Bioplastics and soil health: science takes centre stage at Ecomondo
On 3 November, from 2 to 4 pm, an event at the Rimini exhibition centre will explore the scientific evidence on the role of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics in soil protection, focusing on material innovation, pollution reduction and organic matter recovery.
by Emanuele Isonio
What happens to biodegradable plastic residues that may remain after the industrial composting of compostable packaging? This has been one of the most debated questions in recent years, especially after some studies detected microscopic fragments in compost produced from the treatment of organic waste.
Now a new study, conducted by researchers from the Universities of Montpellier and Paris-Saclay in collaboration with Michigan State University, provides an important answer: biodegradable microplastics that may remain in compost are not destined to persist in soil but continue their biodegradation process even after the compost is applied to agricultural land.
This finding strengthens the scientific evidence on the role of compostable packaging within the circular bioeconomy and, above all, on its relationship with soil health.
What role can biodegradable and compostable bioplastics play in protecting soil? What environmental benefits have been demonstrated by scientific research, and under what conditions can these materials effectively contribute to sustainability? These are some of the questions at the heart of the event “What does science say about the role of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics in soil protection?”, scheduled for Tuesday, 3 November, from 2 to 4 pm, at Agorà Augusto, in the Bioeconomy Area (Hall D1) at Ecomondo, the international exhibition dedicated to the circular economy and ecological transition, taking place in Rimini, Italy, from 3 to 6 November.
Organised with the involvement of Novamont, Coldiretti, Re Soil Foundation and the Biorepack Consortium, the event will provide an opportunity to discuss current scientific knowledge and the potential applications of biodegradable and compostable materials, with particular attention to their interactions with terrestrial ecosystems.
The topic is becoming increasingly relevant in the debate on reducing plastic and microplastic pollution. Researchers are investigating how different materials behave in natural environments, the processes governing their biodegradation, and the conditions that determine their actual environmental compatibility. One key distinction concerns bioplastics specifically designed to biodegrade in soil and those certified for industrial composting, which require specific treatment conditions.
Another area of interest is the contribution that compostable packaging can make to the separate collection of organic waste and the production of high-quality compost, supporting organic matter recovery and its return to agricultural soils.
The Ecomondo event aims to encourage an evidence-based discussion, distinguishing proven opportunities from oversimplified claims and exploring how material innovation can contribute to the transition towards a more circular economy and the protection of soil health.
Event details
– Date: Tuesday, 3 November 2026
– Time: 2:00–4:00 pm (CET)
– Venue: Agorà Augusto – Bioeconomy Area, Hall D1
– Event: Ecomondo 2026, Rimini, Italy