Plastic Pollution & Food: Global Solutions
- The food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is escalating its efforts to tackle the pervasive issue of plastic pollution within global food systems.
- Plastic's presence is evident throughout the food chain, from seedling trays to cling wrap.
- FAO research indicates that even small quantities of microplastics can disrupt water retention,microbial activity,and plant growth.
Teh Food and Agriculture Association (FAO) is leading the charge against plastic pollution in our food systems,a critical step toward global solutions. Each year, agriculture and food packaging contribute tens of millions of metric tons of plastic waste. The FAO is actively aiding governments, farmers, and industries with smarter plastic usage, including eco-friendly alternatives and practical adjustments to protect crops and consumer well-being. Research highlights that even trace amounts of microplastics can endanger soil health and perhaps contaminate our food supply. News Directory 3 keeps you informed on the FAO’s efforts to transition to enduring practices. Learn what’s next in this vital fight.
FAO Intensifies Efforts too Combat Plastic Pollution in Food Systems
Updated June 11, 2025
The food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is escalating its efforts to tackle the pervasive issue of plastic pollution within global food systems. Each year, agriculture uses over 12.5 million metric tons of plastic,while food packaging accounts for another 37 million metric tons,with minimal recycling.
Plastic’s presence is evident throughout the food chain, from seedling trays to cling wrap. While plastics offer efficiency and protection, Kaveh Zahedi, director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Surroundings at the FAO, notes their persistence as waste poses significant environmental and health risks.
FAO research indicates that even small quantities of microplastics can disrupt water retention,microbial activity,and plant growth. Furthermore,these microplastics and associated chemicals may be absorbed by crops,potentially contaminating edible portions. These findings underscore the urgent need to reduce plastic inputs in agriculture to safeguard soil health,crops,and consumer well-being.
The FAO is actively assisting governments, farmers, and industries in minimizing plastic waste through smarter usage, improved alternatives, and practical on-the-ground adjustments. These changes aim to enhance production, nutrition, and environmental outcomes without compromising farmers’ profitability.
The FAO’s Provisional Voluntary Code of Conduct, developed in collaboration with governments, scientists, producers, and private companies, offers guidance on the sustainable use of plastics in agriculture. it advocates for reducing plastic use where feasible, reusing when practical, and recycling when safe, facilitating a gradual transition away from short-lived plastics without jeopardizing food security or farmer incomes.
The shift toward bio-based and biodegradable materials, derived from agricultural residues and natural polymers, presents a promising avenue. The FAO supports bioeconomy innovation to help farmers replace conventional plastics with alternatives that decompose safely and promote soil health.
The World Banana Forum, for exmaple, is collaborating with producers and researchers to reduce plastic use in banana plantations by sharing guidance and exploring alternatives. Additionally, the FAO is piloting safer disposal methods for pesticide containers and assisting countries in establishing collection and recycling systems.
In collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the FAO is spearheading research on microplastic detection in soil, employing advanced isotopic techniques to develop standardized testing methods. This initiative aims to enable countries to effectively measure and address the problem.
Microplastics have been detected in various sources, including water, salt, fish, and vegetables.The FAO is conducting scientific reviews to understand how these particles move through food systems and their potential impact on human health,with ongoing research focused on effects on the gut microbiome.
National programs are implementing real-time practise changes. In Sri Lanka, the CIRCULAR project, funded by the European Union, aims to reduce single-use packaging and improve retail design. In Kenya and Uruguay, the FARM project, funded by the Global Environment Facility, supports the advancement of greener policies to minimize agriculture’s plastic footprint.
The Global Soil Partnership,hosted by the FAO,promotes farmer-to-farmer training through the Global Soil Doctors program,focusing on practical tools for managing soil pollution.Moreover, the FAO has issued guidelines on marking fishing gear to enhance traceability and recoverability, while the GloLitter Partnerships initiative works to improve waste management in ports and track sources of marine litter.
Reducing plastic in agrifood systems requires a extensive rethinking of how food is grown,transported,and consumed. The FAO is committed to assisting countries in transitioning toward more sustainable and resilient food systems that prioritize the health of people, soils, and oceans.
What’s next
The FAO will continue to expand its research, partnerships, and on-the-ground initiatives to further reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices in food systems worldwide.