Employing a systems approach to unravelling the complexities of the agricultural plastics value chain

Abstract

Agriplastics encompass all plastic materials, components and products used in agriculture. Valued for their versatility and cost-effectiveness, and functionalities related to productivity and weather protection, their widespread use has resulted in considerable plastic waste and pollution, exacerbated by poor handling and mismanagement. Applying systematized evidence mapping and a systems-based approach this study assesses the agriplastics value chain, particularly in crop cultivation, aiming to develop a cutting-edge understanding of both the known and unknown aspects of their sustainability and identify potential interventions. Findings reveal that while agriplastics play a critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency, they pose complex sustainability challenges related to their production, use, and end-of-life management. Key issues, such as the accumulation of microplastics and the leaching of harmful chemicals like phthalates into the soil, along with fragmented data on sustainability impacts, inadequate infrastructure, and weak policy frameworks, demand urgent attention. Additionally, the potential for biopolymers to replace petrochemical-based agriplastics remains underexplored from a holistic, multidimensional perspective. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts across the entire agriplastics value chain to promote sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate environmental, economic, and social consequences. While mitigation measures and alternatives are being developed, their uptake has been slow due to low stakeholder engagement and the challenges of moving away from established practices. These gaps delay necessary actions to manage the growing agriplastic waste stream. Further research is urgently needed to better understand the long-term effects of agriplastics use, disposal, and management, and to facilitate the agricultural sector's transition toward more sustainable practices. A central dilemma that emerged from this study is whether agriplastics can be significantly reduced or phased out, given their low cost and crucial role in ensuring food security—a topic that, while not the focus of this study, warrants deeper exploration in future research.