Report on the 1^st NETmicroplastic Stakeholder event

On April 27, NETmicroplastic coordinator Claudia Preininger hosted a full-day stakeholder workshop on the AIT/UFT campus in Tulln, where relevant stakeholders and the interested public shared their knowledge and ideas on the use and fate of (micro)plastics in agriculture. There, 35 attendees (14 representing the core NETmicroplastic network) were engaging in expert talks and interactive discussions around potential impacts of microplastic on the environment and human health. Another focus was on promoting innovation in the fields of classical polymeric and new materials.

In her welcoming speech, C. Preininger affirmed that stakeholder involvement is key to NETmicroplastic’s success. She emphasized on the importance of many different stakeholder groups working together in the network, all aiming at finding answers and solutions to issues around “microplastics in soil”. Indeed, multi-actor engagement is needed for granting that new technology approaches and management strategies will gain broad acceptance in society.

The various facets of NETmicroplastic were amply reflected in the workshop program. Keynote presentations were given by Martin Löder, University of Bayreuth, on “Microplastic contamination in soil: Analytical Methods and the Role of Organic Fertilizers” and by Friedrich von Hesler, Novamont, on “Biodegradable Mulch Film: Properties, Applications and Challenges in Marketing.” The presentation given by Helene Walch (Environment Agency Austria) addressed the occurrence of microplastics in agriculture. In addition, there were talks on plastic emissions (Daniel Steinitz, Bündnis Mikroplastikfrei) and plastic compounds derived from tire wear (Thorsten Hüffer, University of Vienna). In line with NETmicroplastic’s focus on fruit and wine production, Franz Rosner (HBLA und Bundesamt für Wein- und Obstbau) gave a comprehensive view on the use of plastics in viticulture and fruit growing. Ferran Marti Ferrer’s (Aimplas) talk on “The main advantages of the use of biopolymers in plasticulture products” addressed multiple technological and usage aspects of plastic material. Finally, the report by Heide Spiegel (AGES) & Ildiko Heim (Fibl Austria) showed field trials and surveys on the occurrence of microplastics.

A special highlight of the day was a joint visit to the composting plant of Brantner Österreich GmbH in Krems-Gneixendorf. There, workshop participants could take a tour on the company grounds and gather cluse-up sights of the processes of sorting and up-piling of plastic items contained in household compost waste. First-hand impressions from the excursion were brought back at a World Café-session covering the NETmicroplastic focus topics “Technology”, “Environment” and “Education” in relation to microplastics in soil. Vivid discussions arose on issues such as linking environment and technology and developing viable and sustainable solutions regarding the use of plastics in agriculture. Regarding the properties of plastics, it was considered important to evaluate bioplastics as well as conventional plastics in terms of biological impact and degradability in soil. Workshop participants saw an urgent need for new (polymeric) materials that may replace poorly degradable materials entering the soil in present-day practices. The final wrap-up once again pointed towards efforts needed for increasing awareness-raising about microplastics and for preserving soil health. The workshop was brought to a close with fine wine and snacks in a relaxed atmosphere.

The collective results obtained from the workshop are presently feeding into a stakeholder mapping. Moreover, they set the frame for running a national stakeholder survey among farmers, which is already close to kick-start. Stay tuned for NETmicroplastic’s next steps in its endeavours towards active stakeholder engagement and interaction.