Baleage Wrap

Silage or baleage wrap is made of low-density polyethylene, a recyclable plastic that can be made into products for use elsewhere on the farm.

As a waste stream, baleage wrap accounts for about 2000 tonnes recycled Plaswrap each year. Plaswrap estimates that currently 30% of all plastic wrap used by farmers in New Zealand is coming back through the recycling scheme. There is obviously room for improvement here.

Edible bale net may provide an answer. Kiwi Eco Net, an edible bale net for baleage, hay and straw, won the open section in the Southern Rural Life Farm Innovation Awards in February 2024.

See farm silage wrap for more on how to reduce and recycle baleage wrap.

Baleage wrap can be recycled through the Plasback programme.