Tama Assist Twine vs Netwrap: Unravelling the Baling Debate
Choosing between netwrap and baler twine can impact your operation’s efficiency and bale quality. While both netwrap and twine serve the purpose of securing a bale, there are differences.
Let’s start with the material.
Baler twine is made from polypropylene or sisal. Netwrap is typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) which minimises stretching and increases protective characteristics.
Twine has been used for generations for the following reasons:
- Cost-effectiveness: Baler twine costs less per bale than netwrap.
- Versatile: Bale twine can be used for small square bales to large round bales, not to mention all the other uses farmers find for this essential farming tool!
- Biodegradable: Natural fibre baler twines like sisal decompose over time, reducing environmental impact. However, synthetic twines offer greater strength and weather resistance.
- Recyclable: Agricultural baler twine is much easier to recycle than conventional netwraps as it doesn’t trap as much additional material within its fibres, which makes recycling of net much harder.
Learn about Tama’s baler twine options here. Also, learn more about sustainable baler twine, and how to choose baler twine.
Baler twine has some drawbacks:
- Time-intensive: Applying multiple wraps of twine (from 15-25 for a round bale) takes longer than a few layers of bale netwrap.
- Weather vulnerability: Twine-wrapped bales are susceptible to spoilage, especially in the outer layers.
- Baler twine integrity: During handling and transport, twine-wrapped bales may lose shape more easily, resulting in forage loss.
- Feeding challenges: Removing baler twine before feeding is labour-intensive.
Netwrap has mainly taken over from twine for the following reasons:
- More efficient: Netwrap typically requires only 1.5 to 3 revolutions (depending on crop type) to secure a bale, reducing baling time compared to twine.
- Superior weather protection: The tight, uniform coverage provided by netwrap sheds water, reducing moisture penetration and potential spoilage.
- Bale density and shape retention: Netwrap maintains the bale’s form better during transport and storage, minimising loss.
- Reduced leaf loss: The quicker wrapping process and tighter coverage help retain more leaves, nutritionally crucial for high-value crops.
- Easier handling: Netwrapped bales are often easier to move and stack due to their tight, consistent shape and smooth exterior.
- UV protection: Many netwrap materials contain UV barriers, extending outdoor storage life.
You can learn about Tama’s netwrap options here, and the role of quality netwrap.
However, netwrap also has its drawbacks:
- Higher initial investment: The upfront cost of bale netwrap is generally higher than twine, though other benefits offset this.
- Equipment compatibility: Some older balers may not be able to use netwrap.
- Guaranteed length: Not all advertised netwrap lengths are what the customer actually receives, resulting in fewer wrapped bales than expected. Tama guarantees its length for every roll of netwrap, ensuring peace of mind for all its customers.
- Disposal challenges: As a non-biodegradable product, proper disposal and recycling of used netwrap is required. Fortunately, TAMA uses less plastics and recycled materials in their netwraps.
Uncertain which baler twine or netwrap is the best option for your farm? Talk to the Tama Assist team about the pros and cons and to help you choose the best product.