Imaflex starts commerical production of Advaseal HSM

Imaflex said Monday it has started producing Advaseal HSM, the first commercial plastic agricultural film for the controlled release of crop protection products.

The product has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in asparagus, cucumbers, cantaloupes, melons, pumpkins, squash and tomatoes.

Advaseal HSM is an herbicide-coated barrier film that is safe and effective for the control of noxious weeds, especially broadleaves and nuts edges, and for preventing emission of volatile fumigants. The first products manufactured will be evaluated in tests by selected customers this fall.

Imaflex Marketing and Innovation Vice President Ralf Dujardin said Advaseal HSM's efficacy, simplified application and unmatched user safety will enable growers to eliminate economic and environmental issues associated with conventional herbicide spray and fumigant application.

"We have sufficient supply in stock to sample selected top growers and industry-influencers in the United States in the coming season,” Dujardin said. “That will provide them with the opportunity for a self-test to experience the numerous benefits of Advaseal HSM in growing their produce."

Imaflex President and CEO Joe Abbandonato said Advaseal HSM is the first of a pipeline of crop-protection agricultural films the company plans to develop and market soon.

"This new class of crop-protection film product should have a profound impact on sustainable fruits and vegetables production across the globe,” said Abbandonato.