The European Union has set the target of reducing the production of fossil-based plastics by 20% and microplastic emissions into the environment by 30% by 2030. The persistent accumulation of plastics leads to the release of microplastics and toxic substances that contaminate soil and threaten ecosystems. In this respect, plastics currently used in agriculture are a particularly relevant example, as they are in direct contact with the environment and their recovery is not always feasible, meaning they may ultimately be released. In recent years, bio-based and biodegradable materials have emerged, but further research is needed to improve their performance so that they can become a real alternative to conventional plastics. Likewise, it is essential to analyse the environmental impact of these new materials and compare it with that of existing ones to confirm that they represent a genuine improvement.
The INSOIL project, which brings together 16 centres from eight European countries and is coordinated by the Institute of Packaging, Transport and Logistics Technology, with the participation of the Universitat Jaume I of Castelló, addresses pollution caused by plastics, fertilisers and plant protection products in agriculture. It does so through the development of three families of fully bio-based, safe and soil-biodegradable plastic products—mulch films, seedling protectors and coatings for controlled-release fertilisers—aimed at contributing to more sustainable agricultural production.
To create these new products, INSOIL will make use of six types of second- and third-generation bio-based raw materials (biogenic CO₂ emissions, waste from the pulp and forestry industry, by-products from agriculture and food processing, and microalgal and microbial biomass) and will develop functional prototypes of plastic products. These products will be validated under real conditions with end users, namely leading fruit and vegetable producers in southern and northern Europe.
In situ biodegradation is conceived as an effective alternative to single-use agricultural plastics used in farming, such as mulch films and seedling protectors, as these materials safely biodegrade in the receiving soil after use. The system will be based on PHA, a family of bio-based polymers (biopolymers) produced by microorganisms, with proven biodegradability in soil and water. In addition, three types of active bioproducts will be integrated—organic NPK fertilisers, microalgae-based biostimulants and plant protection products (PPPs)—which will provide added soil functions, improve soil health and enhance crop protection and growth.
The team from the public university of Castelló is made up of Luis Cabedo Mas and José Gámez Pérez, members of the PIMA Group (Polymers and Advanced Materials), and Victoria Pastor Fuentes and Jordi Gamir Felip from the PIB Group (Biochemistry and Plant Immunity). They stress that “minimising the release of conventional plastics into the environment is essential to ensuring sustainable agri-food systems, as in addition to reducing soil fertility and harming biodiversity, they may also enter the food chain”.
By 2035, the commercialisation of these agricultural products is expected to help reduce microplastic release by 5,820 tonnes and agrochemical use by 4,000 tonnes, cutting CO₂ emissions by 16,000 tonnes and generating savings of €17.4 million for the agricultural sector. This would support compliance with European reduction targets and mark progress towards carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with the European Green Deal.
The INSOIL consortium is made up of the Institute of Packaging, Transport and Logistics Technology, an associated unit of the CSIC and project coordinator, together with the following institutions and research centres in eight European countries: Sabio SRL, Alma Mater Studiorum (Università di Bologna) and Novamont Spa (Italy); Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hamde, European Bioplastics eV and CO2Bioclean GmbH (Germany); Capsulae (France); Particula Group Društvo s Ograničenom Odgovornošću (Croatia); IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet AB (Sweden); the Valencian Farmers’ Association and the Universitat Jaume I (Spain); Normec OWS and Boerenbond Projecten (Belgium); Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy (Finland); and Norce Norwegian Research Centre AS (Norway). The proposal "Safe, biodegradable and bio-based soil solutions for circular and sustainable agricultural production" (INSOIL-101214144) forms part of the HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024 call funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme, under innovative actions in food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and the environment.
Project website: https://insoil.eu/