We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Plastics matter in the food system
AI summary Read the abstract
This commentary examines the role of agriculture and food systems as both major sources and victims of plastic pollution throughout the full plastics lifecycle. The authors propose aspirational monitoring indicators across plastic polymers, land use, trade, and health to support the UN Global Plastics Treaty.
Agriculture and food systems are major sources of plastic pollution but they are also vulnerable to their diverse lifecycle impacts. However, this problem is not well-recognized in global policy and scientific discourse, agendas, and monitoring of food systems. The United Nations-led Global Plastics Treaty, which has been under negotiation since 2022, is a critical opportunity to address pollution across the entire plastics lifecycle for more sustainable and resilient food systems. Here, we offer aspirational indicators for future monitoring of food systems' plastics related to (1) plastic polymers and chemicals, (2) land use, (3) trade and waste, and (4) environmental and human health. We call for interdisciplinary research collaborations to continue improving and harmonising the evidence base necessary to track and trace plastics and plastic chemicals in food systems. We also highlight the need for collaboration across disciplines and sectors to tackle this urgent challenge for biodiversity, climate change, food security and nutrition, health and human rights at a whole systems level.
More Papers Like This
Why a strong global plastics treaty is essential for agricultural systems, food safety, food security and human health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers argued that an ambitious global plastics treaty is urgently needed to decrease soil pollution from microplastics and nanoplastics originating from agricultural plastics, composts, and sludges. The study suggests that the current narrative overemphasizes short-term benefits of agricultural plastics while ignoring their adverse effects on soil invertebrates, pollinators, food safety, and human health.
Addressing the environmental sustainability of plastics used in agriculture: a multi-actor perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers synthesized scientific and policy perspectives on agriplastics — plastics used in farming, forestry, and aquaculture — finding that while these materials boost yields, inadequate end-of-life management creates pervasive soil and water contamination, and that systemic policy interventions are needed to close the sustainability gap.
It is time to name and frame the plastic particle footprint of the agri-food sector's practices and innovations
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper proposes accounting for a 'plastic particle footprint' in the agri-food sector alongside the carbon footprint, arguing that plastic use will grow further due to population increases, resource limitations, and climate change. The authors demonstrate that transparent accounting of long-term microplastic contamination could guide decisions favoring innovations that minimize irreversible soil, water, and food plastic pollution.
Policy Brief: Monitoring Plastic Pollution in the Context of the Global Plastics Treaty
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists are calling for better global tracking systems to measure plastic pollution as part of an upcoming international treaty to reduce plastic waste. Without consistent monitoring, it's hard to know how much plastic (including microplastics) is ending up in our water, food, and environment, or whether treaty policies are actually working to reduce our exposure to it. This matters because reliable data is the first step toward holding countries accountable and protecting public health from plastic contamination.
Employing a systems approach to unravelling the complexities of the agricultural plastics value chain
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used a systems analysis approach to map the full lifecycle of plastics used in agriculture — from production to disposal — and found that while these materials boost crop yields, they create serious sustainability problems including microplastic accumulation in soil and chemical leaching. The study identifies critical gaps in data, policy, and infrastructure needed to manage agricultural plastic waste and transition toward more sustainable alternatives.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.