Primary Sources

Primary sources of microplastics are those which are produced for industrial or business purposes. The most prevalent are used in cosmetics, textiles, and commercial use. Eventually becoming nanoplastics, these small micro particles continue to degrade and break down through organic, chemical and mechanical processes. The most prevalent materials used in the production of plastics and the most commonly consumed are PET, HDPE, PVC, PP, and LDPE. According to a study by the IUCN, approximately two thirds of microplastic pollution in the ocean comes from the primary sources of textiles or microfibres. Through erosion, these synthetic particles are transported from land areas to the oceans and waterways. Read more about the ways in which industries and consumerism contribute to primary sources of microplastic pollution.