Horizon Europe PHAntastic Project: Innovative PHA-based agricultural solutions to deliver bio-based fertilizers and plant protection products

Agrochemicals (i.e., fertilizers and pesticides) are responsible for doubling crop yields over the last century. However, they cause multiple negative impacts on the environment and human health. To mitigate their effects, the EU aims to reduce fertilizer losses and chemical pesticide use by 50% by 2030. Polymer-based controlled delivery systems are available that prevent agrochemical losses (e.g., leaching, volatilization) and the resulting excessive inputs. However, they are based on non-biodegradable polymers and generate plastic pollution. Other agricultural plastics (mulch films and growth foams) are used to maintain a thriving plant environment and prevent agrochemical leaching, minimizing the quantities applied.

However, they also result in the release of significant amounts of non-biodegradable plastics into the environment. PHantastic addresses the reduction of agrochemical and plastic pollution using PHAs, a family of bio-based biodegradable polymers. PHAntastic will develop two families of PHA-based delivery systems (mulch films and growth foams) containing active bioproducts (hydrolyzed amino acids and proteins, trace elements, inducers, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs)) instead of synthetic agrochemicals.

The products will be demonstrated with end-users (TRL6) on horticultural crops and trees in Northern and Southern Europe. Experts in the Safe and Sustainable Design framework will ensure compliance. Market acceptance will be ensured through the development of business cases and exploitation strategies.

PHantastic will contribute to a significant reduction in agrochemicals (minimum 25% for fertilizers, 50% for pesticides, resulting in 23,000 tons less agrochemicals by 2050) and plastic (680 tons less microplastics by 2050) in our agricultural systems. PHAntastic will thus contribute to a safe food supply chain and lower-impact agriculture, boosting the sustainability, self-reliance, and competitiveness of vital EU value chains.