The importance of healthy soil and the role of biodegradable products in this.

Humans live off what the topsoil of the earth's crust, produces directly or indirectly. Our drinking water also comes largely from the ground. Therefore, it is essential to maintain soil quality, including by maintaining sufficient carbon levels in the soil, for which compost, as a soil improver, is ideally suited.

Compost is made from organic waste. Approximately 50 million tons of organic waste are produced annually in the EU, but less than a fifth of it is actually converted into compost. Unfortunately, the organic waste stream also introduces a significant amount of contamination into the composting process. 12 to 17 percent by weight is household kitchen waste. 75% is plastic, and approximately two-thirds of that is bags and foil. Technically very difficult to remove during the process, a significant portion ends up as microplastics in the compost and ultimately in the soil.

Recent research by the Flemish Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO) has shown that Flemish agricultural soil contains between 20 and 100 microparticles of plastic per 50g of soil, which equates to up to 2,000 microplastics per kilogram. Ghent University is currently investigating the impact of microplastics in soil as part of a large-scale European study. Previous studies have already shown that (too) high concentrations of persistent microplastics have a negative impact on soil fertility and biodiversity.

Addressing soil pollution caused by persistent microplastics is therefore urgent. Regarding compost, the influx of plastic pollution into composting processes is particularly important. Thirty years of public awareness campaigns have yielded no results. A different approach is needed.

Part of the solution may involve replacing traditional plastic products, which accidentally or intentionally end up in organic waste streams, with compostable alternatives that do not leave behind persistent microplastics. To maximize the effectiveness of such a measure, the use of traditional products should be discouraged or even banned. This is a task for the government.

As a sector association, we strongly advocate for consultation with political parties, ministerial cabinets, and government agencies, as well as with agricultural organizations and nature conservation groups. By submitting policy proposals, we strive to reduce permitted concentrations of microplastics in compost and align various standards. Through independent studies and collaboration with composting companies, we demonstrate that compostable materials do not significantly contribute to persistent microplastic pollution.