Managing plastic waste from agriculture : the ecological benefits of recycling

AUTHOR : Paul Gabelle, in charge of Collection and Recycling Optimisation, A.D.I.VALOR
Agricultural plastics are now essential tools in agricultural production, helping optimise yields, limit the use of inputs and improve production processes. The manufacture of these agricultural plastics consumes energy and resources that need to be reduced as much as possible, both for economic reasons and because of their impact on the environment. A.D.I.VALOR¹, a French organisation that has been managing agricultural waste since 2001, explains the positive impact of recycling on greenhouse gas emissions from these plastics.
In 2022, more than 90% of the 72 000 tonnes of used agricultural plastics collected in France were sent for mechanical recycling, i.e. 65 000 tonnes. Collecting, transporting and processing these used agricultural plastics uses energy and resources, which can lead to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). However, producing recycled raw materials (RRM) and incorporating them instead of virgin materials saves resources and therefore limits greenhouse gas emissions.
GHG emissions linked to the collection and transport of used agricultural plastics
As part of the A.D.I.VALOR collection system, farmers bring their plastic waste to over 7 000 collection points across the country. The waste is then collected by partner service providers and grouped together on around 70 platforms to be sorted, consolidated and sent to around thirty recyclers in France and Europe.
The vast majority of these transport operations to collect and process used plastics are carried out by road using heavy goods vehicles. Road transport undeniably emits GHG. The collection and transport of these 65 000 tonnes recycled in 2022 have led to the emission of 3 800 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
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