How exactly do microplastic particles enter the environment?
Microplastics can enter the environment in two different ways. Firstly, they detach themselves from bigger plastic products. This is called secondary microplastic. It occurs when plastic products land in nature and decompose into tiny particles under the influence of sun, wind or water. Or the particles arise during use, e.g. the abrasion of car tyres or the washing of synthetic textiles.
Secondly, small plastic particles are produced in the industry. This is the so-called primary microplastic. The micro particles are used, for example, as peelings in cosmetics, as binders in liquid products, as filter in the food industry or as semi-finished products for the production of plastic products. These tiny particles can then, for example, enter the environment unhindered within our wastewater.