Plastic pollution is the biggest threat to the planet’s oceans. Scientists estimate that 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic has been created since global production began in 1950. 85% (6.3 billion) of that has become waste, of which only 9% has been recycled. Plastic is now ingrained in the global food chain and has been found in a multitude of living organisms, including humans.  

Orb Media, a non-profit journalism organization, recently conducted a study that analyzed 259 bottles of water from 11 different brands, using a technique known as Nile red dye, to identify plastic particles in the water. Plastic and microplastic particles were found in 93% of the examined plastic and glass bottles, including bottles from well-known companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Danone and Nestle.

Source: Orb Media/State University of New York Fredonia

Plastic microfibers are easily airborne and microplastics can originate from:

• Fans or clothing being worn inside factories

• Degradation of plastic, pellets or granules used by manufacturers to make plastic items.

• Microbeads added to cleaning and beauty products in order to increase their cleaning ability

• The degradation or breakdown of plastic waste in the environment

Major global economies, including the US, EU and Canada have already banned products containing microbeads, while various others are following action. In particular, the EU has led the way with plastic management, setting a target of making 100% of plastics recyclable by 2030. However, both the EU and the US continue to lack specific laws on microplastics in the food supply chain, posing a future risk to human health.

The bottles used in the research were purchased in nine countries including the US, China, Brazil and Mexico, where many of these brands are consumed on a daily basis. Today, 844 million people are without access to safe drinking water and often rely on bottled water, containing potentially dangerous microplastics. So far, data on the dangers of microplastics is limited and it is yet to be determined if microplastics can circulate through the body without causing harm.

Chemicals such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are used to improve the properties of plastic, as well as flame-retardants, chemicals that act as hormone disrupters and pesticides, are added to plastic products and believed to pose additional dangers to the human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated a review would be launched to assess the dangers of microplastics as a result of Orb Media’s research – an action that should be followed by other organizations to establish the full impact of microplastics on our society.

Source: Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP)

The growing number of plastic bottles ending up in the ocean are further contributing to this ever growing plastic “food chain”. Around 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year. Scientists believe that if present trends continue, there will be 12 billion metric tons of plastic in landfills by 2050. Most of this waste will end up in the natural environment, mostly in the ocean, as litter.

Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation

It will be important to promote more extensive research into the possible dangers that plastic particles could have on the human body, analyzing both packaging materials and manufacturing processes in order to encourage companies to create more environmentally friendly products. Alongside the WHO, the business community must review, challenge and disrupt current business models in order to evolve and apply sustainable alernatives, incorporating environmental and social consequences alongside traditional ones centered on the bottom line.

The world is on the verge of “The Fourth Industrial Revolution”, an era that will signify an increase in the demand for plastics, especially to satisfy the ever-growing demand for technological devices. It will be up to governments, manufacturers and consumers to demand safer plastics and smarter means of production, disposal and waste management. As a company, Primal believes that the only way forward is sustainable business models, that avoid creating additional waste and focus on re-using, re-imagining and re-inventing plastics.

With our beauty and personal care brand, ViTA, we are playing a lead role in removing plastic from the ocean by using the world’s first 100% OceanBound plastic bottles, alongside non-toxic ink and labels that easily separate from ViTA packaging and can enter the recycling stream of all mainstream recycling facilities. Together with our manufacturing partners, Unique is committed to keeping plastic out of our oceans and toxic products out of the market.