Organic Food's Plastic Problem: Production's Dark Secret

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that affects all aspects of the food chain. While organic food is often associated with environmental sustainability, it is important to consider the role of plastic in its production and packaging. Organic farming, like conventional farming, relies on plastic mulches, films, and silage wraps to control weeds, expedite production, and reduce labour. These plastics are difficult to recycle due to contamination from soil and pesticides, contributing to the vast amount of agricultural plastic in landfills. Furthermore, microplastics and plastic chemicals are pervasive in our food system, with studies finding them in human blood, breast milk, and various plant and animal proteins. This raises concerns about the potential impact on human health, especially considering the toxicity of certain organic materials and heavy metals that microplastics can carry. While bioplastics offer a more eco-friendly alternative, their production and disposal present challenges. As consumers, we can reduce plastic consumption by opting for plastic-free food options, using reusable containers, and limiting ultra-processed foods packaged in plastic.

Plastic packaging

The use of plastic packaging in organic food production varies depending on the specific product and the practices of individual companies. Some organic producers may use plastic packaging for a range of purposes, including product protection, preservation, and marketing. Plastic can help extend the shelf life of organic products, reducing food waste, and it is also lightweight, which can lead to reduced transportation emissions. However, it is important to consider the full life cycle of this plastic packaging to understand its environmental impact.

The amount of plastic generated by organic food production can vary depending on the type of food and the packaging choices made by manufacturers. For example, fresh produce, such as organic fruits and vegetables, may be packaged in plastic clamshell containers, plastic bags, or plastic wrap. These packaging materials can contribute a significant amount of plastic waste if not properly recycled. On the other hand, some organic dry goods, such as grains and legumes, may be packaged in paper or cardboard with minimal plastic components, reducing the overall plastic waste generated.

It is worth noting that the organic food industry also recognizes the importance of reducing plastic waste and is actively working towards more sustainable packaging solutions. Some organic food producers are exploring alternative packaging materials, such as biodegradable plastics, compostable packaging, and recyclable paper or cardboard. These alternatives can help reduce the environmental impact associated with plastic waste, but it is important to consider their performance in terms of product protection and preservation as well.

Agricultural plastic

The difficulty in recycling agricultural plastic lies in the fact that it is heavily contaminated with soil and water, which are challenging to separate. Additionally, pesticide residues on plastic containers can be harmful to handlers, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can degrade the plastic, making it chemically unstable and less valuable for recycling.

The use of agricultural plastic in organic food production is a concern for those striving for more sustainable practices. While organic farming aims to improve soil health, the use of plastic contradicts this goal by contributing to plastic pollution. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found that in 2019, 12.5 million tons of plastic products were used in plant and animal production. This plastic ends up in the environment and can have detrimental effects on human health and food security.

Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments, have been found in human blood, breast milk, and even in the human food chain. They can be toxic to humans and animals, as they can adsorb additional chemicals, increasing their toxicity. While consumers are encouraged to reduce their exposure to microplastics by avoiding plastic packaging, the challenge lies in the entire food chain, from production to packaging and processing.

Bioplastics, made from organic materials, are often considered a more eco-friendly alternative. However, their production can result in greater amounts of pollutants due to the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and the chemical processing required to turn organic material into plastic. Proper disposal of bioplastics is crucial to prevent contamination of recycled plastic batches, and the land required for their production competes with food production.

Microplastics in food

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that come from the degradation of plastics. They are now ubiquitous in nature and are found in the air, water, soil, and food that we eat. A person who drinks only bottled water, for example, would ingest around 130,000 fragments of microplastic yearly from that source alone. A study conducted on plastic ingestion by humans found that an average person eats at least 50,000 microplastic particles every year. Another study estimated that there are around 24.4 trillion fragments of microplastics in the upper regions of the world's oceans.

Microplastics have been identified as toxicological vectors, meaning they can adsorb additional chemicals on their surfaces before coming into contact with a human cell, increasing their toxicity. Research has shown that once absorbed, microplastics can distribute to the liver, spleen, heart, lungs, thymus, reproductive organs, kidneys, and even the brain. The additives and monomers in their composition can interfere with important biological processes in the human body and can cause disruption of the endocrine and immune systems. High levels of ingested microplastics may also cause cell damage, which could lead to inflammation and allergic reactions. A March 2024 study found that people with microplastics or nanoplastics in the arteries in their necks were twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or die from any cause over the next three years than people who had none.

Microplastics have been found in many food products, including drinking water, salt, sugar, honey, tea, beer, rice, seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables. They have even been identified in human breast milk and blood. While the impact of ingesting microplastics on human health is not yet fully understood, there is research that suggests it could be harmful. To reduce exposure to microplastics, people can avoid foods packaged in plastic, use reusable totes and produce bags, and switch to tap water.

Bioplastics

The use of plastic in food production and packaging is a significant contributor to plastic pollution. While recycling is an option, it is a crude process compared to other materials such as glass and metal. Agricultural plastic is particularly challenging to recycle due to contamination from soil, water, and pesticide residues.

As of 2018, bioplastics represented approximately 2% of global plastics output, with PLA and starch-based products being the most commercially important types. While bioplastics offer environmental benefits, they also have trade-offs, including negative agricultural impacts, competition with food production, unclear EOL management, and higher costs. However, with continued research, investment, and scrutiny on fossil-based plastics, bioplastics are becoming more dominant in certain markets.

Plastic recycling

Plastic is a rapidly growing segment of municipal solid waste (MSW). While it is used in a variety of applications, including construction, home appliances, medical instruments, and food packaging, it becomes an environmental pollutant when not recycled, incinerated, or disposed of in sealed landfills. The world currently produces over 450 million tons of plastic annually, with half of this waste going straight to landfills. Another fifth is considered mismanaged, meaning it is not recycled, incinerated, or kept in sealed landfills, and is at risk of leaking into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

The problem of plastic waste is particularly acute in the agricultural sector, including organic farming. Agricultural plastic is difficult to recycle because it is often heavily contaminated with soil and water, and pesticide residues on containers can be dangerous. In addition, certain types of agricultural plastic, such as floating row cover, are too flimsy and dirty to be recycled using current methods. As a result, organic farmers often end up discarding large amounts of black plastic mulch, drip tape, polypropylene row cover, silage wrap, and other agricultural plastic waste.

To address this issue, a systemic approach is needed to create a circular economy for plastic, where materials are designed to be used repeatedly rather than used up. This involves rethinking the way plastics are made, used, and reused, with a focus on ensuring that no materials are lost, no toxins are leaked, and maximum use is achieved from every process and material. Moving from single-use to reusable packaging can help eliminate plastic waste and pollution, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, society can assist with the costs of shared collection and recycling infrastructure, but manufacturers must also step up by creating innovative product designs and closed-loop systems to convert recycled waste into new raw materials and products. This can be facilitated by legislation that sets standards for all consumer products and packaging to be designed for easy recyclability and remanufacturing.

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