July 25, 2024
The use of plastics in agriculture often conflicts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to plastics’ perceived negative environmental impact. For that reason, there is a growing need for sustainable agricultural practices.
Plastic sustainability is being improved in agriculture through revised oversight, the circular economy of plastics, biodegradable plastics, and more. Find out how these are being implemented and how your company will be affected.
Agriculture produces about 3% of the annual 440 million tons of plastic waste generated worldwide. Reducing plastic waste calls for rational use, reuse, collection, and recycling of non-biodegradable plastic products; for the agriculture industry, a heavy user, there are necessary changes being prepared.
Plastics are widely used in agriculture for pest control, storage and transport, irrigation, and crop protection. According to the United Nations, the world’s population crossed the 8 billion mark in mid-November 2022 and is expected to increase by about 2 billion in the next 30 years. It will be hard to ensure food security for the growing population, if the use of plastic in agriculture is banned or reduced.
However, plastic use in the agricultural sector can be controlled to reduce its environmental impact and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Below are several viable ways to curb plastic waste in agriculture:
Plastic additives, such as phthalates andbisphenol A (BPA), can be replaced with safer alternatives, including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBA), and other biodegradable polymers. This can include provisions in the laws governing plastic use in agriculture and the ongoing negotiations involving the United Nations Plastics Treaty.
Staying on top of and participating in the changing laws better helps and encourages manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural products to incorporate them into their operations.
Apart from regulations, the use of sustainable plastic alternatives can be promoted through the following initiatives:
Limitations in technical innovation render the complete substitution of plastics with sustainable alternatives unattainable. Cost considerations, threats to food security, and the overall environmental effects are other reasons why complete substitution may not be feasible. However, the circular economy principles can help offset this challenge.
Those in the plastic supply chain can gear their operations towards the efficient use of non-biodegradable plastics through the circular economy. This model promotes the reuse, recovery, and recycling of plastic products as follows:
Sustainable plastics and recycling can be implemented in various areas of agriculture. These include:
Agricultural produce is often packaged in conventional plastics, as are some agricultural equipment such as tractor parts, irrigation systems, hand tools, and seed planting equipment.
Reusable containers can be used to package produce and equipment rather than single-use plastic containers or bags. Agricultural equipment may also be packaged using sustainable alternatives, such as compostable plastics made from corn starch and cellulose-based materials.
Conventional plastics have long been used as mulches, with plastic mulches constituting about 50% of the total mass of all agricultural plastic. Europe and Asia are leading in the use of plastic mulch films with 40–50 kg/ha.
North and South America’s range is 10–20 kg/ha. These mulches are composed of low-density polyethylene (PE). Some are products of PVC polymers, while others are ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers.
Mulching is hard to recycle or reuse. If not properly disposed of, it leads to the accumulation of non-degradable plastics and the leaching of chemical additives into the soil. Certified soil-biodegradable films are sustainable alternatives to plastic mulching films.
Some plants require thermal insulation and protection against weather and pests through greenhouses and high and low tunnels. These coverings are typically made of polymers and contain additives for advanced properties such as anti-fogging, anti-yellowing, or thermal stabilizers.
This plastic film can undergo catalytic cracking to produce basic chemical components for new plastics in a process called feedstock recycling. Addressing plastic waste in agriculture is necessary for the sustainability of food production and the environment.
Companies that are a part of the plastic supply chain can improve plastic sustainability in agriculture by promoting biodegradable alternatives and implementing a circular economy. Collaboration is integral to advance these initiatives.
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) helps member organizations realign their production processes and operations toward sustainable plastic use. PLASTICS keeps their members abreast of global trends, industry innovations, and plastic regulations. Become a member of PLASTICS today and benefit from business insights and networking opportunities.
PLASTICS and the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) Committee are devoted to supporting and encouraging the next generation of plastics leaders who will play a crucial role in the innovation, technology and future of the plastics industry. FLiP’s mission is to provide young professionals under the age of 40 the exposure, education and resources they need to build lifelong careers in plastics. Want to join? Want to get your employees involved? Email: [email protected]
