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• Pros
• Cons
• What are biodegradable clips?
• Compostable vs biodegradable materials
• Differences between bio clips and plastic clips

• Compostable in accordance with DIN EN 13432
• Biodegradable
• Does not hinder growth, which increases production and quality

There are currently two alternatives for the commonly used plastic clips, namely; metal rings and bio clips. As a result of the current sustainability trend, more growers are switching to compostable bio clips. Because bio clips are biodegradable, they can be put in the compost after harvest. During crop rotation, you do not have to collect all clips and separate them from the crop waste. This saves labor, because the bio clips will fully compost. This results into positive effects for the environment and therefore bio clips are a sustainable solution for plastic tomato clips.

Most biodegradable tomato clips are made of starch or lactic acids and are compostable in accordance with the certificate DIN EN 13432. This makes them certified for industrial composting. In the horticultural sector, the environment is becoming a more important factor.  

When a material is compostable, it means that the material will degrade within a certain period of time under industrial conditions. A material is biodegradable when fungi and bacteria can break down the material. Please note: a compostable material is not necessarily of biological origin. And vice versa, a material of biological origin is not always compostable.

Read more about the differences between compostable, biodegradable and biobased materials.

Biodegradable clips differs from conventional plastic tomato clips in material, strength and price. Below you find all the differences and pros and cons of using bio clips.

Most bio clips are made from PLA, which stands for polylactic acid or polylactide. These bio clips are therefore also made of plastic, but of a kind that is biocompatible, biodegradable in industrial composting and is produced from renewable plant-based raw materials, such as corn starch. That is why it is promoted as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

+ Compostable
+ Biodegradable

Bio clips are very similar to the plastic version and are therefore functionally comparable. Bio clips feel slightly harder and firmer. Bio clips are more sensitive to where the clip folds. With some types of bio clips, this area can be prone to tearing. The weight of the plant can also affect the tearing of a clip. That is why some growers opt for thicker clips, but that does not guarantee a solution.

- More likely to tear at the crease, even with thicker clips

The biggest disadvantage of PLA, as already mentioned, is the price. A material made from PLA is about four times as expensive as plastic. 
- More expensive

As most growers know, you can easily and quickly clip the stem of a tomato plant, cucumber plant, bell pepper or other vined crops that grow with twine, which makes twisting the plants unnecessary. With bio clips this is just as easy as with the plastic clips. The bio clips do not hold plants back in their growth, which increases the production and quality of the fruits.

+ Does not hold growth back, which increases production and quality

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Why Valent Clips help you, your crop and your employees
Plant clips are essential consumables for any grower. They are small and easy to use to secure plants to twine. These clips come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different needs and preferences.

Differences between twisting and clipping plants
Twisting and clipping are two techniques you use in cultivation to ensure that young plants grow in height. The choice between these techniques depends on several factors. Next to clipping and twisting you can also combine the two techniques.

How do I choose the right hooks?
Brinkman offers you a full range of tomato hooks. Brinkman is delivering the tomato hooks to gardeners all over the world for many years and is market leader with the Free Fall Hooks (V-Hook).