Microplastics: how they end up in nature
A new round of negociations on a treaty on reducing global plastic pollution takes place in Nairobi, Kenya from November 12 to 19. How do microplastics end up in the environment? This videographic explains. VIDEOGRAPHIC
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00:00 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:03 There are two types of microplastics.
00:08 The majority of microplastics, which
00:11 measure less than 5 millimeters, come from larger plastic waste,
00:15 such as bottles or packaging.
00:18 These fragments end up in nature and are
00:20 known as secondary microplastics.
00:23 But a significant portion of microplastics
00:26 are incorporated directly into everyday objects
00:29 during manufacturing and are dispersed into nature
00:32 as we use them.
00:33 These are primary microplastics.
00:36 More than a third of primary microplastics
00:39 released into the environment come from synthetic textiles.
00:43 Machine-washed clothing releases plastic-containing microfibers
00:47 into the sewage system.
00:49 Many sewage treatment plants are unable to filter
00:52 such small plastics, which then end up in the oceans.
00:56 Almost 30% comes from the tires of vehicles.
00:59 When they wear out, these microplastics
01:01 are either dispersed by the wind or rainwater runoff,
01:05 reaching the sewers and then the sea.
01:08 Around a quarter of all emissions
01:10 come from plastic dust produced in cities,
01:13 abrasion from synthetic shoe soles, kitchen utensils,
01:17 household dust, building exteriors,
01:20 and detergents containing plastic.
01:22 Finally, around 5% of our waste comes from boat paints,
01:27 road markings, and personal care products,
01:30 including certain toothpastes, shower gels, and body scrubs,
01:34 where microplastics are added to improve
01:36 texture and effectiveness.
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