Synthetic paints are the largest source of microplastics in the ocean
The first-ever global study of paint-related microplastics in the world’s oceans has revealed that nearly two million tonnes are leaked each year, more than textiles, tyres and pellets combined.
February 9, LAUSANNE, Switzerland – A report released today by EA – Environmental Action, a Swiss-based scientific research firm of world-renowned plastic pollution experts, reveals that paint could be the largest source of microplastics leaking into the world’s oceans.
Plastic Paints the Environment shows that far more microplastics from paint leak into the ocean than from tyres, pellets and textiles. EA findings estimate that microplastics from paint are 1.9 million tonnes, or 58% of microplastics leaking into the ocean each year. This is significantly higher than the previous historical and academic consensus, which estimated that paint contributed between 9% and 21% of microplastics in our oceans and waterways.
Despite the fact that paint is composed of plastic (37% on average) and covers a wide range of everyday objects including buildings, boats, cars and almost all types of infrastructure, its harmful ecological effects are difficult to quantify accurately and have been largely underestimated. EA’s report, the first to assess levels of plastic paint spillage worldwide, reveals that despite paint’s irrefutable protective and decorative properties, paint can have a significant negative impact on the planet, marine life and ultimately human health if it is not disposed of safely and sustainably.
“The intention of this research is not to criticize color, but to raise the level of information and awareness on this issue in order to prepare a better system where color can deliver its full value without compromising our environment,” says Dr. Julien Boucher, founder and director of EA – Environmental Action and author of 12 reports on plastic pollution.
Dr Paola Paruta, Environmental Analyst at EA – Environmental Action and lead author of the report, adds: “Our report fills a key knowledge gap on microplastic pollution. Our intention is to provide useful information that will enable further research and concrete action to combat microplastic leakage and plastic pollution in general.”
Declan Mc Adams, chairman of Norwegian company Pinovo, which initiated the research, comments, “This news should be a wake-up call to the chemical industry and customers. Immediate action is needed from national and supranational regulatory bodies such as the European Commission and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to get those working with paint to rethink their methods of paint application, maintenance and end-of-life treatment . It is important that less damaging and more sustainable alternative methods are considered. We need a systemic change in the use of paint, now that these findings have shed light on the extent of the pollution caused.”
Our tip is of course clear: www.lanovefarby.sk
About EA – Environmental Action
EA – Environmental Action is a consulting company based on independent research. It proposes solutions and metrics to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. EA is built on a team of passionate scientists and change-makers. Ea, a member of the European Network of Ecodesign Centres (ENEC), leads the development of methodologies | www.e-a.earth
O spoločnosti Pinovo Pinovo AS is a Norwegian company that has developed a technology for clean circular vacuuming of industrial and marine surfaces that prevents paint emissions into the environment. The Pinovo solution was the first to be adopted on the World Economic Forum’s UpLink platform. Founded in 2009, Pinovo is working to shed light on the extent of the global leakage of microplastics from paints to promote awareness among regulators and the adoption of solutions to stop the leakage of microplastics from paints.
