New cooling masterbatch for greenhouse films cuts down interior temperature in hot regions

In field tests in South Israel, greenhouse films produced with Tosaf's new cooling masterbatch IR8783PE reduced the peak temperature inside a greenhouse tunnel by up to 5°C in comparison with a conventional film containing a light diffuser, the company stated.

Designed to support optimal plant growth in hot climate zones, films produced with IR8783PE block a significant amount of the near infrared radiation (NIR), which would otherwise strongly heat up the greenhouse interior. Most of the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), which is required for a healthy plant growth, can pass through the films unhindered. Field trials in South Israel reportedly revealed a 4 to 5°C lower peak temperature in comparison with conventional light diffusing film with no undesired overnight temperature drop. With a recommended rate of addition of about 5% for a 200 micron film, the new masterbatch is suitable for single, three and five layer films.

Cultivating crops in very hot regions, such as the subtropics or Southern Europe, is made difficult by the plants' ability to produce pollen being reduced at high temperatures. The most common remedy, namely painting the films with whitewash, not only entails additional labour but at the same time cuts out some of the essential PAR, according to Tosaf. Films produced with IR8783PE can not only save this extra labour but also lower the temperature without significant PAR loss.

For more information
Tosaf Group
P.O.B 52, Kfar Yona 4283000
Tnuvot Industrial Zone, Israel
T: +972-9-8984640
F: +972-9-8789723
[email protected]
www.tosaf.com