Durapak Plastic Better for Farmers

Durapak Hi-Tac with the corrugated core is between 12-16% heavier than most brands on the market and has proved to be very popular with contractors and farmers over the last 18 years.  Durapak Hi-Tac is a highly developed three layer co-extruded blown stretch film and is up to 10 gauge (2 micron) thicker than some of the lighter plastics on the market.  Farmers may not be aware of these lighter plastics and contractors, under pressure because of the recession and the credit crunch, may resort to using these lighter and cheaper films.  Farmers can carry out a simple test to ensure they are getting top quality wrap by weighing the reels which should weigh about 27.5 – 28.5 kilos per reel for a 750mm x 1500m reel, if they are up to specification.

The main advantage of thicker, heavier plastic is that it provides a better oxygen barrier than thinner films.  This helps to keep air and water out of the bale, thus ensuring better quality forage all the time. And better quality silage will mean enhanced performance in terms of extra milk and increased daily liveweight gains in beef cattle.

When making your decision to purchase plastic, yes, Durapak Hi-Tac will nearly always be a few Euro higher than other brands on the market, but when ordering plastic farmers and contractors should look at more than the price per reel.  Typically Durapak Hi-Tac will be at the top of the list in terms of price per reel, but on closer examination, you will also find that Durapak Hi-Tac is the most competitively priced film when looked at in terms of price per kilo of plastic. 

As in everything in life, the saying that ‘you only get what you pay for’ is very relevant and farmers should avoid falling into the trap of joining the ‘penny wise and pound foolish brigade’.  They should insist on Durapak Hi-Tac as it is the most competitively priced product when looked at per kilo of plastic.  The resulting benefit is a better oxygen barrier and more protection for your forage ensuring better preserved silage.

Durapak Hi-Tac has tack or cling on both sides of the plastic, a light level on the outside and a high level on the inside, so that the plastic layers bond tightly together.  Because of the superior tack level, Durapak Hi-Tac works really well with automatic machines and when the plastic is cut it tends to sit on the corner of the bale, rather than unwinding leaving long tails blowing loose which happens with some other makes.  Thicker, heavier plastic definitely provides a better barrier against air than thinner material.