Microplastics - Invisible danger and challenge for the plastics industry

Microplastics are plastic particles with a diameter of less than five millimetres. They are divided into two categories:

1. Primary microplastics: this includes microplastic particles that are deliberately used in products, such as cosmetics, cleaning products or as a raw material in plastic production.
   
   
2. Secondary microplastics: These are created when larger plastic parts break down into smaller fragments due to weathering, UV radiation or mechanical abrasion. One example of this is plastic bags or bottles that decompose in the environment over time.

Microplastics have numerous sources. Studies, including an analysis by the Fraunhofer Institute, provide detailed insights into the percentage of emissions. The following sources dominate the formation of microplastics in Germany:

1. tyre abrasion - 28%

• Origin: When driving, tiny particles of synthetic rubber are rubbed off every kilometre and released into the environment.
• Extent: In Germany, over 110,000 tonnes of tyre abrasion are released into the environment every year. This makes it the most significant source.

2. drift of plastic pellets - 10%

• Origin: Losses occur during the transport and processing of plastic pellets, which serve as the starting material for numerous products..
• Significance: Around 40,000 tonnes of microplastics come from this source alone.

3. abrasion from road markings - 7%

• Origin: Weather and contact with vehicles release plastic particles from the markings.
• Quantity: Around 6,000-7,000 tonnes of microplastics are produced every year.

4. abrasion of shoe soles - 7%

• Origin: When walking, small particles are rubbed off the soles of plastic and rubber shoes.
• Quantity: Around 8,000 tonnes of microplastics are released every year.

5. washing synthetic textiles - 7%

• Origin: When washing polyester, nylon and acrylic, microfibres are released that can only be partially filtered out by sewage treatment plants.
• Extent: Up to 10,000 tonnes of microplastics are released into the environment from this source every year.

6. weathering of plastic waste - 6%

• Origin: Waste such as packaging, films and bottles decompose due to UV radiation and mechanical influences.
• Significance: This source contributes around 6,000 tonnes of microplastics every year.

7. plastic coatings on buildings and infrastructure - 5%

• Origin: Weathering and mechanical influences release particles from paints and varnishes.
• Quantity: This source emits around 5,000 tonnes per year.

8. cosmetics and cleaning agents - 2%

• Origin: Microplastic particles are specifically used in products such as scrubs and toothpastes.
• Significance: Around 1,000-2,000 tonnes of microplastics are released into the environment every year.

Microplastics are now detectable in all ecosystems around the world:

1. Seas and waters: Around 80% of microplastics enter the oceans via rivers. Coastal regions and deep sea areas are particularly affected.
   
   
2. Soil: Agricultural areas are heavily polluted by tyre abrasion, fertilisers and plastic residues.
   
   
3. Air: Particles from tyre abrasion and microfibres are transported over long distances by the wind and enter the atmosphere.

The danger of microplastics lies in their persistence and their ability to transport pollutants:

1. Slow decomposition: Microplastics can remain in the environment for hundreds of years.
   
   
2. Chemical toxicity: Microplastics contain toxic additives such as plasticisers and flame retardants that can be absorbed by organisms.
   
   
3. Bioaccumulation: The particles accumulate in the food chain. Fish, birds and other animals ingest microplastics, which can lead to digestive problems, toxic reactions and even death.
   
   
4. Danger for humans: Microplastics have already been detected in food, drinking water and the air we breathe. Possible consequences for human health include inflammation, hormonal disorders and cell damage. However, the exact long-term effects have not yet been fully researched.

The reduction of microplastics requires a rethink in the plastics industry. The following measures are essential:

1. Material innovation

• Development of biodegradable or recyclable plastics that contribute less to microplastics.

2. Improved product design

• More durable products with less abrasion, such as tyres and shoe soles.

3. Efficient recycling

• Investment in technologies to recover and recycle plastics to prevent degradation into microplastics.

4. Stricter regulation

• Companies should be prepared for increasing legal restrictions, such as bans on microplastics in cosmetics or stricter requirements to prevent the loss of pellets.

5. Education and transparency

• The industry must inform consumers about the formation and avoidance of microplastics and promote sustainable alternatives.

Microplastics are a global problem caused by both industrial activity and everyday consumption. The plastics industry has a special responsibility to develop solutions to reduce microplastics. With innovations, better recycling methods and a clear focus on sustainability, the industry can help to minimise the environmental impact. It is time to act together - for a clean future without microplastics.