A team of international researchers led by Thilo Hofmann from the Department of Environmental Geosciences, University of Vienna, has examined the benefits and risks of plastic use in agriculture and proposed solutions for ensuring its sustainable application.
Over 12 Million Tons of Plastics Used in Agriculture Each Year
Once seen as a symbol of modern innovation, plastics have become both indispensable and problematic. They are found in nearly every sector — including agriculture. Modern agriculture, responsible for nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions and a major consumer of natural resources, is deeply intertwined with plastic use.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than 12 million tons of plastics are used in agricultural processes annually. From crop protection clips to mesh coverings, plastics play a vital role in food production worldwide.
One of the most prominent applications is plastic mulch, which accounts for about 50% of all agricultural plastic usage. Mulching not only controls weeds and pests but also retains soil moisture, regulates temperature, and improves nutrient absorption — thereby reducing agriculture’s ecological footprint. For instance, in China, not using plastic mulch would require an additional 3.9 million hectares of farmland to maintain current crop yields.
However, the extensive use of plastics also has serious downsides. It can degrade soil fertility, reduce crop productivity, and introduce toxic additives into the food chain. Conventional plastics persist in the environment, and microplastics accumulate in soil. Recent studies show that plants may absorb nano-sized plastic particles, suggesting the potential entry of plastics into the human food system through agriculture.
Replacing Hazardous Additives and Innovating Recycling Technologies
The study highlights the need for responsible plastic use, effective waste collection, and advanced recycling technologies. According to Hofmann, “If plastics remain in the environment, their design must ensure complete biodegradability. It’s equally important to replace toxic plastic additives with safer alternatives.”
While bio-based materials are promising alternatives, the researchers caution against hasty adoption without assessing their full life-cycle impacts, which could inadvertently stress ecosystems and food systems further.
The proposed measures align with global sustainability initiatives such as the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) Global Plastics Treaty, aiming to promote circular, environmentally responsible plastic use.
Although completely eliminating plastics in agriculture is currently impossible, the judicious use of safer alternatives, supported by regulatory oversight, technological innovation, and education, offers a realistic path toward sustainable farming and reduced environmental impact.