Agricultural plastics used in crop production often remain in the soil after application. Persistent plastic accumulation leads to the release of microplastics and toxic substances causing soil pollution and threatening ecosystems. Single-use plastics are of particular concern, as they are impractical to recover. In response, bio-based alternatives are emerging, as they can safely biodegrade in-soil. However, further development is needed to produce biodegradable technologies that are high-performing and cost-effective. INSOIL tackles agricultural plastic pollution by developing three families of fully bio-based, safe in-soil biodegradable products in the form of mulch films, plant guards and controlled-release fertilisers, in order to replace widespread single-use plastics in crop production. These three product families will be based on sustainable PHA combined with tailored additives, suited to specific climates and crops. They will be enriched with active bioproducts to enhance their functionality, value and adoption. INSOIL agriproducts will be field validated with end users (TRL8) across relevant vegetables and fruit trees in Southern and Northern Europe.
16 Partners from 9 countries are involved in the project, ITENE (Spain) acts as the coordinator. The team from HAW Hamburg is involved as an expert for stakeholder engagement, communication and dissemination.
Budget: 6.577.684 € (total) , 548.150 € (HAW Hamburg)
