New research into agricultural plastic waste (APW) in Southern Europe by Università degli Studi di Bari sheds light on the urgent need to invest in comprehensive waste management solutions. This study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and quantify APW across diverse agricultural applications (greenhouse covering films, mulching films, low tunnels films, nets, irrigation pipes, agrochemical containers, bags for fertilizers, and support equipment for vineyards) in Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal, covering regions characterized by similar cultivation practices, common for the Mediterranean climate.
The key results underline the following:
– Spain, particularly the Andalusia region, is the top generator of APW, producing 324,000 tons annually. This is largely due to its extensive use of plastic nets for crop protection and the famous “sea of plastic” greenhouses in Almería.
– Italy follows closely, with Sicily and Apulia producing large amounts of APW from greenhouse covering films and table grape production.
– By contrast, Portugal’s Azores region generates the least plastic waste, with only 428 tons per year, largely because of its natural forest cover and limited agricultural activity.
– Plastic waste from nets, irrigation pipes, and covering films contributes the most to the overall APW, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce waste from these applications.
The study’s Plastic Waste Indices (PWI), developed through collaboration with local agricultural bodies, provide accurate estimates of plastic waste per hectare, crop type, and production method. This innovative approach serves as a model for future research across Europe and beyond, offering the potential to create a digital atlas of APW to guide future policies.
These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive waste management solutions that integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations, ensuring that the agricultural sector can continue to thrive while reducing its environmental footprint.
Read the full study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724046394?via%3Dihub