BioFleece®: Sustainable Frost Protection for Commercial Crops
Unpredictable weather patterns are making frost protection an increasingly important part of crop management. Andermatt UK are proud to introduce a fully compostable fleece to the market
BioFleece® offers a practical solution: a plant-based, compostable alternative to traditional plastic fleece, delivering the same level of crop protection while supporting more sustainable production systems.
What is BioFleece®?
BioFleece® is a 100% Compostable horticultural fleece made from plant-derived materials (PLA) rather than petroleum-based plastics. It performs in the same way as conventional fleece, creating an insulating microclimate around crops, but without contributing to long-term plastic waste.
By trapping a layer of air around the crop, BioFleece® helps buffer against cold temperatures, wind and environmental stress, while still allowing light, air and moisture to pass through.
Why growers are switching to plant-based fleece
Reduce plastic use on farm
Traditional crop covers are typically polypropylene or polyethylene. BioFleece® replaces these with a renewable, plant-based material, helping reduce reliance on fossil-derived plastics.
Maintain performance in the field
BioFleece® delivers the same functional benefits as standard fleece:
• Frost protection through insulation
• Breathability to prevent excess humidity
• Light transmission for continued crop growth
• Physical barrier against pests
End-of-life advantage
Unlike conventional fleece, BioFleece® is compostable, helping reduce disposal challenges and environmental impact at the end of use.
Practical on-farm use
BioFleece® integrates easily into existing crop protection systems:
• Direct covering – lay over crops for rapid deployment
• Hoops or frames – create low tunnels for improved airflow and structure
• Cut-to-size flexibility – adapt to beds, rows or specific crop layouts
The material is lightweight and easy to handle, making it suitable for both manual and mechanised operations.
Supporting crop establishment and yield
Using fleece can support crop performance beyond frost protection:
• Promotes earlier establishment and growth
• Extends the growing season at both ends
• Reduces stress from wind and temperature fluctuations
• Provides a physical barrier to some pest insects
As weather variability increases, these benefits can translate into more consistent crop development and improved marketable yield.
Designed for real-world durability
Although biodegradable, BioFleece® is engineered to last through practical use:
• Comparable lifespan to standard fleece
• Resistant to normal field conditions
• Maintains structure and performance during use
This ensures growers can adopt a more sustainable option without compromising reliability.
A step towards more sustainable crop production
As pressure increases to reduce plastic use in agriculture, solutions like BioFleece® provide a drop-in alternative—allowing growers to maintain crop protection standards while improving environmental outcomes.
For growers looking to balance productivity with sustainability, BioFleece® represents a practical step forward.
Summary
• Plant-based, biodegradable alternative to plastic fleece
• Protects crops from frost, wind and environmental stress
• Supports earlier establishment and season extension
Easy to use within existing systems
