Farmers swap traditional silage wrapping methods for net replacement film
21st May 2025
As farmers face increasing pressure to improve sustainability and operational efficiency, many are turning to net replacement film (NRF) as a smarter alternative to traditional silage wrapping methods.
Long established across the island of Ireland, NRF, also known as the film-and-film system, is gaining more traction, as silage producers seek ways to enhance forage quality, reduce waste, and prepare for tightening environmental regulations, Silotite said.
Lloyd Dawson, sales director at Silotite, said that improving silage quality, bale integrity, and feed value are key priorities for livestock farmers looking to maximise return on home-grown forage.
He added: “Traditional net wrap systems have their limitations. They offer little to no protective benefits and do not contribute to the ensiling process.
“However, the film-and-film method creates a higher holding force, producing tighter, more uniform binding.
“The extra layers of film, instead of net wrap, act as an oxygen barrier to preserve forage quality.”
Faster and safer process
Bale expansion, caused by poor binding, allows air to enter the bale, encouraging mould and causing valuable energy losses in the silage, Mr Dawon explained.
“For example, Silotite’s film-and-film solution, Baletite, uses layers of baler film instead of net, delivering improved silage protection and bale density.”
The expert said it also supports easier handling and feed-out. “Bales wrapped with Baletite can be opened cleanly from the tractor cab using a bale slicer, making the process faster and safer.
“Unlike net, which can tangle within the forage, Baletite peels away cleanly – making feeding more efficient and reducing contamination risk,” Mr Dawson explained.
Ease of recycling
Baletite is manufactured using the same polyethylene (PE) material as bale wrap, meaning it can be recycled together, streamlining the waste process.
“This is a big win for farmers,” Mr Dawson added. “Net wrap typically needs to be separated and disposed of differently, whereas Baletite can be bundled with wrap for collection, saving time and improving plastic recycling rates on-farm.”
One barrier to adoption remains contractor hesitation, with many farmers relying on external services for baling.
The expert said that contractors do not always see the full benefits – which are often realised post-baling.
“But for the farmer, the difference is clear: better quality feed, less spoilage, and more efficient day-to-day handling,” he added.
With agriculture under increasing scrutiny to reduce its environmental footprint, tools like Baletite offer a practical step towards more sustainable forage systems.
“Baletite is a simple change that delivers big benefits. It’s an investment in quality, efficiency, and sustainability – and it’s helping to future-proof livestock systems,” Mr Dawson concluded.
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