European Commission Adopts New Biodegradability Standards for Fertilising Products

On 15 July 2024, the European Commission adopted new biodegradability standards for polymers in fertilising products. These standards cover polymers used as coating agents, water retention agents, mulch films and other additives and require that the polymers are natural and unmodified or meet biodegradability standards. These measures ensure that these polymers do not persist in the environment, thereby reducing potential pollution and ecosystem damage.

Compliance and Implementation Timeline

Manufacturers will need to demonstrate compliance with these new criteria using standardised test methods such as EN ISO 17556:2019 for soil and EN/ISO 14851:2019 for aquatic environments. The criteria will come into force on 17 October 2028, giving manufacturers plenty of time to adapt their products accordingly.

Biodegradability Criteria Details

The newly adopted standards set specific biodegradability criteria for polymers used in fertilising products. These polymers must achieve at least 90% degradation or mineralisation within 48 months of their functionality period, ensuring that they do not persist in the environment. To verify compliance, accelerated testing methods are permitted, allowing testing at higher temperatures, such as 37°C, to reduce the testing time while maintaining reliability. The criteria are designed to ensure that polymers degrade effectively in both soil and aquatic environments, minimising their impact on ecosystems. In addition, products containing these polymers must be labelled with warnings to prevent their use near water, further reducing potential environmental risks.

Consultation Process

The development of these criteria involved consultations with EU Member States and stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, industry representatives, and private citizens. The public consultation period ran from 8 March to 5 April 2024.

Environmental and Economic Impact

By implementing these biodegradability standards, the European Commission aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of fertilising products and support the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy. This strategy includes a target to reduce nutrient losses by 50% by 2030 while maintaining soil fertility. The standards also promote sustainable water use in agriculture, which is essential for adapting to climate change and protecting water resources.

 Legislative Context and Support

The new criteria are part of an amendment to Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, which was originally adopted on 5 June 2019. This Regulation requires the assessment of biodegradability criteria for polymers used in fertilising products. The legal basis for this delegated act is Article 42(1) of the Regulation.

Conclusion

The European Commission's adoption of new biodegradability criteria for polymers used in fertilising products is an important step towards reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The new standards are in line with the EU’s wider environmental objective and will ensure