INSOIL - Safe bio-based and biodegradable IN-SOIL solutions for circular and sustainable crop production

Agricultural plastics used in crop production often remain in the soil after application.

Persistent plastic accumulation leads to the release of microplastics and toxic substances, causing soil pollution and threatening ecosystems.

Single-use plastics are of particular concern, as they are impractical to recover.

To mitigate these impacts, the EU aims by 2030 to 1) reduce by 20% fossil-based plastic production and 2) cut by 30% microplastic releases into the environment. In response, bio-based alternatives are emerging, as they can safely biodegrade in soil.

However, further development is needed to produce biodegradable technologies that are high-performing and cost-effective. 

INSOIL tackles agricultural plastic pollution by developing three families of fully bio-based, safe in-soil biodegradable products in the form of mulch films, plant guards, and controlled-release fertilisers (CRFs), in order to replace widespread single-use plastics in crop production.

These three product families will be based on sustainable PHA combined with tailored additives (MFCs, modified lignins), enabling programmed biodegradation suited to specific climates and crops.

They will be enriched with active bioproducts (organic NPK, biostimulants, bio-based PPPs) to enhance their functionality, value, and adoption.

INSOIL agriproducts will be field validated with end users (TRL8) across relevant vegetables and fruit trees in Southern and Northern Europe. SSbD experts will ensure compliance, policy recommendations will advance relevant regulations and standards, and circular business models will secure market acceptance. 

By 2035, INSOIL agriproduct commercialisation will reduce (micro)plastic release (5,820 tonnes) and agrochemical use (4,000 tonnes), cutting CO2 emissions by 16,000 tonnes, while generating €17.4 M in savings for farmers.

INSOIL will thus contribute to a secure food supply and boost the sustainability, circularity, autonomy, and competitiveness of EU bio-based value chains.

PROJECT PARTNERS:

• ITENE INSTITUTO TECNOLOGICO DEL EMBALAJE, TRANSPORTE Y LOGISTICA (COORDINATOR)
• SABIO SABIO SRL - IT
• HAW HOCHSCHULE FUR ANGEWANDTE WISSENSCHAFTEN HAMBURG - DE
• EUROPEAN BIOPLASTICS EV - DE
• UNIBO ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA- IT
• CAPSUL CAPSULAE - FR
• PARTC PARTICULA GROUP DRUSTVO S OGRANICENOMODGOVORNOSCU ZA ISTRAZIVANJE RAZVOJ I
• PROIZVODNJU - HR
• IVL IVL SVENSKA MILJOEINSTITUTET AB - SE
• AVA ASOCIACION VALENCIANA DE AGRICULTORES - ES
• OWS NORMEC OWS - BE
• VTT TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY - FI
• NORCE NORCE NORWEGIAN RESEARCH CENTRE AS - NO
• NVMT NOVAMONT SPA - IT
• UJI UNIVERSITAT JAUME I DE CASTELLON - ES
• CO2BC CO2BIOCLEAN GMBH - DE
• BBP BOERENBOND PROJECTEN - BE

DiSA Team Leader: Angelo Paletta

DISA Team members: Selena Aureli, Simona Cosma, Magalì Fia, Murad Harasheh, Genc Alimehmeti, Francesca Regoli

Total contribution: € 6.577.684.80

Start date June 1st, 2025 -  End date May 21st, 2029

"Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”