Once celebrated as a symbol of modern innovation, plastic has become the boon and bane of our time.
Once celebrated as a symbol of modern innovation, plastic has become the boon and bane of our time. From ubiquitous packaging to the threads woven into the fabric of our clothes, plastic is everywhere. This is also true in the world of agriculture. Here, plastic plays a multifaceted role: From mulch films that protect crops to water-saving irrigation systems, plastic is deeply embedded in our food production.
But as we face the challenge of feeding a projected 10 billion mouths by 2050, the question arises: Can we, and more crucially, should we, continue to rely so heavily on plastic?
Plastic increases yields while reducing our ecological footprint
Modern agriculture, which is responsible for nearly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions and drawing heavily on our planet's resources, is inextricably intertwined with plastic. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), over 12 million tonnes of plastic are used in agriculture every year. From securing plants with fastening clips to protecting them with shelters and nets, plastic has found its way into every crevice of the farming ecosystem.
Read more at: Universitat Wien
