Recent research commissioned by Plastic Soup Foundation has shown that agricultural fields in the Netherlands and Spain are seriously contaminated with microplastics.
A surprising and worrying finding is that ‘biodegradable’ agricultural foils appear to be a major source of this pollution. Despite their claim of biodegradability, these films turn out to be not nearly as biodegradable as previously thought, resulting in a high concentration of microplastics in the soil.
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Cause of pollution: Misleading about biodegradability
Farmers are increasingly using plastic films, also known as mulch films, because of their many benefits such as better water retention and prevention of soil erosion and weeds. However, post-harvest disposal of these films and the plastic left on the land are a growing problem. Biodegradable plastic films are promoted as the solution.
Maria Westerbos, director of Plastic Soup Foundation, stresses the risk to our food production: “A wide body of evidence has linked microplastic pollution with serious health threats. Because of this I urge the plastic manufacturers to urgently cease selling products to farmers with dubious claims of biodegradability.”
Future measures and alternatives
With the review of the EU Fertiliser regulation coming up in July 2024, it is essential that the findings of this research are taken into account.
Plastic Soup Foundation advocates a change in system and mindset, using alternatives such as paper or waste streams from wool production instead of plastics. The goal is a sustainable and future-proof system that cooperates with nature instead of harming it. Het doel is een duurzaam en toekomstbestendig systeem dat samenwerkt met de natuur in plaats van deze te schaden.
