Bioactive Polymers for Healthier Soil

Modern agriculture is heavily dependent on synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and plastic materials, with over 90% of EU farmland relying on agrochemicals. While these inputs boost productivity, their overuse is contaminating ecosystems, degrading soil and water quality, and posing risks to both wildlife and human health. At the same time, agricultural plastics (such as mulch films and growth foams) are contributing to a growing pollution crisis, with millions of tonnes used globally each year. Existing alternatives often still contain oil-based components or do not always fully degrade in soil, adding to long-term environmental burdens. A shift is urgently needed towards safer, more sustainable inputs and practices in agriculture. 

About PHAntastic

The PHAntastic project is facilitating the sustainable transition of the agricultural sector by addressing the environmental impacts of agrochemicals and plastic pollution. By developing delivery systems based on PHAs, a type of bio-based, biodegradable polymers, the project replaces non-biodegradable plastics and synthetic agrochemicals with fully biodegradable eco-friendly mulch films and growth foams. 

Through demonstrations on horticultural crops and trees in Northern and Southern Europe, these proposed solutions, containing active bioproducts such as amino acids and microelements, have the potential to reduce fertilizer and pesticide use, while decreasing microplastic pollution and promoting soil health. 

Facts