ECHA tackles the problem of microplastics

Plastics are important materials. They make our lives easier and are often lighter and cost less than other materials. If they are not properly disposed of or recycled, they can persist for long periods in the environment and can also degrade into small pieces that are of concern – microplastics.

This documentary explains the issues with plastics in general, how and why they are used and what the EU is doing to tackle their possible negative effects on our health and the environment.

Watch interviews with leading experts and researchers in the field of microplastics as well as representatives from environmental NGOs and industry who explain their concerns with the use of plastic in our society. Lorenzo Bautista, Group Leader of the Advanced Materials Division at Leitat, is one of these experts interviewed.

Leitat is actively working on this topic and this since many years with its participation in the MERMAIDS project, that aimed to mitigate the impact of microplastics caused by textile washing processes. Furthermore, it is participating in the FIBERCLEAN project, that aims to minimize microfibers in the life cycle of textile products. Last, Leitat is also participating in ODYSSEA, a Horizon 2020 project that is developing a platform that fully integrates networks of observing and forecasting systems across the Mediterranean basin, addressing both the open sea and the coastal zone.

Want to find out more? Visit: https://chemicalsinourlife.echa.europa.eu/the-problem-with-microplastics