Fact sheet 14: Single-use mesh nets for produce

Produce is often packed in plastic mesh nets. Mesh elements can detach and enter the environment via wastewater. Photo: © FiW 2021

Fact sheet 14: Single-use mesh nets for produce

Minimal benefits and negative environmental impacts

Fresh fruit and vegetables in supermarkets are often packed in plastic nets, from which micro plastic particles can detach and enter the environment. The researchers from the joint project InRePlast clarify in Fact sheet 14 which entry paths are particularly important, how much politics is already doing to combat the problem and at which points there are further options for action.

The InRePlast project examines and classifies the occurrence of plastic parts of at least 1 mm in size in sewage treatment plants and road drainage systems in the municipalities of Aachen, Roetgen, Simmerath and Stollberg. Surveys and a laboratory experiment support the analyses. Based on this, proposals for environmental policy instruments to prevent the inputs are developed.

Fact sheet 14 is available for download here.

Year
2022
Type of Result
Citation

Breitbarth, Marco; Daskalakis, Maria; Hentschel, Anja; Kerger, Sebastian; Kaser, Simon (2022): Single-use mesh nets for produce: Minimal benefits and negative environmental impacts. Fact sheet 14 of the BMBF Research Focus Plastic in the Environment.

Joint project
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