not require any mulch, bark or wood chips to cover the
fabric.
Environmentally friendly weed and erosion control
Enviro friendly
The Rainbow bio-weed mats have been used in Europe since 2011 with many
projects successfully completed. They not only prevent weed growth but protect the
underground against surface erosion from wind and rain.
What are the advantages?
UV stable - The raw material is PLA** which is UV stable. Sunlight will not break down
the product, therefore there is no need to cover up the fabric with expensive bark
or wood chips. Rainbow bio weed mats will biodegrade through combined action of
microorganism, temperature and humidity.
Fire resistant - Being made from PLA Rainbow bio weed mats are naturally fire resistant.
There is no risk of fire ignition (cigarettes, vandalism) unlike natural fibre blankets like
coir, jute, hemp.
Excellent water and air permeability - The water permeability of Rainbow bio weed
mats is 10 times better than woven fabrics which will promote the growth of the young
plants.
Why use Rainbow biodegradable weed mats?
• Requires no maintenance after installation, they are the perfect sustainable
solution for landscape and roadside planting.
• Outstanding water and air permeability which stimulates the growth of plants.
• UV stable and will not shrink when exposed to sun, therefore no need to cover
with mulch or bark.
• Prevents surface erosion.
• Easy to transport, cut and install
**What is PLA?
Poly Lactic Acid or PLA is made from plant material. Starch and plant sugars are used
as renewable resource. Today, mainly side and waste streams of the corn industry are
used as feedstock.
How is PLA produced?
It all starts with the sun! During the process of the photosynthesis, the leaves of green
plants will absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. A molecule CO2 is combined with a
molecule water to form sugar and oxygen. The molecule oxygen is released back in
the atmosphere. The sugar is used as fuel for the plants. Any unused sugar is stored as
starch and can be harvested. Industrially, dextrose (sugar) is created from the harvested
plant starch through a process called hydrolysis. Next, microorganism will convert the
sugar into lactic acid through fermentation. The PLA polymer is formed either by (1)
direct condensation of lactic acid or (2) via the cyclic intermediate lactide through a ring
opening process. PLA is formed!
If you require more information on any of our products and ranges, visit our downloads page to download the information documents.
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