New FAO report on agricultural plastic

The use of plastics in agricultural-food systems, including fisheries, has increased over the last 70 years. While plastics can increase productivity and efficiency, they also pose a risk as a major source of contamination.

This report presents the results of a study on agricultural plastic products used globally in a range of different value chains. The study assessed the types and quantities of plastic products, their benefits, and trade-offs. Sustainable alternative products or practices were identified for products assessed as having a high potential to cause harm to human and ecosystem health or having poor end-of-life management.