PreScouter, a Chicago-based research intelligence firm, has released a new Intelligence Brief detailing the microplastic crisis and its impact on sustainable innovation and environmental safety. This comprehensive report addresses the urgent concern of microplastics in the environment, stimulating discussions among stakeholders in various industries.
Microplastics, tiny non-biodegradable plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm, accumulate in the environment and pose harm to living organisms, including potential risks to human health. These particles can be classified into primary microplastics, intentionally manufactured, and secondary microplastics, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic products.
“In this Intelligence Brief, we analyzed the industrial use of microplastics, examining both intentional and non-intentional use derived from larger plastic sources,” notes Beatriz Goncalves, MSc, Senior Project Architect at PreScouter and report coauthor. There is a need for further research to continue evaluating the risks associated with microplastics, and more advanced regulations should be developed and better tailored to specific applications. We hope the insights and analysis in this Intelligence Brief will inspire innovative strategies to reduce microplastic pollution, adds Goncalves.
Industries such as packaging, cosmetics, textiles, and paints significantly contribute to the pollution caused by microplastics. In 2016, microplastic pollution accounted for 1.3 million metric tonnes, representing 11% of total ocean plastic pollution. If left unaddressed, microplastic ocean pollution is predicted to reach 3 million metric tonnes by 2040.
While regulatory agencies express concerns about the hazards associated with microplastics, a complete understanding of their impact on human health and the environment is still evolving. Stakeholders prioritize different approaches to tackle this issue. Replacing microplastics can be technically feasible and justifiable in some cases, but it may raise questions about performance, efficacy, and cost implications.
"Microplastics are being talked about as ‘the next forever chemicals’ based on raising health and safety concerns. Although there is more research needed to fully understand these concerns, some regulations in countries across the globe are already in place,” said Marija Jovic, PhD, Technical Director at PreScouter. Therefore, it is important to think about mitigating microplastics in order to keep the company's reputation and revenue, concludes Dr. Jovic.
Several countries, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, the UK, Australia, and various European Union nations, have implemented stringent measures to mitigate the intentional addition of microplastics in the cosmetics industry. However, industries such as paint, tire, and textiles remain significant contributors to microplastic pollution.
The Intelligence Brief provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges faced by plastic-intensive industries and explores strategies to address the microplastic crisis. It also offers a comprehensive overview of the regulatory landscape and discusses potential methods for microplastic removal.
About PreScouter, Inc.: PreScouter provides research support services to help business leaders make better R&D, product development, and corporate development decisions. PreScouter’s custom-selected teams of Advanced Degree Researchers and Subject Matter Experts connect business leaders with new markets, commercializable technologies, industry-impacting startups, and other actionable data. PreScouter’s growing list of 500+ clients includes Pepsi, NASA, Adidas, Nokia and BHP. For more info, please visit www.prescouter.com.