Are Biodegradable Plastics The Future For Agricultural Mulch Film Applications?

This report summarises the findings of a focus group conducted by the University of Bologna on May 25, 2023, as part of the BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE project. With the aim to investigate the potential of biodegradable plastics to increase the sustainability of the agriculture sector, the focus group was joined by stakeholders, experts and researchers from public and private organisations representing the whole value chains. Using system thinking and multi-dimensional analysis, the findings reveal that biodegradable plastics have a high potential to contribute to the sustainability of the agriculture sector. However, many questions remain open and multiple measures must be implemented. Among the priorities, the most compelling are: 1. To increase farmers’ awareness about the impact of certain practices to the soil and the human health 2. To define applications and contexts where conventional mulch films are still a valid option, provided that removal, collection and recycling is ensured 3. To invest in R&D to improve the technical characteristics of biodegradable mulch films 4. To introduce guidelines for better removal of conventional mulch films from soils 5. To establish mandatory or voluntary Extended Producer Responsibility schemes in each EU country It follows that biodegradable plastics are not conceived as a stand-alone solution but as one of the alternatives in a more comprehensive sustainability roadmap. These elements reveal the necessity for a systemic joint policy intervention in the sector oriented to build up new business ecosystems, going beyond the boundaries of a single business to embrace collective actions in innovative ecosystem