European Commission Adopts New Biodegradability Criteria for Polymers in Fertilising Products

Purpose and Scope of the Regulation

This initiative, which has been under consultation and review since October 2022, aims to introduce stringent biodegradability standards for polymers used as coating agents, water retention agents, mulch films, and other technical additives in fertilising products. These standards are designed to ensure that such polymers, once used in agricultural applications, do not persist in the environment, thereby mitigating potential pollution and harm to ecosystems.

Key Elements of the Regulation

The newly adopted regulation lays out specific biodegradability criteria that polymers must meet to be included in EU fertilising products. According to the regulation:

1. Environmental Compartments: Polymers must demonstrate biodegradability in two main environmental compartments: soil and aquatic environments (fresh, estuarine, or marine water).
2. Degradation Requirements: In soil, polymers must achieve at least 90% ultimate degradation or mineralisation over a period of 48 months, plus the functionality period (FP). In aquatic environments, polymers must show progressive degradation within 12 months, with specific targets depending on the functionality period.
3. Testing Methods: Compliance with these criteria must be demonstrated using standardised testing methods such as EN ISO 17556:2019 for soil and EN/ISO 14851:2019 for aquatic environments.

Consultation and Feedback

The development of these criteria involved extensive consultations with member states and stakeholders, including three expert group meetings and a public feedback period from 8 March to 5 April 2024. A total of 49 contributions were received, reflecting diverse perspectives from non-governmental organisations, industry representatives, and private citizens. While some stakeholders expressed concerns about the stringency and feasibility of the criteria, the majority supported the Commission's direction.

Implementation and Impact

The regulation stipulates that these new criteria will come into effect from 17 October 2028, providing manufacturers with ample time to adapt their products to meet the new standards. This transitional period aligns with other EU regulations, ensuring coherence and a smooth transition for all stakeholders involved.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

By setting these biodegradability standards, the European Commission aims to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of fertilising products. This move is expected to contribute to the broader goals of the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, which targets a 50% reduction in nutrient losses by 2030 while ensuring no deterioration in soil fertility. Furthermore, it supports the sustainable use of water in agriculture, which is crucial for adapting to climate change and protecting water resources.

For more details, stakeholders can access the full text of the regulation and the associated annexes on the European Commission's official website.