AgriFlex: Human-Centred Design for Sustainable Agricultural Plastics

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Title
AgriFlex: Human-Centred Design for Sustainable Agricultural Plastics

CoPED ID
dd344ec1-6263-46ac-8204-a2c4cbf457a3

Status
Closed


Value
£135,262

Start Date
Jan. 1, 2021

End Date
June 29, 2021

Description

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The agricultural use of non-biodegradable oil-based plastics for applications such as weed-suppressant membranes, silage-wraps and poly-tunnels contribute to soil and water contamination by microplastics and toxic chemicals. They are persistent in the environment, which consequently affects plant growth, human and wildlife health. Globally, plastic film use on farms was expected to reach 7.4-million tonnes by 2019 and will continue to increase at \>5% annually, to meet the demands of increased food production in response to human population growth.

The oil-based flexible-plastic films used in agriculture and horticulture are difficult and expensive to recycle because of contamination with soils, pesticides and fertilisers. The requirement for users to collect them from fields after use and transporting the materials to a recycling facility further impacts the soil quality and is time and energy consuming; resulting in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Consequently, the illegal burning of plastic films results in further environmental pollution.

The replacement of current materials with safer alternatives and changes in farming practices are essential. Biodegradable bioplastic films manufactured from agri-food by-products (AFBPs) can provide a 'green' alternative, avoiding collection from farms for recycling and the associated environmental and economic impacts. The use of AFBPs reduces waste going to landfill or incineration, greenhouse gas emissions and the achievement of government targets for net-zero carbon release.

The aim of the AgriFlex project is to use Human-Centred Design (HCD) methods to enhance and encourage the use of biodegradable bioplastic films for the agricultural and horticultural industry for weed-suppression and to conserve water in crop production. The project activities include:

(i) Evaluation of stakeholder behaviour with respect to current agricultural mulch films;

(ii) Establishing key design specifications and human-centred features to encourage uptake of novel flexible bioplastics for widespread adoption; and

(iii) Evaluation of requisite performance characteristics including physical, mechanical, durability, shelf-life, end-of-life treatment.

The HCD approach, combined with performance testing of prototype films, will ensure that future products meet the requirements of prospective end-users, increasing their acceptability, uptake and use. When combined with information from other stakeholders in the manufacturing, distribution and deployment of agricultural plastics, the commercial success of the films and return on investment will be strengthened significantly. This process will ensure successful progression from proof-of-concept to large-scale manufacturing necessary to meet market demand. Positive changes in end-user behaviour will also be more likely, supporting significant positive environmental benefits, protecting future food production, human and wildlife health.

Agrifood X Limited LEAD_ORG
Brunel University London PARTICIPANT_ORG
Agrifood X Limited PARTICIPANT_ORG

Subjects by relevance
  1. Agriculture
  2. Environmental effects
  3. Emissions
  4. Plastic
  5. Soil
  6. Wastes
  7. Recycling
  8. Climate changes
  9. Food production
  10. Films
  11. Farms
  12. Greenhouse gases
  13. Pesticides
  14. Microplastics
  15. Decrease (active)

Extracted key phrases
  1. Plastic film use
  2. AgriFlex project
  3. Current agricultural mulch film
  4. Agricultural use
  5. Plastic film result
  6. Biodegradable bioplastic film
  7. Human population growth
  8. Agricultural plastic
  9. Sustainable Agricultural Plastics
  10. Key design specification
  11. Prototype film
  12. Future food production
  13. Biodegradable oil
  14. Novel flexible bioplastic
  15. Significant positive environmental benefit

Related Pages

UKRI project entry

UK Project Locations