What is microplastic?

There is currently no official and globally recognised definition for microplastics. The different meanings differ slightly. In our view, plastic particles with a size of less than 5 mm are microplastics.

We differentiate between primary and secondary microplastics on the basis of their origin. Primary microplastic type A is already smaller than 5 mm during the production phase. Primary microplastic type B is created during the use of larger plastic parts. A prominent example of this is tyre abrasion. Secondary microplastics result from fragmentation or weathering of macroplastics in the environment, e.g. uncontrolled waste disposal. The term littering is often used for this.

The ten biggest polluters in Germany

Study by the Fraunhofer Institute determines the emitters of microplastics.

According to this study from 2018, a total of around 4 kg of primary microplastics per person, per year are released into the environment in Germany. Type B dominates with a share of 89%. By far the largest cause is tyre abrasion, especially from cars, with a total of 1,082 g/head/year. In position six, we have distribution via construction sites. By far the largest share of this group is abrasion from demolition work at 90 g/head/year, followed by the processing of plastics on construction sites (25.4 g/head/year). Geotextiles are not explicitly named. The group "Abrasion of plastics used in agriculture" is in 12th place and no longer in the top 10. A further subdivision of this group cannot be found in the study.

Yearly quantities released per person

~1.230 g tyre wear
(of which 88% from cars)

~230 g abrasion bitumen
in asphalt

~180 g pellet losses

~165 g released during
waste disposal

~130 g from Sports
and playgrounds

~120g released on
construction sites

~110 g abrasion
from shoes

~100 g abrasion from
plastic packaging

~90 g abrasion from
road markings

~80 g fibre abrasion
during textile washing

To the study: www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de

Source: Frauenhofer UMSICHT 2018, own representation

Technical textiles account for approximately 0.6% of annual plastics production

When assessing the emitters of microplastics, it is also helpful to look at the production quantities of plastic. Approximately 360 million tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide each year. The share of technical textiles made of synthetic filament fibres is 34.5 million tonnes or 9.6%. The share of this processed in the construction industry is much lower at 1.4%. This includes a large proportion of textiles used in building construction (75% of the 1.4%). According to our own estimates, we assume that the share in the geosynthetics and agriculture sectors is a maximum of 0.57% or around 2 million tonnes. This includes the large market for simple gardening and landscaping textiles. Technically sophisticated textiles such as those offered by HUESKER are, in our opinion, less than 1 million tonnes (0.28%). However, we have no neutral and reliable statistics on this.

High safety through technical textiles

We make our contribution to improving environmental sustainability.

The risk of micro-plastic emissions from our technical textiles is very low and easily controlled, as our products are explicitly designed for a long service life. Microplastics can only be caused by mechanical, chemical or photochemical stress in the following four steps of the product life cycle and can be reduced to a minimum if used correctly.

Production

This phase covers the entire process until a technical textile is ready for sale. The responsibility for ensuring a reduction of micro-plastics lies with the manufacturers in this phase. Microplastics can be avoided here mainly during production or reintroduced into a reprocessing cycle in a controlled manner.

Installation

The installation of a technical textile or a product with technical textiles is mainly the responsibility of companies such as installers, construction companies, hall builders and craftsmen. During installation, mechanical stress on the textile is the only possible reason for physical degradation, provided that storage is carried out properly. Installation in accordance with the installation instructions, provided by us as the manufacturer, minimises the effects of mechanical stress.

Use

During the actual service life of a textile, the owner of the building or product is responsible for its proper use. The main potential factors influencing the formation of microplastics from HUESKER products in the industrial and agricultural sectors are photochemical degradation or fragmentation due to mechanical loads. In the fields of civil engineering, infrastructure, water, mining and landfill construction, mechanical or chemical loads may be possible depending on the application.

Deconstruction

Deconstruction includes both the removal of technical textiles after use and the disposal or recycling of used products. The reduction of microplastic emissions is the responsibility of the companies involved in dismantling and disposal. Here, the textiles are subjected exclusively to mechanical loads which could lead to fragmentation of the material if not handled correctly. In most cases, technical textiles are currently disposed of by thermal disposal and are very well suited as a secondary fuel with a high calorific value.

HUESKER Microplastics Management

Here we explain the environmental performance of technical textiles in comparison to conventional construction methods. Beyond the product advantages, we are constantly working on optimising our processes to achieve further ecological effects. Even though the microplastic emissions of our products are extremely low, we strive to reduce them even further to an absolute minimum. Find out what specific measures HUESKER is taking to improve environmental protection.

Efficient use of materials
Recycling of waste
Avoidance of plastic packaging

Optimal choice of materials
Use of local resources
Reduction steel & concrete

Installation Recommendations
Avoidance of protruding remains
Disposal of packaging & waste

Advice for the builders / designers
Exchange of textiles
Research for prevention

Taking back removed products
Supply of thermal recycling
Recycling

High quality, durable products
Recycled yarn
Biodegradable raw materials

HUESKER measures Production

Sensitisation of suppliers / supplier evaluation
100% recycling of unmixed production waste
Minimisation of the amount of production waste
We avoid unnecessary plastic packaging
- Reusable packaging developed in-house for internal transport
- Around 500000 fewer plastic bags per year for yarn packaging
- No disposable cups for use with hot drink machines
- Changeover to new transport packaging (using more recycled material)
Research and development of new products made of biodegradable or similar materials
Product line ecoLine made of 100% recycled polyester yarns

HUESKER measures Installation

Recommendation sheet for avoiding microplastics during installation and distribution handed out to all partners
Advice to construction companies and installers to store products correctly and dispose of outer packaging properly.
Proper disposal of surplus textiles

HUESKER measures Use

Advice for building owners, construction companies and designers or planning engineering offices with regard to the right choice of raw materials
Alternative raw materials that are resistant even under alkaline conditions (PVA)
Participation in research projects to avoid or treat pollutants in road traffic caused by surface water
Participation in research projects to avoid microplasty
Exchange of technical textiles if necessary

HUESKER measures Deconstruction

Development of recommendations for the development of geosynthetics that reduce mechanical stress
Development of a waste disposal concept for our customers in the construction industry
- Taking back removed geotextiles
- Supply of correct thermal recycling
- Reprocessing and recycling

HUESKER Product line ecoLine

100% original fibre quality from 100% recycled PET fibres
Reduction of CO2 emissions
Saving resources by reusing recycled PET bottles
Comparably high quality compared to geogrids made from original fibers

To the ecoLine website

Environmental Product Declaration

HUESKER is the official partner for sustainable construction of the Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V.
Sustainability assessment on a scientific basis
Transparent publishing of all information including life cycle assessment data
Highest quality for sustainable building

Certificates