Dr Steven Brennan
The EU may potentially update its Fertilising Products Regulation to include soilbiodegradable mulch films, revolutionizing sustainable agriculture and reducing
microplastic accumulation.
With plastic pollution being a significant concern for our planet’s ecosystems, the European Union is currently considering integrating certified soil-biodegradable mulch films into its Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR), promising to enhance sustainable farming practices across member states.
The Rising Demand for Sustainable Crop Production
Mulch films, used extensively in crop production, are the second-most-consumed plastic form in European agriculture. Conventional plastic films pose environmental risks due to challenges in their retrieval, recycling, and reuse. In contrast, soil-biodegradable plastics are designed to decompose in the soil after harvest, without necessitating collection, providing both agronomic benefits and an eco-friendly solution.
A Step Towards Bioeconomy in Agriculture
The potential inclusion of soil-biodegradable mulch films in the FPR aligns with the EU’s commitment to fostering a sustainable bioeconomy, particularly within the agricultural sector. To facilitate this, the European Bioplastics (EUBP) organization has presented a position paper advocating for the integration of these biodegradable solutions into EU regulations, affirming their environmental benefits and compatibility with existing farming practices.
Setting Standards for Biodegradable Polymers
Currently, the EU FPR does not cover plastic mulches but outlines the need to assess the possible inclusion of biodegradable mulch films under «component material category» (CMC) 9 by July 2024. This category encompasses polymers apart from nutrient polymers. A study led by AIMPLAS, a member of EUBP, is underway to establish biodegradability criteria for these films across EU soils and aquatic environments. Successful registration of soil-biodegradable films in the FPR is contingent upon the adoption of these criteria and materials compliance.