Toward Plastic-Free Vineyards: The Role of Bioplastics in Sustainable Viticulture—A Review

Agricultural value chains consume more than 12.5 Mt. of plastics annually, and vineyard systems are a notable source of short-lived plastic waste. In viticulture, conventional plastics improve agricultural efficiency, crop protection, and wine quality, buttheir widespread use raises environmental and health concerns. Recent studies have reported macro-, micro-, and nanoplasticaccumulation in vineyard soils, with concentrations up to 13,000 particles kg−1, affecting soil physicochemical properties, mi-crobial activity, and nutrient cycling. Plastic-associated additives, including phthalates and bisphenols, have also been detectedin wine matrices, raising concerns about product safety and chronic exposure. This review examines conventional plastic useacross the wine production chain, from pre-harvest applications such as mulching films, vine clips, irrigation systems, and pro-tective coverings to post-harvest processes including fermentation, storage, and packaging. It also critically assesses bio-basedand biodegradable plastics as alternatives to petroleum-derived materials, particularly through life cycle assessment. Althoughthese materials may reduce environmental impacts, economic barriers, performance limitations, and uncertain degradationpathways remain key challenges. Circular economy strategies, especially the valorization of viticulture residues into bio-basedmaterials, offer promising opportunities to improve resource efficiency and support sustainable, low-plastic viticulture.