CELLAGRI (2025-2028)

• Development of biodegradable, cellulose-based mulch roll-to-roll films with passive water management.
• Combination of plant, regenerated and bacterial cellulose with biodegradable coatings to improve strength, flexibility and mould resistance.
• Bio-inspired surface microstructures and hydrophobic/hydrophilic tuning to enhance water control and biodegradability.

Aim of the project

The CELLAGRI project proposes an innovative solution to fully replace plastic mulch films with cellulose-based materials that are biodegradable, low-cost, more versatile, and reduce environmental, social, and economic footprints by at least 30%.
Inspired by natural structures, particularly for passive water management, the project delivers an efficient, low-impact alternative. It is part of the Pathfinder Challenge, supporting interdisciplinary research to reduce reliance on fossil plastics in agriculture. The approach includes developing a toolbox adaptable to different climates and crops, with validation in real conditions and preparation for low-cost, industrial-scale production.

• Develop biodegradable mulch films resistant to diverse agricultural and climatic conditions,
• Validate the technology up to TRL 5 through real-world testing,
• Prepare roll-to-roll scale-up and validate through real field tests for cost-effective deployment.

Agricultural mulch films are essential for optimizing crop growth, yet conventional plastic films cause significant environmental problems, including soil contamination and microplastic accumulation. CELLAGRI addresses this by creating fully biodegradable films based on diverse cellulose sources, such as bacterial, plant-derived, and regenerated cellulose, designed for improved mechanical strength and controlled degradation.
The project leverages bio-inspired microfluidic surface designs and biodegradable coatings to enhance water distribution to plant roots, reduce mould growth, and maintain film integrity throughout the growing season. Atmospheric plasma treatments further tune hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, improving moisture management and environmental performance.
CELLAGRI combines material innovation, microstructuring, and scalable processing, enabling industrial roll-to-roll production while applying a Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework. Environmental, social, and economic impacts are rigorously evaluated via Life Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Costing, and Social Life Cycle Assessment, targeting at least a 30% reduction compared to fossil-based films.
The project will produce prototypes validated in field and greenhouse conditions, ensuring suitability for diverse European climates and crop types. Beyond mulch applications, the developed materials and technologies may be adapted for packaging and other biodegradable solutions, supporting a transition to a circular, bio-based economy.

Project participants : 

Fraunhofer Gesellschaft Zur Forderung Der Angewandten Forschung Ev (Fraunhofer) Inagro, Provinciaal Extern Verzelfstandigd Agentschap In Privaatrechtelijke Vorm Vzw (IGO) Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Coating Plasma Innovation Sas (CPI)

Centre Technique De L’industrie Des papiers Cartons et Celluloses (CTP) Univerza V Mariboru (UM) Instituto Technologico De Aragon (ITA) Akira Science Ab (AKS)

CELLAGRI is an EU Funded project with 4 M€ founding for a period of 4 years and started in October 2025. Funded by the European Union under grant agreement 101223132. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.