Biomimetism

Primary microplastics

Solutions

Large amounts of plastic waste of all sizes end up in rivers and oceans with adverse effects on marine ecosystems.

Some of the microplastics found in the oceans come from the fragmentation of larger pieces of waste in the marine environment. But there are also primary microplastics, i.e. small particles (< 5 mm in size) that are directly released into the environment. They represent 15 to 30% of plastic pollution in the oceans. Most of it comes from tyre abrasion while driving and from the washing of synthetic textiles.

For many years, actions to address the problem of plastics in the natural environment were mainly related to waste management. Today, new streams of action are emerging with an approach based on product eco-design and life-cycle thinking, as well as the involvement of key stakeholders from the private sector (e.g. the textile and automotive industry) and the public sector (water treatment and urban infrastructure planning).