Labeling scheme for agricultural plastic wastes in Europe

Abstract

Introduction The extensive and expanding use of plastics in agriculture results in increased accumulation of plastic waste in rural areas. The majority of this waste is left on the field or burnt uncontrollably by the farmers releasing harmful substances affecting human health, the safety of the farming products and the environment. Materials and Methods Specific key scientific challenges have been set to be resolved in the framework of this project through integrated prenormative research activities that are associated with the characterization of the stream, meeting the specs, expanding the specs of the disposal processes by defining the technical requirements and limits for achieving technical and economically feasible solutions for each disposal option. Results A holistic environmentally sound waste management scheme that minimizes the costs and maximizes the revenues by transforming the agricultural plastic waste streams into labeled guaranteed quality commodities freely traded in an open market has been developed by the LabelAgriWaste project. Discussion Pilot tests have been run to optimise the scheme parameters and quantify the potential, the efficiency and the impact of the LabelAgriWaste scheme. The proposed solutions to the unresolved problems are expected to be achieved through the implementation of the LabelAgriWaste scheme. Conclusion The labeling management scheme proposed is designed to be technically feasible, economic and able to satisfy the geographic diversity and the various technical requirements of the major stakeholders throughout Europe, including farmers, plastics producers, recyclers and industrial facilities utilizing alternative fuels for energy production.