联合国粮农组织-农业塑料及其可持续性评估：行动呼吁（英）-2021-160页_47mb

Summary of Assessment of Agricultural Plastics and Their Sustainability: A Call for Action

Core Content

This report, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2021, assesses the use, impact, and sustainability of agricultural plastics globally. It aims to highlight the environmental and health risks associated with the widespread use of plastics in agriculture and to promote coordinated and decisive action to improve their management.

Main Points

1. Introduction

• Plastics and agriculture are deeply interconnected, with plastics used across various sectors including crop production, livestock, fisheries, and forestry.
• Plastics offer productivity and efficiency benefits, such as reducing food loss, conserving water, and improving crop quality.
• However, their long-term persistence in the environment and lack of systematic collection and management lead to significant contamination and pollution.

2. Use of Plastics in Agriculture

• Plastics and their properties are versatile, affordable, and easy to manufacture, making them a preferred material in agriculture.
• Types of plastic products include films, containers, irrigation systems, and packaging materials.
• The estimated lifespans of these products vary, with some being single-use and others having longer service lives.

3. Types and Quantities of Agricultural Plastics

• Global usage of agricultural plastics is substantial, with 12.5 million tonnes used in plant and animal production and 37.3 million tonnes in food packaging in 2019.
• Asia is the largest user of agricultural plastics, accounting for up to 6 million tonnes annually, nearly half of the global total.
• Regional usage varies, with Europe having the most comprehensive data and higher collection rates for certain plastic types.

4. Harm Caused by Plastics

• Agricultural plastics can leak into the environment, leading to soil and water contamination, and the formation of microplastics.
• These microplastics can accumulate in food chains, posing risks to human health and ecosystem integrity.
• Toxic additives in some plastics (e.g., phthalates, bisphenols) can disrupt endocrine systems.
• Plastic waste is often burned, buried, or landfilled, contributing to toxic emissions and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

5. Assessment of Agricultural Plastic Products

• Priority products were selected based on their potential to harm human and ecosystem health and poor end-of-life management.
• Alternatives and interventions were identified for each product, including biodegradable materials, reusable systems, and improved waste management.
• A qualitative RAG (Red-Amber-Green) assessment was used to evaluate the risks and benefits of various plastic products.

6. Current Frameworks and Mechanisms

• Existing international, national, and regional policies are fragmented and insufficient to address the full lifecycle of agricultural plastics.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and circular economy principles are recommended to improve management.
• Good agricultural plastics management practices are outlined, emphasizing prevention, reduction, reuse, and recycling.

7. Towards a Circular Economy

• The report advocates for new legal and policy measures to improve the management of agricultural plastics.
• A proposed international voluntary code of conduct is suggested, focusing on life cycle management and sustainable practices.
• Priority actions include improving data collection, developing guidance documents, and implementing EPR schemes.
• Stakeholder roles are emphasized, including governments, industry, and civil society, to ensure a holistic approach.

Key Recommendations

• Develop a comprehensive voluntary code of conduct that covers the entire lifecycle of agricultural plastics.
• Mainstream sustainability principles into FAO instruments and guidelines.
• Integrate agricultural plastics into existing international conventions such as the Basel Convention and MARPOL Convention.
• Promote alternatives like biodegradable and compostable plastics, reusable systems, and natural substitutes.
• Improve data collection and transparency to better understand plastic flows and environmental impacts.

Conclusion

Agricultural plastics are a major source of environmental contamination, particularly in soils and aquatic environments. While they offer significant economic and productivity benefits, their mismanagement poses serious health and ecological risks. The report calls for urgent, coordinated action to address these issues through policy reforms, improved waste management, and the promotion of sustainable alternatives.

This call for action is aligned with global sustainability goals, particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and aims to support the transition to more sustainable agri-food systems.

Key Information

• Plastic types: PE, PP, PET, HDPE, LDPE, PVC, etc.
• Major products: Mulch films, greenhouse films, silage films, irrigation systems, pesticide containers, and packaging.
• Environmental impacts: Microplastic accumulation, soil and water contamination, toxic emissions, and GHG contributions.
• Alternatives: Biodegradable plastics, compostable materials, natural substitutes, and improved waste management systems.
• Data sources: FAO, peer-reviewed research, industry reports, and stakeholder consultations.
• Legal instruments: Basel Convention, MARPOL Convention, and others.
• SDGs addressed: SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Gaps and Research Needs

• Global flows and fates of agricultural plastics need better documentation.
• Life cycle assessments of both fossil-based and bio-based plastics are required.
• Pathways and impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on agroecosystems and human health require further study.
• Degradation behavior of biodegradable plastics in different environments and under varying conditions needs more investigation.

Final Statement

The report underscores the urgent need for coordinated and decisive action to address the sustainability challenges posed by agricultural plastics. It emphasizes the importance of science-based policies, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and circular economy principles in reducing environmental harm and promoting responsible consumption and production in agriculture.