A new study published by the PAPILLONS consortium examines agricultural plastic waste in Finland and Norway, revealing hotspots at the provincial level.
Using crop data and spatial mapping, the researchers estimated annual agricultural plastic waste of approximately:
– 18,800 tonnes in Norway
– 12,200 tonnes in Finland
The largest source in both countries was silage film (used to wrap animal feed bales), representing:
– 56% of total agricultural plastic waste in Norway
– 69% in Finland
The study also identified regional hotspots where collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure may be most relevant. An important finding is that total farmland area does not automatically translate into lower or higher waste volumes. Farming practices, production systems, and the specific plastics used play a central role.
The methodology proposed in the paper could also be replicated in other regions to better quantify agricultural plastic flows and support evidence-based waste management strategies.
Find the full study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344926001643?via%3Dihub