Ireland leads the way with film-and-film for silage: sustainable, high-performance alternative to net wrap

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.

Lloyd Dawson, sales director at Silotite, says improving silage quality, bale integrity, and feed value are key priorities for livestock farmers looking to maximise return on home-grown forage.

“Traditional net wrap systems have their limitations,” he says. “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.”

Bale expansion, caused by poor binding, allows air to enter the bale, encouraging mould and causing valuable energy losses in the silage, Mr Dawon explains.

“For example, Silotite’s film-and-film solution, Baletite, uses layers of baler film instead of net, delivering improved silage protection and bale density.”

He says 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 explains.

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,” adds Mr Dawson. “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.

“Contractors don’t always see the full benefits – which are often realised post-baling,” says Mr Dawson.

“But for the farmer, the difference is clear: better quality feed, less spoilage, and more efficient day-to-day handling.”

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,” concludes Mr Dawson. “It’s an investment in quality, efficiency, and sustainability – and it’s helping to future-proof livestock systems.”

For more information about Baletite or to discuss how the film-and-film approach could benefit your farm business, reach out Stuart Anthony, technical training manager at Silotite on 07836612691. Or visit the website here.