AgriFlex: Human-Centred Design for Sustainable Agricultural Plastics

The agricultural use of non-biodegradable oil-based plastics for applications such as weed-suppressant membranes, silage-wraps and poly-tunnels contribute to soil and water contamination by microplastics and toxic chemicals. They are persistent in the environment, which consequently affects plant growth, human and wildlife health. Globally, plastic film use on farms was expected to reach 7.4-million tonnes by 2019 and will continue to increase at \>5% annually, to meet the demands of increased food production in response to human population growth.

The oil-based flexible-plastic films used in agriculture and horticulture are difficult and expensive to recycle because of contamination with soils, pesticides and fertilisers. The requirement for users to collect them from fields after use and transporting the materials to a recycling facility further impacts the soil quality and is time and energy consuming; resulting in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Consequently, the illegal burning of plastic films results in further environmental pollution.

The replacement of current materials with safer alternatives and changes in farming practices are essential. Biodegradable bioplastic films manufactured from agri-food by-products (AFBPs) can provide a 'green' alternative, avoiding collection from farms for recycling and the associated environmental and economic impacts. The use of AFBPs reduces waste going to landfill or incineration, greenhouse gas emissions and the achievement of government targets for net-zero carbon release.

The aim of the AgriFlex project is to use Human-Centred Design (HCD) methods to enhance and encourage the use of biodegradable bioplastic films for the agricultural and horticultural industry for weed-suppression and to conserve water in crop production. The project activities include:

(i) Evaluation of stakeholder behaviour with respect to current agricultural mulch films;

(ii) Establishing key design specifications and human-centred features to encourage uptake of novel flexible bioplastics for widespread adoption; and

(iii) Evaluation of requisite performance characteristics including physical, mechanical, durability, shelf-life, end-of-life treatment.

The HCD approach, combined with performance testing of prototype films, will ensure that future products meet the requirements of prospective end-users, increasing their acceptability, uptake and use. When combined with information from other stakeholders in the manufacturing, distribution and deployment of agricultural plastics, the commercial success of the films and return on investment will be strengthened significantly. This process will ensure successful progression from proof-of-concept to large-scale manufacturing necessary to meet market demand. Positive changes in end-user behaviour will also be more likely, supporting significant positive environmental benefits, protecting future food production, human and wildlife health.