Bio-based and biodegradable delivery systems for fertilising products to reduce microplastics pollution & promote soil health

Successful proposals will contribute to the implementation of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and the updated EU Industrial strategy. Moreover, successful proposals will deliver significant contribution to the R&I Missions ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’, in particular objectives ‘Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration’, as well as Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030" in particular ‘Prevent and eliminate pollution of our oceans, seas and waters’ (including microplastics). In addition, there is an expected contribution on the delegated act introducing biodegradability criteria for polymers (such as coating agents) in the context EU fertilising products regulation.

Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:

• Scalable, safe and sustainable bio-based biodegradable delivery systems of fertilising products, with potential spillover effect on other additional inputs (such as pesticides and seeds) applicable to agriculture, with the potential of replacing conventional delivery systems, as reliable alternatives for farmers.
• Enhanced understanding of the biodegradation process, control factors of biodegradable delivery systems of fertilising products and their impact on plant development, on soil health (including soil microbiome) and water.
• Enabling the creation of new value chains incorporating biodegradable delivery systems at regional/local level with increased synergies between farmers and bio-based industries.

The presence of microplastics in soil has been reported to alter soil organic matter content, pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon storage. It is estimated that 8 000 tonnes of polymers are used annually in the EU in polymer coated fertilisers (PCF)^[1]. PCF can be used as additives to improve physical properties of fertilisers or to produce slow/controlled release fertilisers (SRF/CRF). CRFs help synchronise nutrients release according to crop needs, increasing efficiency and reducing losses to the environment. Non-biodegradable plastics accumulate in the ecosystem, can be assimilated by animals and can be ultimately consumed as food by humans.^[2] Each year around 42 000 tonnes of microplastics end up in the environment. Polymer coated fertilisers have been identified by FAO as high priority in terms of risk of microplastic release. Bio-based biodegradable polymers may be an alternative to conventional non-biodegradable plastics. However, more research is needed to develop such biodegradable delivery systems and validate them while assessing improvements associated to microplastics release prevention.

Proposals under this topic should:

• Develop circular and sustainable production processes for novel bio-based and biodegradable delivery system(s) for fertilising products. In addition, assess the applicability/adaptability of the delivery system(s) to additional possible agricultural inputs such as pesticides and seeds.
• Validate the delivery system(s) for fertilising products (lab-scale and/or small-scale field trials), ensuring agronomic efficiency, safety, scalability and sustainability with similar or improved properties compared to conventional systems.
• Assess the long-term effect and biodegradability of delivery system(s) when applied in natural soil conditions, applying standard tests, methods and protocols. Biodegradability-related aspects should also be monitored and assessed in fresh, estuarine or marine water (considering the risk of dispersion in water).^[3]

In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2025^[4], proposals under this topic should:

• Include a task to apply the safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) framework, developed by the European Commission considering the delivery systems and their decomposition products (including microplastics), and taking into account different farming systems (including organic agriculture). Under this context, projects are expected to also contribute with and develop recommendations that can advance further the application of the SSbD framework.^[5]
• As part of the Multi-Actor Approach (MAA), engage with farmers to develop, co-create and test the newly established delivery systems and analyse the effects on plant development, soil health and water.
• Ensure complementarities past and ongoing R&I projects addressing similar challenges, including projects funded under Horizon 2020/ Horizon Europe under Mission Soil and relevant and by BBI/CBE JU.^[6]

[1] Assessment of agricultural plastics and their sustainability: A call for action (fao.org) 2021

[2] Microplastics – ECHA europa.eu

[3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2024/1682/oj

[4] https://www.cbe.europa.eu/reference-documents

[5] More specifically, provide thresholds that can support the criteria definition and improvements for the assessment SSbD methodologies, including any specificities related with bio-based chemicals. Recommendations should also include identification of data gaps, especially safety, environmental, but also socio-economic factors, as well as priorities for data collection

[6] For example, projects such as: ARAGORN, EDAPHOS and ISLANDR. And CBE-JU projects funded under the topic CBE-2023-IA-02, CBE-2024-RIA-03, CBE-2024-IA-01. The list is not exhaustive.