MICROPLASTIC FREE
Environmental protection and sustainability have always been a major concern for us and an integral part of our corporate culture. In order to fulfill our responsibility towards the environment, we use a formula without microplastics in the manufacture of our care products.
To enable our customers to see at a glance that they are purchasing a microplastic-free cleaning product, we have created our environmental seal "MICROPLASTIC FREE – Formulation without microplastics." The corresponding symbol indicates to buyers that our products do not contain any microplastics.
"MICROPLASTIC FREE – Formulation without microplastics" – TheAUTOSOL® environmental seal
A BRIEF EXPLANATION—WHAT ARE MICROPLASTICS?
There is currently no legally binding or universally accepted definition of microplastics. In general, plastic particles that are smaller than 5 millimeters and are neither water-soluble nor biodegradable are referred to as microplastics.
Furthermore, the term microplastics is further subdivided into primary and secondary microplastics.
Primary microplastics are industrially manufactured particles or granules that are produced in their final form.
Plastic granules are often used in the manufacture of plastic bottles. Other fine particles are added to care products such as exfoliants or toothpaste to add shine or make the skin feel pleasant.
Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, are created by the breakdown of macroplastics, i.e., larger pieces of plastic. Weather conditions such as sunlight, wind, and ocean waves promote the breakdown of plastic bags and PET bottles, for example. Another source of secondary microplastics is the abrasion of tires on our roads.
WHY ARE WE TRYING 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. Everyone has seen the images. Another problem, no less significant but often invisible to the human eye, is microplastics. Marine life that ingests microplastics 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 organisms of marine life, for example through their food.
Indirectly, microplastics also become a problem for humans. For example, when we consume fish, shellfish, or other seafood that has microplastics stored in its organism, these microplastics also enter our bodies.
HOW DOES MICROPLASTIC END UP IN RIVERS, LAKES, OR THE OCEAN?
The journey of microplastics into our rivers and oceans begins in private households. When we consume products containing microplastics, the tiny plastic particles enter our sewage systems and end up in our wastewater treatment plants. However, these plants are unable to filter the microscopic particles completely out of the water cycle, meaning that a certain amount ultimately ends up in the ocean or, before that, in rivers.
Secondary microplastics enter our oceans through improper 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 looking at the list of ingredients does not always provide clarity. We have developed our seal of approval so that you can immediately recognize which products do not contain microplastics in their formulation. We help you purchase sustainable products.