Terra Agri and Midwest Composites Launch Bio-Composite Drone Canopy Covers
BY Composights
Published: 20 Jun 2025
In a significant move toward sustainable innovation in agri-tech, Terra Agri has partnered with Midwest Composites to introduce bio-composite drone canopy covers for its E16 and G30 drone models. Designed specifically for industrial agriculture, these eco-friendly components are optimized for performance in tropical climates and aim to reduce CO? emissions—contributing to the growing push for greener farming technologies in Indonesia and Malaysia, Terra Agri’s primary markets.
The initiative introduces drone covers made from high-performance bio-composite materials, including Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Palm Pulp, Woven Jute, and Non-Woven Kenaf. These natural fiber composites outperform conventional plastics in flexibility, UV resistance, and structural strength, offering long-term durability even under direct heat and moisture exposure—common challenges in plantation operations.
The E16 model features a drone frame built from EFB Palm Pulp BioComposite, weighing just 207 grams at 1.5mm thickness yet offering a flexural strength of 55.6 MPa. This innovative material reduces CO? emissions by up to 73.2% compared to traditional plastic while protecting key drone components such as the GPS and flight controller.
The G30 drone includes two additional bio-composite components:
- A Woven Jute BioComposite front cover with 45% bio-content, weighing 219.4 grams and 1.54mm thick, providing robust protection against environmental damage.
- A Non-Woven Kenaf BioComposite rear cover designed to safeguard high-voltage systems like batteries and power distribution boards, ensuring long operational life and stability in the field.
These sustainable alternatives to standard plastics are engineered to withstand bolt-hole stress, water ingress, and thermal deformation, helping plantation operators minimize drone failures and downtime.
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“The agricultural sector is under growing pressure to improve sustainability without sacrificing performance. By integrating bio-composites like EFB, Jute, and Kenaf into drone technology, we’re proving that eco-friendly materials can outperform conventional ones,” added Sethu Raaj M., CEO of Midwest Composites.
The collaboration was facilitated by Pasdesa Agro Indonesia, a key player in aligning local agricultural needs with biocomposite innovation. Pasdesa also leads strategic marketing and outreach efforts to promote the adoption of these drone components, reinforcing the region’s commitment to sustainable agricultural transformation.
Source: terra-droneagri.com
