NETmicroplastic Conference & Mini-Fair 2025:
Tackling Microplastics in Soils Together

On 6 November 2025, the NETmicroplastic Conference & Mini-Fair brought together experts from science, agriculture, industry, and policy at AIT in Tulln, Austria, to explore the challenges of microplastics in soils and promote sustainable plastic use in agriculture.

Keynote and technical presentations were given by Christian Lott (HYDRA Marine Sciences GmbH), Ildikó Heim (FiBL Austria), Amila Abeynayaka (Technical University of Denmark), Ferran Martí Ferrer (Aimplas), Melanie Brait & Florian Brunner (Austrian Compost & Biogas Association), Julia Möller (Wageningen University & Research) and Gabriel Gerner (ZHAW Life Sciences and Facility Management). Their talks covered a wide range of topics — from sources of microplastics in soils and findings from European field studies to biodegradable mulching films, composting processes, and digital decision-support tools for farmers.

At the stakeholder mini-fair, innovations from across the value chain were showcased by Green Legacy GmbH, Lenzing AG, Lactips, Agrana Research & Innovation Center GmbH, ECHO Instruments, RECENDT GmbH and bündnis mikroplastikfrei.

The day concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Martin Kainz (University for Continuing Education Krems), featuring Barbara Friedrich & Anna Mathea Erlacher (HBLA für Wein- und Obstbau), Christian Lott (HYDRA Marine Sciences GmbH), Ferran Martí Ferrer (Aimplas), Renate Paumann (BMLUK) and Ildikó Heim (FiBL Austria). The panel focused on real-world challenges and practical solutions for agriculture and viticulture.

The event highlighted the value of cross-sector collaboration and reinforced the commitment to developing evidence-based, practicable approaches to reduce microplastic pollution in soils.

A sincere thank-you to all speakers, exhibitors, partners and participants for their contributions and inspiring discussions!

Claudia Preininger (AIT)
NETmicroplastic Project Coordinator