Related items
Showing items related by metadata.
-
Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetTowards a banana sector free of plastic contamination
Sustainable management of plastics in the banana industry
2024Also available in:
According to FAO’s 2021 report "Assessment of Agricultural Plastics and Their Sustainability: A Call for Action", the use of plastics in agriculture has seen a dramatic increase since the 1950s and is expected to continue rising in the foreseeable future. Bananas, as the most consumed and traded fruit globally, heavily depend on plastic use at virtually every stage of the value chain. Plastics are employed for various purposes, including ensuring fruit quality, protecting bananas from physical damage, extending their shelf life, and serving marketing and logistical functions.This factsheet examines the key types of plastic products utilized in the banana industry throughout different stages of the supply chain, from farm operations to retail shelves. It also addresses the pressing challenges related to the management of these plastics, such as disposal, environmental impact and the risks of pollution.Additionally, this factsheet highlights industry efforts to implement sustainable practices. In line with the 7R approach (Refuse, Redesign, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover and Remediate), stakeholders are exploring innovative strategies to improve the environmental footprint of banana production. These efforts include promoting bioeconomy, reducing plastic waste and advancing plastic alternatives, which collectively support sustainability and environmental stewardship within the sector. -
Book (stand-alone)Report on good practices to prevent and reduce marine plastic litter from fishing activities 2022Whilst conjecture remains regarding the quantity of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) entering the ocean, ALDFG is recognised as the most harmful form of marine plastic litter irrespective of whether it has been intentionally discarded or accidentally lost – harming vulnerable species, damaging fragile habitats as well as creating navigational hazards and depleting fish stocks. In turn, if left unmanaged, ALDFG can threaten food security, livelihoods and human health. In order to determine good practices to manage and ultimately prevent ALDFG, it is essential to understand the context of the current situation including sources, drivers and impacts of ALDFG. Here, we provide an overview of the status of the fishing related marine plastic litter problem, specifically ALDFG or “ghost gear”, and situate its impact and contribution to the broader sea-based marine plastic litter issue. A key component to successfully manage ALDFG, is heeding lessons learned from existing projects that are in place around the world, acknowledging that management strategies vary significantly across geographies and their application locally must be considered with local circumstances/needs. Using the good practice categories identified by the Global Ghost Gear Initiative’s Best Practice Framework for the Management of Fishing Gear for Capture Fisheries, ten case studies are presented exemplifying key good practices for the prevention, mitigation and remediation of ALDFG. Based on the good practices identified from the case studies included and the broader global context of the ALDFG problem, this report provide recommendations of mechanisms that can be implemented by GloLitter participating countries and others aiming to prevent, mitigate and remediate fishing related marine plastic litter.
-
Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetPlastics in agriculture 2023
Also available in:
No results found.The use of plastics in agrifood value chains is pervasive. FAO estimates that every year 12.5 million tonnes of plastic products are used in plant and animal production. The crop production and livestock sectors are the largest users, followed by fisheries and aquaculture, and forestry. The benefits of using plastics in agriculture include increased yields and production efficiency alongside reduced food loss and waste, however their use also incurs high environmental, economic and social costs, primarily from increased pollution. The 2021 FAO Assessment Report included a call for global action for improved inter-sectoral collaboration and governance to address the issues of plastic use throughout agrifood systems. The report identified alternatives and interventions to improve the circularity and sound management of agricultural plastics based on the 6R model (Refuse, Redesign, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover).
Users also downloaded
Showing related downloaded files
No results found.