Newsletter No. 10
In this edition, we’re excited to share highlights from our recent activities. We wrap up our dialogue series with a recap of the final webinar, which explored the innovative use of biodegradable materials in agriculture. You’ll also get a glimpse into a hands-on school project with students from the Federal Higher Education Institution for Viticulture and Pomology in Klosterneuburg, where they examined the role of plastics in viticulture through practical learning experiences. In addition, we look back at the “Plastic Experience Space” for primary school children in Tulln, which took place for the second time and once again offered an engaging and educational experience. Finally, we look ahead to our upcoming NETmicroplastic conference meeting in November, sharing with you the preliminary programme and our first confirmed speakers.
Webinar: Biodegradable materials in agriculture
On 29 April 2025, we concluded our NETmicroplastic web dialogue series with a webinar organised by Bündnis Mikroplastikfrei, titled “Biodegradable Materials in Agriculture”. Building on previous web dialogues concerning the use of plastics in agronomy and viticulture, this concluding webinar examined how biodegradable materials could mitigate microplastic pollution in soil.
Experts from academia and industry shared their insights into the current and future potential uses of biodegradable solutions in agriculture, forestry and horticulture. Michael Zumstein (University of Vienna) introduced the fundamentals of biodegradability, highlighting that the disintegration of plastics into smaller microplastics does not constitute biodegradability. He also emphasised that biodegradability is not a constant property, but rather a system property that depends on the characteristics of both the polymer (e.g. degree of polymerisation and breaking points) and the soil (e.g. pH and microbial activity) in a surrounding environment. Presentations on plant protection on steep slopes by Yannic Graf (ARBOTRADE) and applications in agriculture and horticulture by Niklas Voß (FKuR) provided insights into current material developments and on-field testing. Yannic Graf mentioned that biodegradable growth sheets are ideal for use in forestry on steep slopes, as otherwise the cost and effort involved in rebuilding is enormous. Rebuilding in difficult terrain takes about 10 minutes per growth sheet, compared to two minutes per growth sheet in standard terrain. The criteria that such plastic tools must fulfil include being completely bio-based, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable under forest conditions (i.e. producing no microplastics), and being functionally and ecologically equivalent to conventional growing covers. Niklas Voß emphasised that bioplastics are a unique material category with distinct properties that require tailored processing and alternative disposal routes. He presented examples of their use in binding, irrigation, and plant protection. Currently, only a few bio-based/biodegradable raw materials are produced in Europe. As with conventional plastics, the price of bio-based/biodegradable plastics can vary widely: some types cost around €2/kg, while speciality materials can exceed €10/kg.
As with conventional plastics, biodegradable plastics can be detected and separated in recycling plants using near-infrared (NIR) technology, which recognises their chemical structure. Technically, therefore, biodegradable plastics can be recycled just like any other plastic. However, this is not currently economically viable because the volume of these plastics in the overall waste stream is too small.
Microplastics school project at the Federal Higher Education Institution for Viticulture and Pomology
Students at the Federal Higher Education Institution for Viticulture and Pomology in Klosterneuburg conducted a comprehensive study on the use of plastic tools in viticulture, exploring viable biodegradable alternatives. The project aimed to evaluate current practices, capture winegrowers’ experiences, and identify sustainable solutions for the industry.
The research involved an online survey, product analysis, creation of informational materials, and interviews with leading wineries. Seventy-eight winegrowers participated, with all respondents familiar with the term “biodegradable products” and 84% already using them in their operations. The most common applications were biodegradable binding materials, dispensers, and vine protection covers.
While the majority of participants reported positive experiences with biodegradable products, some expressed concerns over durability and higher costs. Among those not using such products, limited experience and product availability were the main obstacles.
Product research revealed a growing but still limited range of biodegradable options—ranging from vine protection covers and binding materials to natural fibers, mulch films, and hail nets. While these alternatives offer clear environmental benefits, such as compostability, challenges remain related to pricing, durability, and steady supply.
To promote knowledge sharing, students developed accessible flyers outlining ecological alternatives for winegrowers. The study also showcased best-practice wineries that have successfully eliminated or greatly reduced their use of plastics. While these wineries shared encouraging results, they also stressed the need for further development and clearer labelling of sustainable products.
The project outcome will also be presented at the NETmicroplastic conference in November.
Plastic Experience Space for primary school children
Following the success of last year’s debut, we held our second annual workshop series from 12 to 23 June 2025 at the University and Research Centre Tulln (UFT). The workshops, titled ‘Fields, Plastics & Earthworms’, were offered free of charge and were specifically designed for primary school children. Each workshop lasted approximately two hours and aimed to present the topic of microplastics in soil in a tangible and engaging way. Led by the NETmicroplastic research team from AIT, the interactive programme provided children with hands-on experience and up-to-date insights into the life cycle of plastic, from production and use to waste management and composting.
The programme featured four interactive “plastic stations”:
Plastic Landscape: Children helped build a miniature agricultural landscape using materials like straw bales, nets, irrigation pipes, grapevines, and seedlings. These elements highlighted the role of plastic in agriculture and sparked discussions about its necessity and potential environmental consequences.
Under the microscope: At this station, pupils searched for plastic and metal contaminants in soil. Pupils examined plastic under the microscope and observed live soil organisms, such as earthworms and isopods, to discover how these creatures move through the soil.
Soil Life: Shifting the spotlight fully to soil organisms, this station featured a short educational film about the biodiversity underground. Children could also create their own badges featuring their favourite soil creatures.
Bioplastic foils: At the final station, pupils explored the concept of bioplastics. Pupils learned about the different types of plastic, how bioplastics are produced and the true meaning of ‘biodegradable’. They then made their own starch-based, soil-degradable plastic foil to take home.
Feedback from teachers and pupils alike was overwhelmingly positive. As a result, plans are already in place to continue and expand the workshops next year, with the aim of reaching an even broader audience.
NETmicroplastic conference meeting and mini-fair
06.11.2025 | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm | Tulln/Austria registration open
We are pleased to announce that the final NETmicroplastic meeting will be held as a conference and mini-fair on 6 November 2025 at the University and Research Centre Tulln (UFT) in Austria.
The event will feature presentations from experts in academia, industry, and agricultural practice, with a particular focus on practical experience using plastic tools and materials—especially biodegradable options—as well as fertilizers as a source of microplastics.
We warmly invite our project partners and associate members to showcase their products, services, and research at the mini-fair. Exhibition slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
We look forward to your participation!
Conference programme (draft):
9:00 Arrival & coffee
9:30-10:00 Microplastics in agricultural soil – sources, regulations, potential solutions
10:00-11:00 Impact of the use of plastics on agricultural soil in Europe – results from field studies
- Ildiko Heim (Fibl Austria)
- Amila Abeynayaka (Technical University Denmark)
- Ferran Ferrer (Aimplas)
11:00-11:30 Coffee break
11:30-12:30 Fertilizers as a source of microplastics in soil
- Melanie Brait, Florian Brunner (Austrian Compost & Biogas Association)
- Julia Möller (Wageningen University & Research)
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-14:30 Tour of the stakeholder exhibition
14:30-15:30 Panel discussion: Sharing ideas and best practice in the field and vineyard
Moderation: Daniel Steinitz (Bündnis Mikroplastikfrei)
15:30-16:30 Networking with local wine & snacks
Free registration is possible under Conference meeting 6 November 2025 – NETmicroplastic
If you are interested in presenting at a booth, please send an email to info@net-microplastic.eu.
