Our planet is constantly in danger, even when we do not realize it. The most insidious threats are those that are barely visible to the eye, such as microplastics: these are tiny plastic particles found in soil and water. Their diameter ranges from 330 micrometers to 5 millimeters, but the damage they cause to the environment is gigantic.
It is estimated that by 2050, the weight of plastic in the sea will exceed the weight of living marine creatures. This is largely due to microplastics, which constitute an underestimated problem precisely because they are not very visible: they actually account for over 90% of the plastic found in the sea.
Microplastics affect the water and the animals that live in it, altering the balance of the ecosystem. These particles can be ingested by small or large vertebrate and invertebrate animals, eventually reaching humans. According to Ispra, in fact, 15-20% of the marine species that end up on our tables contain microplastics.
In some cases, microplastics can accumulate in animal tissues, moving up the food chain. If ingested by seabirds or seals, microplastics can also be introduced into terrestrial ecosystems: it is no coincidence that they have also been found in products such as beer, honey, and sugar. We are talking about approximately 50,000 particles ingested per year, which cause problems for all living beings involved.
At Tierre Group, always attentive to environmental issues, we are pleased to contribute to the cause with our Fluidfit line fittings, which are used in machinery such as water dispensers, helping to save on plastic and reduce the dispersion of microplastics. This is a rapidly expanding market, which we hope can bear witness to greater care for our planet and all the living beings that inhabit it.