What science says on biodegradable and compostable plastics for soil protection

The event will be focused on the analysis of the positive impacts that biodegradable and compostable bioplastics can provide to soil, both directly – thanks to the use of soil biodegradable applications for agricultural use – and indirectly via composting – thanks to the positive impact provided by the use of compostable items for specific applications in contact with organic content.
During the event, different scientific papers and project outputs will be described, showing how biodegradable and compostable plastics avoid the accumulation of persistent microplastics in soil and in compost, to be used to restore and maintain soil fertility and incorporate carbon.

Session Chairs

Alberto Fragapane, Novamont
Margherita Caggiano, Re Soil Foundation
Carmine Pagnozzi, Biorepack
Roberto Moncalvo, Coldiretti

Program

Introduction
Alberto Fragapane, Novamont

Session 1: Bioplastics for soil protection 
Chair: Margherita Caggiano, Re Soil Foundation

Long-term biodegradable mulch films application in agricultural fields: effects on soil functionality and microplastic generation
Carlos Edo, Natural History Museum of Denmark

The effect of soil biodegradable plastics on microorganisms 
Pietro Buzzini, University of Perugia 

Biodegradable and compostable applications in soil: the first outcomes of SOUL project
Sara Guerrini, Re Soil Foundation

Session 2: Bioplastics and high-quality compost for soil fertility 
Chair: Carmine Pagnozzi, Biorepack

Compostable packaging and high-quality compost: an overview
Claudio Marzadori, University of Bologna  

Compostable packaging and compost: the results of Agrobiopack project
Antonietta La Terza, University of Camerino

Compostable plastics for more sustainable packaging solutions: the results of Chairecopack project
Sandra Domenek, AgroParisTech

Discussion and closure 
Roberto Moncalvo, Coldiretti