What are microplastics and how do they affect us?

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm that come from synthetic textiles, tires, plastic packaging, and cosmetics. These tiny fragments pass through filtration systems and reach oceans, soil, and air where they affect animals and humans alike. Studies show that microplastics may carry harmful chemicals and trigger inflammation when absorbed by the body through food, water, or air.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are small particles under 5 mm in size.

Primary microplastics are manufactured for use in cosmetics or industry.

Secondary microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic products like packaging or clothing.

Where do microplastics come from?

Below are some of the most common sources for microplastics.

Clothing and textiles – Synthetic fibres from polyester, nylon, and acrylic release plastic microfibres with every wash. Synthetic fibres are man-made materials produced from oil-based raw ingredients, essentially, a form of plastic. Fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are commonly used in clothing because they are durable, affordable, and quick-drying. However, since they are fundamentally plastic that has been melted down and spun into fine threads, they shed tiny plastic particles (microplastics) whenever garments are washed. These particles travel with the wastewater and eventually end up in the environment.

Tire wear – As vehicles move, friction between tires and the road causes tiny plastic particles to wear off. These microplastics are washed into storm drains and waterways, eventually reaching rivers and oceans.

Plastic packaging – Over time, plastic packaging breaks down due to sunlight and wear, fragmenting into tiny particles that become secondary microplastics in the environment.

Cosmetics & personal care products – Some personal care items, like face scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes, contain microbeads; tiny plastic particles that wash down the drain and pollute rivers and oceans.

Microplastics effects on humans

Research suggests that microplastics may carry harmful substances and could potentially affect human health. Some studies indicate links to inflammation or hormone disruption, but more research is needed to understand the full impact. Microplastics have been found in drinking water, food, and even indoor air.

Microplastics in the ocean

In the oceans, microplastics are often ingested by marine life such as plankton, shellfish, and fish. This can happen when they mistake the particles for food or absorb them while filtering water. As microplastics accumulate, they can affect animal health, growth, and reproduction. These particles also disrupt natural food chains, creating imbalances in marine ecosystems. Over time, microplastics move up the food chain, ultimately reaching humans through seafood and other sources.

Are microplastics harmful?

Microplastics are widely associated with environmental harm and may pose risks to both ecosystems and human health. While research is still evolving, studies have found that these particles can carry pollutants and may disrupt biological processes in marine life, and potentially in humans.

Materials and microplastics - what you should know

At Mini Rodini, we are committed to choosing materials that are safer for children, better for the planet, and designed to reduce the impact of microplastics. Most of our garments are made from natural fibres or recycled fabrics, but different materials behave differently when washed, and some can release tiny microfibres into the environment.

🌱 Materials that do not release microplastics

• Cotton

• TENCEL™ Lyocell

• Wool

• Linen

• Hemp

All natural fibres, whether plant-based or animal-based, are free from plastic. If fibres shed during washing, they biodegrade naturally and do not contribute to microplastic pollution. Choosing these materials is one of the easiest ways to avoid microplastics in your daily life.

📌 Materials that can release microplastics

• Polyester and recycled polyester

• Econyl® (regenerated nylon)

• Nylon, acrylic, elastane (spandex), polyamide, and other synthetic fibres

Even though recycled synthetic fabrics, like recycled polyester, are more sustainable than virgin plastics, they can still release microplastics with every wash. These tiny particles travel through water systems, ending up in the ocean and entering the food chain, potentially affecting marine life and human health.

Tips to reduce microfibre release:

• Choose natural fibres such as cotton, wool, or TENCEL™ Lyocell whenever possible, they do not release microplastics and biodegrade naturally.

• Wash synthetic garments less frequently.

• Use a washing bag, like Guppyfriend, to capture microfibres before they enter the water system.

Read more about Guppyfriend here

By washing more consciously and choosing natural fibres whenever possible, you can help reduce microplastic pollution without compromising on quality, comfort, or design.

Examples of products that may release microplastics

Clothing made with synthetic fibres, such as polyester or nylon, can release microfibres during washing or regular wear. Typical examples include

• Fleece garments

• Swimwear

• Outerwear

At Mini Rodini, these categories sometimes contain synthetic materials, but always in the form of GRS-certified recycled polyester or recycled nylon. This helps us minimise virgin plastic use, reuse existing resources, and reduce microplastic emissions through thoughtful design and material choices.

Learn more about our materials and products

FAQ – Quick Answers about microplastics

What are microplastics? Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm. They’re found in the environment when larger plastic items break down or shed particles.

Where do microplastics come from? They mainly come from synthetic clothing, tyre wear, plastic packaging, and some personal care products.

Which materials release microplastics? Synthetic fibres like recycled polyester and Econyl® can release microfibers when clothes are washed or worn.

How to avoid microplastics? Choose garments made from natural materials, wash synthetics less often, and use a Guppyfriend laundry bag to catch microfibers before entering wastewater systems..

Want to learn more? Read more about our sustainability work here.