A particular plastic for a particular crop. That's the idea behind the 5 layers technology of Egyptian film manufacturer Al Quds. For several years, they are cooperating with the Lancaster University to manipulate the light naturally through the plastic for different crops. "Each and every crop is different and that is vital to bear in mind when choosing your crop cover. Together with the growers, we'll try to create a crop cover that is unique to their crop", says Ibrahim Shabaan, Executive Manager at the company.
Ashraf Alma, Ibrahim Shabaan and Dr. Wagdy Sobeih at the IFTEX 2019 in Nairobi.
Al Quds 5 Layers Technology
Al Quds introduced their 5 Layers Technology in 2018. It is said to be the latest technology in the film industry. But what is it? "It is cutting-edge technology as we can build in the required film characteristics layer upon layer within a film. For example, we may need to diffuse light or add thermic or anti-fog properties to a film in order to meet the needs of a particular crop in a particular environment. Therefore our 5 layers extruding technology allows us to manufacture with effecting properties by using the very latest manufacturing technologies and taking advantages of our unique ability to utilize all 5 layers of the film. With 5 Layers Technology wide widths line we only ever source the highest quality raw materials coupled with industry leading quality control, means that we manufacture amazing tough films with the highest possible mechanical strength and durability."
On top of that, Shabaan stresses the importance of the long lifetime of the plastic with the same efficiency. "We believe that combining commercial experiences with cutting edge knowledge developed in partnership with some of the world’s foremost crop and horticultural scientists we can make it possible. Therefore, at Al Quds for Plastic we don’t believe that your crop cover should be just like everyone else but it should be designed as the right cover for you and set about designing all the features / properties of the film that make the cover your own based on your location and unique growing system for your crop."
Lancaster University
In cooperation with the Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, they are focusing on getting the right light environment for a particular crop. "We try to filtrate the light through the plastic for all different kind of crops. In order to create this suitable environment for all kind of plants inside the greenhouse, the 5-layers plastic film allows the use of all kind of required additives to the same film." Their recommendation to a growers' crop cover needs is built on various R&D trials of different species at their partner Arid Agritec - Lancaster University field station.
Cut flowers
In cut flowers, for example, they've done several trials and have seen that under their Luxor Film (with different additives) crops are performing better. "With our technology, a grower can better manage flowering times and the flower color, but also increase stem weight and optimize shelf-life."
Generally, with their technology the results remarked can be summarized in the following points:
- Extend seasons.
- Vastly improve quality.
- Increased crop uniformity.
- Optimize root development.
- Improve hardiness.
Entering Kenyan market
Al Quds was established in 2002 and is now one of the leading companies in the field of manufacturing of agricultural plastic film and packaging Plastic film in Egypt. Over the years, they spread their wings internationally and are now eager to enter the Kenyan market. For the second year, they were attending the IFTEX, which took place last month in the capital Nairobi. "The reactions we received were very positive. It still needs time to develop in this market as it is quite new for the Kenyan growers. Moreover, their prices are strongly competitive as the technology means saving cost and increasing the return on investment to the end user.
For more information
Al Quds For Plastic
Ibrahim Shabaan
Email: ibrahim@alqudsplastic.com
www.alqudsplastic.com