FAQ
Built to remove risk, not create it
Is compostable mulch riskier than polyethylene?
No.
The real risk is not compostable mulch.
The real risk is choosing the wrong film for the job.
When correctly specified, compostable mulch performs predictably — just like polyethylene — without cleanup, hauling, or microplastics.
When is polyethylene still the right choice?
In some specific applications, polyethylene may still be used, even though it is not a barrier film.
This typically includes situations such as:
Soil fumigation programs where gas containment matters
Systems where TIF or VIF barrier films are commonly referenced
It’s important to clarify that:
TIF and VIF are barrier films, not standard polyethylene
Polyethylene itself is not a true barrier film, but in some cases it is used because it provides sufficientcontainment for a given application
The same logic applies to FilmOrganic mulch films.
FilmOrganic mulch films are not barrier films, but depending on the fumigation method, soil conditions, and target application, they may still perform adequately.
If fumigation is part of your system, testing and planning are essential, regardless of whether you use polyethylene or compostable mulch.
What does “matching the right film” actually mean?
It means selecting the mulch based on real agronomic parameters, not price alone.
The three most important factors are:
Crop & growing cycle
Seeding / planting window
Bed height and geometry
These parameters directly affect how long the film must last and how much mechanical stress it must withstand.
Why does the seeding or planting window matter?
Not all compostable films are designed for the same timing.
A film installed:
early in the season
late in the season
for double cropping
or for winter-over applications
will face very different UV exposure, temperatures, and stress duration.
That’s why FilmOrganic offers different film lifespans, engineered to match specific planting windows — instead of one “generic” biodegradable film.
Why does bed height affect film selection?
Because bed height directly increases film stretch.
A higher bed means:
more surface area
more tension during laying
more mechanical stress over the season
This is pure mechanics:
higher beds require thicker, stronger films.
Using a film that is too thin on a tall bed increases the risk of premature failure — compostable or polyethylene.
Does compostable mulch stretch differently than polyethylene?
Compostable mulch stretches predictably, but it must be specified correctly.
FilmOrganic films are engineered with controlled elongation so they:
install smoothly on mechanized layers
remain stable during the season
last exactly as long as required
Stretch is not a problem — mis-matching is.
Why do some growers have bad experiences with compostable mulch?
Almost always because of:
the wrong lifespan for the crop
the wrong thickness for the bed height
or a “one-film-fits-all” approach
This is not a compostable issue.
It is a specification issue.
Professional growers who take the time to match film to application consistently succeed.
Why don’t you push a single “standard” compostable film?
Because professional agriculture isn’t standard.
A short-season vegetable, a full-season crop, and a winter-over strawberry field do not have the same requirements.
FilmOrganic develops specialized agricultural tools, not experimental films.
Is compostable mulch more expensive?
The roll price can be higher.
The total cost of ownership is lower.
With FilmOrganic:
no removal
no hauling
no disposal fees
no landfill runs
For medium to large operations, this typically represents 2–3 weeks of labor saved per season.
Who is FilmOrganic designed for?
FilmOrganic is built for professional growers who value:
reliability
predictability
operational simplicity
and peace of mind
Our customers don’t buy compostable mulch because it’s trendy.
They buy it because they don’t want problems.
How do you make sure I get the right film?
We qualify every project based on:
crop
acreage
bed height
planting window
and regional conditions
Our job is simple:
make sure you never have to think about the mulch again.
Are FilmOrganic mulch films approved for certified organic production?
FilmOrganic mulch films are certified compostable, but they are not approved for certified organic production.
Organic certification rules vary by country and by certifying body, and approval depends on specific material criteria defined by those programs.
For growers operating under organic certification, we recommend confirming acceptance directly with your certifying organization before use.
Many professional growers use FilmOrganic as part of a transition away from polyethylene — even when organic certification is not required.
Still have a question we didn’t answer?
Good.
That usually means your situation isn’t “standard” — and that’s exactly where we add the most value.
If there’s any doubt, any nuance, or any detail specific to your operation,
we want to know now, not after installation.
Our job is simple:
make sure you never have to think about the mulch again.
Send an email
info@filmorganic.com
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📞 Call toll-free: 1-888-754-5156