Microplastics in cosmetics - an ecological catastrophe

Our environment is exposed to a variety of threats. That we do not dispose of our waste in nature is a matter of course for us. We separate our waste in an exemplary manner into green (biodegradable), grey (incinerators) and yellow waste (recycling). Plastic packaging belongs in the yellow bag and can be recycled for the most part.

But although we are so careful with our garbage, we hear and read horror stories about plastic in our rivers, lakes and seas and its effects on the animals living in these waters. This is partly because not all people in all countries are exemplary waste separators and recyclers, and partly because of the invisible danger posed by microplastics.

Microplasty refers to plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres. A distinction is made between primary and secondary microplasty. Primary microplastics includes the basic material for plastics production (base pellets or granulates) and the plastic used in cosmetics. Secondary microplasty occurs when larger plastic parts disintegrate due to solar radiation or wave motion.

Whether as peeling grains, binders, fillers or film formers, plastics in the form of primary microplastics are widely used in cosmetic products. In peeling agents the small plastic grains clean and smooth our skin. In cleaning gels, shampoos and shower and bath products, the finely ground plastic is used as a film former, filler or binding agent.
With each use, the microplastics then pass through the wastewater into the local wastewater treatment plants, which are often unable to filter out the microplastics sufficiently. So it gets into our rivers and lakes and then into the seas. The animals living in the sea absorb these plastic particles with their food. Through the consumption of fish and mussels, the microplasty also reaches our body.

Among the most frequently used plastics in cosmetics are

Polyethylene (PE)
Polypropylene (PP) Polyethylene
terephthalate (PET)
Nylon-12
Nylon-12
Nylon-6
Nylon-6
Polyurethane (PUR)
Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA)
Acrylate copolymer (AC)
Acrylate cross polymer (ACS)
Polyquaternium-7 P-7

Our tip: Do without plastic and microplastic products and use alternatives!

Please note: The base material of our make-up remover is Evolon® - a synthetic material consisting of polyester and polyamide. But unlike short fibers, Evolon® microfilaments are infinitely long, which prevents any lint separation. This means that no plastic particles can get into the waste water when using our make-up remover cloth alone.

Picture credits: #109290977 ©kubais , #83453605 ©kedrov (http://www.bund.net/fileadmin/bundnet/pdfs/meere/131119)
(Sources: www.shutterstock.com_bund_meeresschutz_mikroplastik_produktliste.pdf)