Microplastics are any piece of plastic that is less than 5mm, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, that are a direct result of plastic pollution and are harmful to the environment, marine life, and even humans. Due to their miniature size, microplastics often go undetected by filters and can easily contaminate our water and food, and when consumed by marine wildlife can cause health problems and even death. We’re highlighting 3 of the most recent 100% microplastic free additions to our library.
Sulapac? Straw
By: Sulapac Ltd
The ocean-safe straw that is 100% microplastic free
Made from post-industrial recycled wood streams and plant-based binders, this straw is 100% industrially compostable, biodegradable, and 0% soggy. It is safe and circular by design and can be organically recycled. The straw complies with the European food contact material legislation and does not harm the ecosystem in any way. Naturally occurring microorganisms can digest it into CO2, water, and biomass.
Naturbeads
By: Naturbeads
A biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads produced using cellulose
An estimated 30,000 tons of microplastics from consumer products end up in the oceans every year – the equivalent of the plastic pollution generated by five billion plastic bottles. The company spun out of the University of Bath, has developed biodegradable microbeads made from cellulose, the most abundant biomaterial on Earth. Naturbeads could be used to reduce microplastic pollution from sun lotion, cosmetics, paints, packaging, and footwear.
REPAQ Cellulose Film
By: Superseven Gmbh
Plastic-free, transparent printed film packaging that is 100% biodegradable
It consists of 99% renewable and natural resources – 90% cellulose, 5% glycerin, 4% water, and 1% binders. The raw material is residual timber from the FSC and PEFC certified forestry. It is completely composted to CO2 and H2O within 42 days in a home environment, pollution-free, and is harmless for the environment, humans, and animals. The material is suitable for direct contact with food and fulfills the requirements of European and North American legislation. Applications are for packaging of dry food, wet food, toys, toiletries, textiles, electronic components, paper products, and magazines.
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