Microplastics: answers to the most important questions

What are microplastics, how do they end up in the environment and what are the consequences? Transa’s Alessandra answers these and other questions on the topic and gives tips on how to avoid microplastics.

What are microplastics anyway?

Microplastics are plastic particles that are smaller than five millimetres. They come about in two different ways:

• Primary microplastics: are produced as an ingredient for cosmetics, detergents or dyes.

• Secondary microplastics: are generated when plastic goods are used, as plastic particles come loose due to washing and abrasion.

Where do microplastics come from?

By far the largest share comes from car tyres, dyes and plastic pellets for industry. The Transa range contains comparatively small amounts of microplastics. Most of this comes from synthetic clothing made of polyester, polyamide or other human-made fibres. The fabrics release microplastics during washing. The soles of shoes and equipment such as tents and backpacks can also release microplastics through abrasion or washing.

Why are microplastics problematic?

Microplastics pose a potential health risk to humans and animals:

• Humans: microplastics can enter the human body via the food chain. The exact effects on our health have not yet been fully researched. According to current knowledge, most of the microplastics are eliminated from the body. However, there are fears that they could transport harmful substances into the body and release them there. In addition, the possible long-term consequences are unclear.

• Animals: many marine animals ingest tiny plastic particles because they confuse them with food. This can lead to serious health damage, poisoning and, in the worst case, the animals’ death.

One established problem is that microplastics are very stable. This means that the small particles gather in oceans, rivers, soils and even in the air and, because they do not decay, they accumulate over time.

What can you do about microplastics?

• Buying: The most important thing is conscious consumption when it comes to plastic products: functionality, durability and ethical considerations – such as not using animal products – must justify the use of plastic. Products containing primary microplastics should be avoided if possible. The processing of the material also plays a role. Compact, smooth materials, such as camping plates made of hard plastic, release less microplastics than roughened, bushy materials like fleece.

• Maintenance: You should wash synthetic clothes no more often than necessary. You can also attach a microplastics filter to the washing machine or wash synthetic textiles in a washing bag. But remember: you must then dispose of the fibres collected in the rubbish bin, never by simply rinsing the bag.

  • Use a washing bag that collects fibres and plastic particles.

  • Use detergents without microplastics – no synthetic polymers.

  • Wash less often: with each wash, synthetic clothing sheds microplastics. So you should only wash when it’s necessary.

  • Wash at a cooler temperature: less fibre abrasion, meaning less microplastics.

  • Install a water filter in the washing machine, which will collect some of the fibres.

• Disposal: Dispose of plastic items correctly.

An important consideration: in many cases, high-quality synthetic fabrics in outdoor products are more tear-resistant and wear out less quickly than alternatives made from natural fibres. This makes them more durable and thus potentially a more sustainable choice. It may therefore make sense to use equipment made of plastic or synthetic clothing.

Which cosmetics are free from microplastics?

In your toilet bag, above all you need sun cream and soap or shower gel. How can you be sure that these cosmetics are free of microplastics? You can check the ingredients: polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) indicate microplastics.

Solid shampoos, soaps and toothpastes are often plastic-free and usually packaged in an environmentally friendly way as well. Certified natural cosmetics are also almost always plastic-free.

The soaps from Dr. Bronner’s are free of microplastics, as is Wilderness Wash from Sea to Summit. In the case of Ben & Anna deodorants, not only are the products free from microplastics, but the packaging is too. And when it comes to toothpastes, Curaprox guarantees that there are no microplastics in their products.

Drinking bottles – what is the best choice of material?

All plastic releases microplastics, including silicone. In drinking bottles, abrasion and therefore microplastics are mainly caused by:

• Screwing the lid on and off

• Incorrect cleaning, for example using scouring agents, hard brushes, highly concentrated detergents or prolonged heat in the dishwasher. If the bottle is dishwasher-safe, the material can withstand heat and detergent in terms of its deformability and remaining food-safe. However, the material ages more quickly and releases more microplastics as a result.

• Incorrect handling, for example prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, handwashing too hot or filling with too hot liquids

• Wear and tear caused by use

If you want a drinking bottle with as little plastic as possible, a stainless steel bottle with a stainless steel lid is the best choice. The only plastic component is the silicone seal, which causes hardly any abrasion when screwed on and off. It is similar with stainless steel bottles with plastic lids and steel linings, and stainless steel bottles with completely plastic lids. In all models, the silicone seal or plastic lid must be replaced regularly. It’s best to clean the bottle after each use with washing-up liquid and a brush, or – for stubborn stains or unpleasant smells – with a little baking powder or cleaning tablets.

Aluminium bottles with plastic lids cause slightly more abrasion when screwing the lid on and off. In addition, when the coating is damaged, tiny particles of aluminium can come loose. The lids of these drinking bottles must also be replaced regularly.

Drinking pouches and water bags made of polyethylene (PE), tritan (copolyester plastic) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) release the most microplastics. However, for certain areas of application, such as transporting large quantities of water or trail running with space-saving soft flasks, there are no equivalent alternatives. Clean the bottle with detergent and a soft brush after each use. For drinking systems with a tube or very dirty bottles, cleaning tablets can help. It is important to replace the bottles in case of discoloration, tears or other damage.

Insulated bottles: models with steel lids provide poor insulation due to the conductivity of the material and are therefore more suitable for cold drinks. A plastic lid is essential for hot tea or coffee.

Which water filters filter microplastics?

All water filters in our range filter microplastics out of the water if the particles are larger than 0.2 microns, i.e. two ten-thousandths of a millimetre. If the water is treated only with chlorine or UV light, microplastics and other impurities remain in the water, as well as pathogenic germs. However, the latter are rendered harmless by the treatment.

Which detergents do not contain microplastics?

In general, you can look at the ingredients of detergents. They should be free of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

Looking at the Transa range: according to the manufacturers, all detergents from Grangers, Fibertec and Gear Aid contain no intentionally added microplastics.