Microplastics – The challenges and requirements for ... · WWF Präsentation 9. Dezember 2019...

WWF Präsentation 9. Dezember 2019

Microplastics – The challenges and requirementsfor sustainable solutions from a NGO‘s perspectiveHeike Vesper – Director Marine Program WWF Germany

@ Fraunhofer UMSICHT

The WWF on the spot worldwideIn more than 100 countries:

• 1961 Foundation WWF Intern.

• 7085 Employees worldwide

• 758M € Revenues via donations,

licenses, external funds and

testaments

• +5,3M Supporters worldwide

• +25M Followers on social media10. December 2019WWF Germany | Microplastics – The challenges and requirements for sustainable solutions | TextileMission Conference 2


Why nature conservation and environmental protection?

3

We consume 60% more naturalresources per year than the earthcan regenerate during this period.

In 2030 two earths are neededfor the same lifestyle.

10. December 2019WWF Germany | Microplastics – The challenges and requirements for sustainable solutions | TextileMission Conference

4

MICROPLASTICS –

THE CHALLENGES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS



Global Plastic Production

5

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ce:W

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ort(

2019

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astic

Pollu

tion

thro

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acco

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Globale Fibre Production

6

Textile microplastics are particles or fibres

with different diameters and a length of < 5 mm.

Source: TextileExchange (2018): Preferred Fiber and Materials Market Report



Global Sources of Microplastics

7

à About 3.2 million tons of microplastics are released into theenvironment every year.

28 %35 % 0,3 %2 %3,7 %7 %24 %Source after: IUCN (2017): Primary microplastics in the ocean, p.21

à Approximately 1.5 million tons are released into the oceans.10. December 2019WWF Germany | Microplastics – The challenges and requirements for sustainable solutions | TextileMission Conference

Sources of Microplastics in Germany

8

Que

lle:N

AB

U,

nach

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• Use and care

• Washing =

• Drying

Microplastics of textile origin

9

Source: Cesa et al. (2017): Synthetic fibers as microplastics in the marine environment: A review from textile perspective with a focus on domestic washings

@ Shreya Sonar, Bren School of Environmental Scienceand Management at USBC)


• Nutzung

• Waschen

• Trocknen

Microplastics of textile origin

10

Source: Cesa et al. (2017): Synthetic fibers as microplastics in the marine environment: A review from textile perspective with a focus on domestic washings

@ Shreya Sonar, Bren School of Environmental Scienceand Management at USBC)



Microplastics of textile origin in the environment• 20-35 % of microplastics in the marine environment are synthetic clothing fibres:

11

Polyester 56%Acrylic 23%

Polypropylene 7%

Polyethylene 6%

Polyamide 3%Source: Browne et al. (2011): Accumulations of microplastic on shorelines worldwide: sources and sinks


Effects of microplastics on the environment

12

Ø Microplastics are detectable everywhere in the environment

Ø Absorption via gills, digestive tract or attachment

Ø Evidence of negative effects in a wide range of organisms

(incl. Additives): effects on behavior or reproduction;

physical effects; inflammation; death

Ø trophic transfer of microplastics through the food chain (e.g.

seals)



Specific environmental risks due to textile microplastics• Similar effects of textile microplastics of organisms:

• due to the greater surface to volume ratio, textile MP appears to have

greater environmental impact than regularly shaped MP

• Tendency of entanglement in the digestive tract can lead to blockages

and less growth/ reproduction or even starvation

• Tendency of entanglement while moving (interferes with the abilty to

swim)

• possibly higher absorption of chemicals

13

@ Wolf Wichmann


14

Source: Henry, Laitala, Klepp (2018): Microplastic pollution from apparel and home textiles.

Emissions of textile Microplastics



Requirements for solutions

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TASK

Preventing Microplastics:

a) Production- andTransport Processes

b) Usephasec) End of life

+ further sources ofMacroplastics in the textilevalue chain

REQUIREMENTS

1. Reduced to no emissions2. Fighting the causes3. Thinking along the supply chain4. Identify key levers5. Finding cross industry and simple

solutions6. Thinking holistically7. Creating awareness

GUIDELINES

1. AvoidanceàReductionàRecycling

2. Reusable instead ofdisposable

3. Quality over Quantity4. Sustainable disposal

1. No Plastics in Nature!2. Holistic sustainable solutions without "Impact-Shift"!!


Discussed solutions (direct and indirect)1. Use of alternative, sustainable fibres (certifications)

2. Design of textiles with reduced/ no shedding

3. Reduced use of additives (human-/ecotoxicologically safer

alternatives)

7. Reduction of consumption

8. Production of high-quality and durable textiles

9. Increase in the proportion of textiles recycled (post consumer)



Thank you for your attention!

Heike Vesper

Director Marine Program WWF Germany

WWF Germany

[email protected]

wwf.de/mikroplastik

www.wwf.de/stop-plastic/


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