The extent of plastic pollution
It is estimated that over ten million tonnes of waste end up in the oceans every year, with plastic making up a significant proportion of this. A study shows that the annual amount of plastic entering the oceans will even rise to 23 million tonnes by 2045. This pollution threatens the lives of thousands of marine animals. Seabirds often mistake plastic for food and marine mammals such as dolphins and seals become entangled in old fishing nets, often with fatal consequences.
Curbing marine pollution
In Southeast Asia, the majority of plastic pollution is caused in the sea. The "Stop Ocean Plastics" (STOP) initiative has set itself the goal of counteracting this. Together with the local government and community, solutions for a functioning circular economy are being designed, implemented and scaled up. The project has been so successful that a second material recovery plant is already being planned.
Innovative approaches to combating plastic waste
Scientists at Rice University in Houston, Texas, have used bioengineering to develop microorganisms with high adhesive power. These genetically modified bacteria combine a natural adhesive produced by mussels with enzymes that can break down PET plastics. In tests, the bacteria showed a 400-fold increase in adhesion and broke down the test material into smaller fragments overnight. This approach could represent a novel solution for plastic recycling and offer a faster and more efficient way of reducing plastic waste.
Funding programmes to reduce marine litter
The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) is also taking responsibility and has therefore launched a funding programme to combat marine litter. The programme supports projects in the areas of sustainable production, circular design and recycling solutions, integrated waste management systems, consulting and capacity exchange, waste information systems and social transformation. The aim is to sustainably reduce marine pollution through innovative approaches and international cooperation.
The mission of each individual
In addition to technological and political measures, the behaviour of each individual also plays an important role. Through conscious consumption, avoiding single-use plastic and recycling correctly, we can all help to stem the flood of plastic. innotec is happy to play its part with its waste management programme. Only by acting together can we safeguard the health of our oceans and thus our own future.
