Microplastics

Definition

Microplastics — Plastic particles smaller than 5mm — released by synthetic fabrics, tires, packaging breakdown and personal care.

Microplastics are plastic fragments under 5 millimeters. Primary sources include synthetic clothing fibers (released in laundry), tire wear, and intentionally added microbeads in cosmetics and exfoliants — the last of which are now banned in many countries.

Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, placentas and drinking water. Long-term health effects are still under research; the precautionary case for reducing exposure is strong.

Practical actions: choose natural fibers where possible, use a Guppyfriend or Cora Ball laundry catch, switch to bar soaps and powder detergents, and support extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies.

Related terms

Vegan
Contains no animal-derived ingredients and no animal byproducts.
Cruelty-Free
Neither the finished product nor its ingredients were tested on animals.
B Corp
A for-profit company independently verified to meet high social and environmental standards.
USDA Organic
U.S. federal certification for food and farming free from synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and irradiation.

Using Microplastics without overreading the claim

Plastic particles smaller than 5mm — released by synthetic fabrics, tires, packaging breakdown and personal care.

This term is not, by itself, proof of a certified product. Its meaning may depend on a technical definition, local rules or the boundaries of a particular claim.

Separate the question the term addresses from questions it does not answer. Material sourcing, labour conditions, chemical safety and disposal need different evidence. Catalogue labels are a starting point for checking that evidence, not a substitute for it.

Microplastics: verification guide

CheckActionLimitation
DefinitionAsk what the term means in this claimTechnical concepts and marketing promises are different
BoundaryIdentify materials, locations and stages coveredA claim about one component cannot describe the whole lifecycle
EvidenceRequest methods, assumptions and dated supporting documentsA claim can need evidence without having a dedicated certifier

Before relying on Microplastics

  • DefinitionAsk what the term means in this claim
  • BoundaryIdentify materials, locations and stages covered
  • EvidenceRequest methods, assumptions and dated supporting documents

Frequently asked

What does Microplastics mean?+

Plastic particles smaller than 5mm — released by synthetic fabrics, tires, packaging breakdown and personal care.

How can I check a Microplastics claim?+

Ask what the term means in this claim. Identify materials, locations and stages covered. Request methods, assumptions and dated supporting documents.