A single residual film recycler covers 250 mu (about 16.7 hectares) per day, matching the efficiency of over 100 workers. At the 9th China-Eurasia Expo, the 4JMLQ-210A model from Shihezi Hansson Smart Agricultural Machinery Co., Ltd. demonstrated its recovery rate exceeding 90%, directly addressing farmers' doubts about mechanical efficiency.
Mechanization Revolution in Film Recovery
Xinjiang cotton fields rely heavily on plastic mulch for moisture retention, but residual film pollution has long been a headache. A farmer from Shawan calculated that one worker can clear only 2 mu per day, with recovered film mixed with soil and straw, offering little reuse value. Hansson's machine, with a daily coverage of 200-250 mu, improves efficiency by over 100 times.
This achievement stems from nearly a decade of R&D. In 2021, Hansson partnered with Shihezi University's academician Chen Xuegeng team and Jiangsu University to launch a high-efficiency intelligent straw shredding and residual film recycler, solving three technical challenges: recovery, shredding, and soil conservation. After upgrading the hydraulic flexible transmission system this year, sales have exceeded 20 million yuan, indicating fast-growing market acceptance.
From 'White Waste' to 'Green Industry'
Recovered waste film is not simply landfilled or incinerated but enters a resource utilization chain. It can be processed into wood-plastic pallets, drip irrigation tapes, and recycled mulch film. This turns residual film recycling from an environmental burden into an economically viable industry segment. For farmers, film recovery reduces input costs; for downstream companies, it provides stable raw material supply for recycled plastic products.
This dual logic of economic and ecological benefits drives rapid adoption. Over 50,000 units have been deployed in Xinjiang, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, and Central Asia. Central Asia shares similar climates and cropping patterns with Xinjiang, creating export opportunities for Chinese agricultural machinery.
Small-Field Adaptation and Overseas Interest
Malaysian businessman Chen Jinming showed keen interest at the expo. Malaysia's chili farming uses plastic mulch but suffers from inefficient manual recovery due to small, irregular fields. Hansson's machine, with a wide-angle active traction device and flexible turning, fits small-field needs.
This signals a trend: China's residual film control solutions are expanding from 'Xinjiang experience' to Belt and Road countries. Xinjiang, as China's largest cotton region, has accumulated valuable technical and operational models that can directly benefit Central Asian and Southeast Asian nations facing similar pollution challenges. Expo platforms are accelerating technology diffusion.
Industry Implications
For the textile sector, breakthroughs in film recycling have indirect but significant impacts. Cotton, as a natural fiber, relies on sustainable raw material sourcing for brands' ESG scores. Mechanized, scalable management of 'white pollution' in Xinjiang fields can enhance the green image of Xinjiang cotton and reduce environmental trade barrier risks in international markets.