Introduction
Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as a significant environmental and public health concern. Detected ubiquitously in freshwater and marine environments, MPs are ingested by various organisms and eventually make their way into the human body. Industrial development exacerbates this issue by increasing plastic pollution levels, contributing to the formation and human uptake of MPs. Addressing this challenge is crucial for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). This report examines how Biodegradable Future’s organic additives can treat all polymers to convert products into biomass, thereby mitigating the MP problem.
The Problem of Microplastics
Microplastics are prevalent in marine and freshwater systems, ingested by aquatic organisms, and subsequently entering the human food chain. Studies have shown that airborne and dietary MP uptake has increased over sixfold from 1990 to 2018 in several countries, including UK, Ireland, China and the United States among the highest in the world. Southeast Asian countries, particularly Indonesia, exhibit the highest per capita dietary intake of MPs, averaging 15 grams monthly.
The pervasive nature of MPs poses a threat to both the environment and public health. MPs contribute to water pollution, harm marine life, and can lead to various health issues in humans due to their accumulation in the body. Reducing the prevalence of MPs requires comprehensive strategies, including advanced water treatment and effective solid waste management practices.
Biodegradable Future’s Organic Additives Solution
Biodegradable Future specializes in the development of organic additives that enhance the biodegradability of plastic products. These additives can be incorporated into a variety of polymers, including PET, nylon, PP, and HDPE, without altering their physical characteristics. The additives work by attracting microbial colonies that colonize the plastic surface and break down the polymer chains, converting the plastic into biomass, CO2, and water.
Reduction of Plastic Pollution: By integrating these organic additives, plastic products can degrade more efficiently in natural environments. This reduces the long-term persistence of plastic waste, which is a primary source of MPs. As plastics break down more completely and rapidly, the formation of MPs is significantly curtailed.
Supporting SDGs: The implementation of biodegradable additives aligns with the objectives of SDG 6, SDG 14, and SDG 15. It promotes cleaner water and sanitation by reducing plastic pollution in freshwater sources, protects marine life by minimizing plastic debris in oceans, and conserves terrestrial ecosystems by decreasing land pollution.
Public Health Benefits: Decreasing the amount of plastic debris in aquatic environments directly impacts the levels of MP uptake in the human diet. Countries with high MP dietary intake can benefit significantly from the reduced presence of MPs, leading to better public health outcomes .
Conclusion
Biodegradable Future’s organic additives offer a promising solution to the pervasive problem of microplastics. By enabling plastic products to convert to biomass, these additives help reduce plastic pollution, support global sustainability goals, and mitigate public health risks associated with MP uptake. Through strategic implementation and international cooperation, the transition to biodegradable plastics can significantly diminish the environmental and health impacts of microplastics.
