Compostable plastics evidently help to increase the quality and volumes of separately collected organic waste, which in turn is used to produce high-quality compost that is crucial for healthier and more resilient soils. By bringing more carbon-rich compost back to the soil, compostable plastics help to rebuild soil organic matter and create carbon sinks to combat climate change. Compostable plastics also play a crucial role in reducing microplastics in soil by reducing the contamination of organic waste streams. This is also true for soil-biodegradable alternatives for agricultural plastic applications and their positive impact on agricultural soils.
EUBP welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to develop a new EU law on soil health to specify the conditions for a healthy soil and soil restoration. Soil is an essential non-renewable resource that plays a central role in our lives by providing healthy foods and sustainable materials for a growing world population. It is therefore crucial that the new EU Soil Health Law takes into consideration and supports the important role of compostable plastics in increasing the production of high-quality compost to increase soil organic matter and in keeping compost and soils clean.