The increasing use of plastics in agriculture across Asia and the Pacific is raising significant environmental concerns. Plastics such as mulch films, seedling trays, irrigation pipes, and greenhouse covers are widely used to increase yields, conserve water, and reduce post-harvest losses. However, improper disposal and limited recycling infrastructure have led to rising microplastic contamination in soils, waterways, and even food products, threatening both environmental and human health.
On 5 March 2026, over 100 participants from 37 countries, including government representatives, research institutions, international organizations, and the private sector, joined the FAO high-level online event “Plastics in Agriculture: Regional Exchange for Asia and the Pacific.” The event focused on promoting sustainable practices in line with FAO’s Provisional Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Sustainable Use and Management of Plastics in Agriculture (VCoC), the world’s first global guidance dedicated to this challenge. Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative, emphasized that while plastics remain essential to many agricultural systems, their mismanagement poses growing risks, making the VCoC an important framework for guiding countries toward sustainability.
Several countries shared their experiences and strategies. Bangladesh highlighted microplastic contamination in soils, water, and food products and is now prioritizing national guidelines for agricultural plastics, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), rural collection systems, and farmer awareness. Malaysia reported that agricultural plastics make up around 3 percent of national plastic use and presented bio-based innovations, such as PHA-based biodegradable materials and technologies that convert palm oil by-products into bioplastics, pulp, fiber, and fertilizers to enhance soil health and sustainability.
Australia, which uses over 100,000 tons of agricultural plastics annually, particularly in horticulture, faces challenges such as limited recycling infrastructure and contaminated waste streams. Efforts to improve recycling include voluntary stewardship schemes and pilot programs, with experts noting the need for regulatory measures like minimum recycled content and expanded EPR schemes. Japan provided a long-term success story, having reduced agricultural plastic waste by 55 percent and achieving a 76 percent recycling rate over three decades through voluntary guidelines, multi-stakeholder platforms, and tailored recycling logistics, with plans to further adapt FAO’s VCoC to strengthen national guidance.
Francesca Montevecchi of the Asian Development Bank emphasized the urgency of investing in sustainable agricultural plastics. Sovereign and private-sector financing, technical assistance, and blended finance were highlighted as tools to de-risk innovation. Participants identified key regional priorities, including expanding research on microplastics and One Health impacts, strengthening EPR and stewardship mechanisms, scaling biobased and biodegradable alternatives, and mobilizing financing to accelerate innovation.
FAO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting countries through evidence generation, policy guidance, and partnerships, highlighting that coordinated global and regional action is critical to protect soil health, food safety, and sustainable agricultural production. The VCoC serves as the overarching framework guiding these efforts.
