A team of researchers from La Trobe University in Bendigo has developed a groundbreaking solution to one of agriculture’s most persistent waste challenges, synthetic bale twine. The strong plastic cord used to bind hay and crops has long been destined for landfills or open burning due to its contamination with soil and animal waste.
But a new on-farm recycling technology, created in partnership with Ritchie Technology (Rtec), could help farmers recycle twine into durable, marketable products such as decking, garden planters, fence posts, and furniture, offering a bold step toward a circular agricultural economy.
Published in the journal Recycling, the study outlines how the research team analysed the thermal, physical and mechanical properties of plastic farm waste to identify the optimal temperature range for recycling. They then tested these findings using a cost-efficient melting machine developed by Rtec, which is small enough to operate on farms and affordable enough for wide adoption.
“We’ve successfully demonstrated that bale twine can be melted and reformed into useful, long-lasting products,” said Associate Professor Ing Kong, lead researcher on the project. “This provides not just an environmentally friendly solution, but a practical path to building a circular economy in rural Victoria.”
A Scalable Model for Agricultural Plastic Waste
With millions of kilometres of bale twine used globally each year, the implications of the innovation stretch far beyond Australia.
By giving plastic waste a second life, the project provides a model that could be adapted to other difficult-to-recycle materials such as silage wrap and irrigation tubing.
“This is a triple win for farmers, the environment, and the economy,” said Dr William Richie, founder and CEO of Ritchie Technology. “Farmers can now cut disposal costs, reduce their ecological footprint, and even create revenue streams by selling recycled plastic products.”
The technology’s potential to transform on-farm waste management is being recognised beyond academic circles. The initiative received $145,000 in support from the Victorian Government’s Circular Economy Markets Fund, delivered through Sustainability Victoria.
Unlike large-scale industrial recycling facilities, the compact Rtec machine offers a decentralised, localised solution — allowing farmers to process their waste at the source. It also addresses common roadblocks in agricultural waste recycling, particularly contamination and transport costs.
This new approach aligns with La Trobe University’s wider sustainability agenda. The institution operates Victoria’s largest urban solar farm and is targeting carbon neutrality by 2029.
“It’s not just about recycling,” Dr Kong said. “It’s about enabling farmers to be part of the solution — giving them tools to transform waste into opportunity.”
As the team looks to scale the project across additional plastic waste streams, they are hopeful this innovation will not only reshape waste management practices in Victoria but also inspire similar circular solutions globally.
