New: NOLT and anti-microplastic solutions, it's fantastic

As much as we love Barbie and as much as she's the talk of the town these days, we're going to have to contradict her: life in plastic, it's NOT fantastic! And we're going to prove it to you with our anti-microplastic solutions. 

microplastic

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are small fragments of plastic, generally less than 5 millimeters in diameter. They can come from a variety of sources, including the degradation of larger plastics, cosmetics, synthetic textile fibers or plastic granules used in industry.

we suggest a few anti-microplastic solutions

At NOLTwe want to change the rules of the game, for real. To this end, we are developing a number of actions to reduce our impact as much as possible, whether it be in our raison d'êtrein in the way we produce or in our recycling program. But we're also thinking about our after-sales impact, once our products - which we're fully aware produce microplastics - reach your home. That's why we offer 3 anti-microplastic solutions:

The Cora Ball is a device designed to capture the microfibers released when washing clothes. It takes its name from the complex, tangled structure of coral. The Cora Ball resembles a soft rubber ball containing small, soft, flexible spikes. When placed in the washing machine with the clothes, it acts as a filter, catching the microfibers that detach from synthetic textiles during the wash cycle. These microfibers would otherwise be discharged into wastewater and could end up contributing to the pollution of oceans and waterways.


How the Cora Ball works is simple: plastic fibers become trapped in the rubber tips as they pass through the ball during washing. Once the wash cycle is complete, simply remove the trapped fibers and dispose of them in the trash.

The Guppy Friends is a laundry bag developed to reduce the release of plastic microfibers when washing clothes. The Guppy Friends is made of durable, transparent polyamide. It is designed for use when washing garments containing synthetic fibers, such as polyester or acrylic. When garments are placed in the Guppy Friends bag, it creates a physical barrier that retains the microfibers released during washing.


Operation of the Guppy Friends is simple. Clothes containing synthetic fibers are placed inside the bag before being put into the washing machine. The bag allows the garments to be cleaned effectively, but captures any microfibers that come loose during the wash cycle. Once the wash is complete, the trapped microfibers can be removed from the bag and disposed of properly in the garbage can.

3 - Microplastic filters for washing machines

Washing machine microplastic filters are devices designed to capture microplastics and synthetic fibers released during the washing of clothes. They are installed inside the washing machine's drainage system to filter out unwanted particles before they are released into the wastewater. These filters are generally made of a porous material that allows water to pass through while trapping microplastics and fibers. The captured particles are then collected and can be properly disposed of, preventing them from being released into the environment. Microplastic filters for washing machines are designed to be compatible with different makes and models of washing machines. Some models are integrated directly into the washing machine, while others can be added as external devices.

With these anti-microplastic solutions, the aim is to raise our consumers' awareness of the environmental impacts of microfibers and to offer them a practical solution for reducing the release of these fibers into wastewater. 💚

Microplastics, not fantastic?

Microplastics are far from fantastic, posing a number of problems for the environment.

First of all, they pollute water. Microplastics are often discharged into rivers, lakes and oceans. They can persist for many years, accumulating in aquatic ecosystems. This can lead to contamination of drinking water, as well as adverse effects on marine organisms such as fish, crustaceans and seabirds. Nemo's had enough to worry about, hasn't he?

They also have a dramatic impact on marine fauna. Marine organisms can ingest microplastics, mistaking them for food. This can lead to health problems, including digestive system obstructions, growth disorders, behavioral changes and even death. Microplastics can also concentrate in the food chain, so that top predators, including humans, can be exposed to high levels of microplastics.

Microplastics have direct consequences for human health. Studies suggest that microplastics could be ingested by humans via drinking water, seafood and other food sources, and could potentially cause health problems such as inflammation, hormonal disorders and long-term toxic effects.

Statistics from Statista

Finally, they alter terrestrial ecosystems. 🌍 Microplastics can also contaminate terrestrial ecosystems, particularly agricultural soils. When present in soils, they can alter soil structure and composition, affecting plant growth and the health of soil organisms.

What about the law?

In recent years, people around the world have begun to realize that the planet is suffering as a result of our actions. Plastics play a major role in this environmental degradation, and for this reason, laws and regulations have been introduced in many countries.

Many countries have banned the use of plastic microbeads in cosmetic products such as facial scrubs, body scrubs and toothpastes. For example, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and several European Union countries have adopted regulations aimed at achieving this ban.

Many countries have also adopted laws and regulations aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, cups and cutlery. These measures encourage the use of more sustainable alternative materials and reduce the amount of plastic waste that can degrade into microplastics. Yes, we know, cardboard straws aren't the most palatable... But would you really rather eat plastic?

Some countries have introduced textile standards and regulations to reduce the dispersion of plastic fibers when clothes are washed. France, for example, has passed a law requiring textiles containing synthetic fibers to be labeled to inform consumers of their environmental impact.

Some countries have also introduced regulations to prevent plastic granules* leaking into the environment during transport, storage and handling. For example, Operation Clean Sweep is a global initiative to prevent the dispersion of plastic granules in the plastics industry.

*Plastic granules, also known as "nurdles", are small plastic beads used as raw materials in the manufacture of plastic products.

These laws and regulations are only a small part of what exists. The pollution of our planet is becoming increasingly dramatic, and governments are constantly seeking solutions through legislation aimed at reducing our impact. ♻️

What is being done today to combat these microplastics?

Various technologies and methods have been developed to reduce and eliminate microplastics.

Special filtration systems have been developed to capture the microplastics present in wastewater and industrial effluent. These filters can be installed in wastewater treatment plants or directly at industrial facilities, thereby limiting the quantity of microplastics discharged into the environment.

Research is underway to develop methods for the biological degradation of microplastics. Certain bacteria and enzymes have the ability to break down plastics, including microplastics, into simpler, biodegradable compounds. These technologies offer the potential to treat sites contaminated by microplastics and to reduce the accumulation of microplastics in ecosystems.

Various methods are being explored for ocean clean-up, including the collection and disposal of plastic debris, including microplastics. Projects such as floating barriers and ocean cleaning vessels use special technologies to collect plastic waste, including microplastics, on a large scale.

The development of microplastic detection and monitoring technologies is essential to assess the extent of pollution and take appropriate action. Methods such as infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy are used to identify and quantify microplastics in various environmental samples.

In addition to technologies for reducing and eliminating microplastics, public awareness and prevention of plastic pollution play an essential role. Awareness campaigns are run to encourage responsible behavior, such as reducing the use of single-use plastics, recycling plastics properly and adopting sustainable lifestyles.

Some of these technologies and methods are still under development and not yet widely implemented on a large scale. However, they show promising potential for combating microplastic pollution and protecting the environment. 🌱

So Barbie, have we changed our minds? 

Nice library for further reading 📚

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