Asia and the Pacific countries unite to tackle agricultural plastic pollution under FAO's Voluntary Code of Conduct

Online - The increasing use of plastics in agriculture is generating growing environmental concerns across Asia and the Pacific, where plastics are now commonly used throughout food production systems. Plastics, ranging from mulch films and seedling trays to irrigation pipes and greenhouse covers, are widely used to boost yields, conserve water and reduce post-harvest losses. However, improper disposal and limited recycling infrastructure have led to increasing microplastic contamination in soils, waterways and even food products.

Against this backdrop, more than 100 participants from 37 countries including representatives from governments, research institutions, international organizations, and the private sector, joined online for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) high-level event "Plastics in Agriculture: Regional Exchange for Asia and the Pacific Region" on 5 March 2026. The event focused on how FAO's Provisional Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Sustainable Use and Management of Plastics in Agriculture (VCoC) can support more sustainable practices in the region.

Alue Dohong, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, highlighted that while plastics remain essential to many agricultural production systems, their mismanagement poses increasing environmental and health risks. He noted that VCoC represents the world’s first dedicated global guidance to help countries move toward the sustainable use and management of plastics.

Country experiences: From evidence to action

Bangladesh shared evidence of microplastic contamination in agriculture. Recent national studies show microplastics present not only in soils, compost, and irrigation water, but also in milk, eggs, meat, and fish. Building on early policy action, including South Asia’s first plastic bag ban in 2002, the country is now prioritizing national guidelines for agricultural plastics, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), rural collection systems, and farmer awareness. Dr Md. Golam Mahboob, Chief Scientific Officer at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, emphasized that the VCoC provides much‑needed structure to guide national efforts in  addressing these rapidly evolving challenges.

Malaysia, where agricultural plastics represent about 3percent of national plastic use, highlighted soil health concerns and the necessity of scaling innovations. The country’s two national plastic roadmaps up to 2030, aim to strengthen recycling, phase out single‑use plastics, and promote alternatives.  Muzzammil Faridza, Business Analyst at Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation, showcased promising bio‑based innovations, including PHA-based biodegradable materials and technologies that convert palm oil sector residues into pulp, fiber, and fertilizers. By converting palm oil by‑products into bioplastics, pulp, and fertilizers, Malaysia is harnessing bio‑innovation to close resource loops, enhance soil health, and advance a sustainable, low‑carbon bioeconomy. Stakeholders noted the need for investment and regulatory signals will scale up these solutions.

Australia uses more than 100 000 tons of agricultural plastics annually, particularly in horticulture, where plastic coverings and irrigation systems are essential for climate‑resilient production. Key challenges include long distances to recycling facilities, contamination of waste plastics, and historically limited domestic recycling markets. Ongoing efforts include a National Waste and Resource Recovery Roadmap, voluntary stewardship schemes such as drumMUSTER, and pilots for recovering problematic plastics like mulch films and netting. Dr Anne-Maree Boland, associate at RM Consulting Group, underlined that moving from voluntary to mandatory regulatory measures, including minimum recycled content of plastic products and expanded EPR schemes, will be crucial to accelerate progress.

Japan presented one of the region’s most successful long-term experiences. Over three decades, the country has reduced agricultural plastic waste by 55 percent and achieved a 76 percent recycling rate. This success stems from voluntary guidelines, strong local multi‑stakeholder platforms, and region‑specific recycling logistics. Dr Tetsuya Uetake, Director of the Multilateral Affairs/Agro-Environmental issues, Export and International Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries noted that Japan is now updating its national guidelines using FAO’s VCoC as a reference and encouraged other countries to adapt the Code to their local contexts, emphasizing that sustainable transformation requires persistence and consistent effort.

Francesca Montevecchi, Senior Circular Economy Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlighted the growing urgency and opportunity for investment in sustainable agricultural plastics. ADB supports countries through sovereign and private‑sector financing, technical assistance, and blended finance to de‑risk innovation. Clear policies, regulatory frameworks, and regional cooperation were identified as essential conditions for attracting investment and transforming the sector.

Shared priorities across the region

Participants converged on several priorities for advancing sustainable agricultural plastics management across the region. These include expanding research on microplastics, and One Health impacts of plastics used in agriculture and beyond, strengthening EPR and stewardship mechanisms, scaling biobased and biodegradable and circular alternatives, and mobilizing financing to accelerate innovation.

FAO reaffirms its commitment to supporting countries through evidence generation, policy guidance, and partnerships. It underscores that coordinated global and regional action is essential to safeguard soil health, food safety, and sustainable agricultural production, with VCoC serving as an overarching framework to guide these efforts.