“MICROPLASTIC FREE – Formulation without microplastics” – The environmental seal of DURSOL®
Environmental protection and sustainability have always been very important to us and an integral part of our corporate culture. In order to live up to our responsibility towards the environment, we use a formula without microplastics when manufacturing our care products.
So that our customers can see at a glance that they are buying a cleaning product that is free of microplastics, we have launched our environmental seal "MICROPLASTIC FREE - Formulation without microplastics". The associated symbol informs the buyer that there are no microplastics in our products.
A brief explanation – What is microplastic?
There is currently no legally binding or generally applicable definition of microplastics. In general, plastic bodies that are smaller than 5 millimeters and are not water-soluble and not biodegradable are referred to as microplastics.
In addition, the term microplastics is further divided into primary and secondary microplastics.
Primary microplastics are industrially produced particles or granules that are already manufactured in their final form. Plastic granules are often used to make plastic bottles. Other fine particles are added to care products, such as peelings or toothpaste, and provide shine or a pleasant skin feel.
Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, are created by the decomposition of macroplastics, i.e. larger pieces of plastic. Weather influences such as sunlight or wind as well as the movement of the waves in the sea promote the decomposition of plastic bags or PET bottles, for example. Another source of secondary microplastics is the abrasion of tires on our roads.
Why do we try to avoid microplastics?
Larger plastic waste is known to be a problem for our environment, especially for all organisms living in the sea. For example, seals get caught in old fishing nets and drown, or turtles die in six-pack rings. We all have the images in our minds. Another problem, no less serious, but often not visible to the human eye, is microplastics. Marine life that ingests microplastics, for example, exhibits behavioral abnormalities or has high levels of inflammation in their bodies. Another problem with microplastics is that they bind toxins and absorb them like a sponge. These toxins then enter the organism of marine life, for example, with food.
Microplastics also become a problem for humans indirectly. For example, if we consume fish, mussels or other seafood that have stored microplastics in their organism, the same microplastics also end up in our bodies.
How does microplastic get into rivers, lakes or the sea?
The journey of microplastics into our rivers and seas begins in private households. Through the consumption of products containing microplastics, the fine plastic particles enter our sewage systems and enter our sewage treatment plants. However, these cannot completely filter the microscopically small particles out of the water cycle, so that a certain amount is ultimately washed into the sea or, previously, into rivers.
The secondary microplastics end up in our oceans due to incorrect disposal and careless behavior as well as subsequent decomposition processes. The synthetic polymers are eaten by marine organisms and ultimately cannot be removed from the environment. Microplastics have already been detected in seals, fish, mussels and other smaller organisms that have ingested them passively or with their food.
products without microplastics
It is not easy to tell at first glance which products are free of microplastics. Even a look at the list of substances used does not always provide clarity. We have developed our seal of approval so that you can immediately see in the future which products do not contain any microplastics in their formulation. We help you buy sustainable products.