Terra Agri, Midwest Composites cut agriculture CO2 emissions with biocomposite drone canopy
Canopy covers use empty fruit bunch (EFB), woven jute and nonwoven kenaf to enhance durability and reduce environmental impact of drones engineered for enterprise agriculture in Indonesia and Malaysia.
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The TerraDrone. Source (All Images) | Terra Agri
(Jakarta, Indonesia), an agricultural service brand, has partnered with advanced composite and biocomposite provider (Wapakoneta, Ohio, U.S.) to introduce high-performance biocomposite drone canopy covers for Terra Agri’s E16 and G30 models. These eco-friendly drone components are designed for industrial agriculture and help reduce COâ‚‚ emissions, and reflects Terra’s commitment to encouraging agriculture drone development in Indonesia and Malaysia, its primary markets.
Specifically developed for harsh agricultural environments, the biocomposite covers use renewable natural fibers including empty fruit bunch (EFB) palm pulp, woven jute and nonwoven kenaf. These eco-conscious materials outperform traditional plastics by offering improved flexibility, UV resistance and structural strength.
The E16 drone’s frame, crafted from EFB palm pulp biocomposites, weighs just 207 grams with a thickness of 1.5 millimeters, and delivers a flexural strength of 55.6 MPa. The lightweight, plant-based composite protects vital electronics such as the GPS and flight controller. Compared to standard plastic materials, it offers a COâ‚‚ emissions reduction of up to 73.2%.
G30 drone with biocomposite canopy covers.
The woven jute biocomposite front cover (45% biocontent, 219.4 grams, 1.54 millimeters thick) and a nonwoven kenaf biocomposite rear cover, offer enhanced protection for high-voltage systems like the battery and power distribution board of the G30 drone. These eco-friendly drone parts are designed for long operational life, even under direct heat and moisture exposure, common in tropical agricultural zones.
Unlike conventional drone canopy cover, which can crack and warp under intense sunlight, these biocomposite materials maintain flexibility and integrity. Their resistance to water ingress and bolt hole stress helps prevent in-field failure, reducing downtime and maintenance for plantation operators who rely on precision drone systems.
“This collaboration with Midwest Composites delivers industrial-grade drone components that are not only tougher but also significantly more sustainable,” emphasizes Wilson Ong, country manager, Terra Drone Agri. “The agricultural sector is under growing pressure to improve sustainability without sacrificing performance. By integrating biocomposites like EFB, jute and kenaf into drone technology, we’re proving that eco-friendly materials can outperform conventional ones in both durability and functionality.”
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