Due to soaring concentrations of microplastics in the soil, much of European farmland is sadly no longer suitable, or even able, to grow crops for human consumption. More countries are following the same path. One source of microplastics stems from the miles and miles of conventional plastic Mulch Film that has been (and still is) rolled out daily to keep crops moist and protected while growing. As it lies on the ground, it breaks into microplastic fractions, contaminating the soil and rendering it useless over time.
Mulch Film is a conventional plastic film used in farming worldwide to cover crops while they grow. It serves to protect the crops and, ironically, enhances the conditions for short-term growth. This irony arises as it improves immediate growing conditions, but ultimately compromises the soil's long-term ability to function as soil.
The issue with utilizing conventional plastic Mulch Film in farming lies in its tendency to tear during use. Attempting to remove it entirely after harvest, without leaving behind any microplastic fractions, is an impossible job. As a result, the soil becomes heavily contaminated with microplastics over time. Accumulated microplastic in the soil is not reversible, and so all future crops will contain microplastic fractions. Consequently, ending up in the food we eat.
Research confirms that we are already consuming microplastics, and the recent discovery of these particles in the livers of fish suggests that they can migrate from the digestive system to other parts of the body. The latest studies even indicate that microscopic plastic particles end up in our lungs, settling or penetrating further into our bloodstream. The full extent of the damage is not yet fully understood, but surely it isn’t good.
While a compostable alternative may be more expensive in the short term, it proves to be a cost-effective choice in the long run, considering the irreversible long-term costs associated with accumulated microplastics in the soil. Accumulated microplastics in the soil is not reversible. Additionally, using a compostable Mulch Film is highly cost and labor-efficient, as no pick-up or disposal is required – so really, it’s a win-win!
The ongoing use of conventional plastic Mulch Film seems odd to us, when we know the drastic impact of microplastics on soil use and balance - and when we already know how to produce an alternative that leave zero microplastics behind. Biobag offers a fully compostable and biodegradable Mulch Film that is certified OK biodegradable SOIL. It has the exact same functionalities as the environmentally damaging conventional version, but WITHOUT the negative environmental consequences of persistent microplastics.
As for all environmentally focused products, you will need to look for certifications. The one to look for is “Certified OK biodegradable SOIL by TÜV Austria” for biodegradable mulch film. You can read more about it here. Soil protection shouldn’t be a paradox. It should be a given. Change the film!
