The microplastics that we ate, how much and what will happen.

 "We eat a credit card for a week" sounds so unbelieving as it sounds like a joke, but this is the result of scientific research on microplastics. According to a report by the WWF (WWF) and the University of Newcastle in Australia (2019), the amount of microplastics we eat in a week is about 5 grams, which is the same as a single credit card. In a month, they eat about 21 grams, equivalent to the weight of a plastic hanger, and more than 250 grams per year. Even though it is not a healthy superfood, we are constantly eating microplastics. Moreover, there are concerns that the use of disposable plastic is increasing as food safety has been prioritized since the spread of new coronavirus infections (Corona 19).

The microplastics we eat during the week are the same as a single credit card (about 5g).　

The amount of fine plastic we eat in a month is the weight of the plastic hanger (21g) [Photo=WWWF Video Capture]　
▶ Ultrafine plastic, risk of disease in body organs = The path we eat the most is drinking water. In the study, about 2,000 microplastics were consumed per person for a week, with an average of 1,769 being consumed through water. The main route was followed by crustaceans (182), salt (11), and beer (10). This suggests that the problem of plastic contamination is not a specific food, but a part of our daily lives.


"Drinking Water," a major route to microplastic intakes. [Photo=WWWF Video Capture]　
The impact of microplastics on the environment and marine life is not a new issue. There are no symptoms of ingestion the next day. We are still eating with plastic containers, and there are some parts that have become insensitive to the word "fine plastic." But what if it's not a turtle or a dead whale's stomach but a microplastic found in our bodies?

A recent study by the American Chemical Society showed that all of our institutions and organizations were contaminated with ultra-fine plastics without exception. Dr. Rolf Holden's research team at Arizona State University said the results were based on an analysis of the donated bodies. He then warned that "ultra-fine plastic can become carcinogenic like asbestos if it circulates in bloodstream and stagnates in important organs such as lungs, kidneys and liver." Unlike fine plastics less than 5mm, "ultra-fine plastics" are plastics less than 1μm (micrometer) and are very small enough to enter and move into blood vessels. Diana Cohen, president of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, said the study "cannot completely stop the intake of microplastics, but she has no choice but to buy as many unpacked foods as possible and use containers other than plastics such as glass, ceramics and metals."

There has also been a domestic study on how ultra-fine plastic affects our bodies when absorbed. According to a study by the Korea Research Institute of Bioscale, an international journal, Nanoscale, animal testing shows that ultra-fine plastics damage mitochondria in cells, which amplify toxicity by other substances. The researchers were concerned that "ultra-fine plastics can potentially cause serious toxicity."

　

▶ Industry busy developing eco-friendly packaging for 'paper bottles and new materials' = Food industry is rushing to take out plastic that has been in its arms for a long time due to the emphasis on the harmfulness of fine plastic. Plastic, which was praised as a great invention in human history, is now the largest "removal target" of eco-friendly packaging. Already, eco-friendly packaging has become a trend in Europe, taking advantage of various methods. First of all, there is a recycling method of plastic. According to the French daily LaProvence and KOTRA, the global food dinosaur Nestlé began using 100 percent recycled plastic bottles in 750ml products from bottled water brand Vittel last year. More and more companies are trying to declare victory in the plastic war by using paper. Coca-Cola Europe (CCEP) is converting its plastic packaging into paper packaging, investing a huge amount of money worth about 136 trillion won in new plant facilities.

Is it possible to have paper that can hold liquids, not solids? A company that "did the difficult thing" has also emerged. Pulfex Limited, a sustainable packaging technology company, has developed the world's first 100% plastic-free paper liquor bottle. The paper bottle, which has stimulated the food industry, will be introduced early next year as a product of "Johnny Walker" Scotch Whisky.

Plastic containers for food are also changing. There is also an ingenious cup of coffee that is eaten and removed. French startup Tassiopée's "Biscuit Coffee Cup" has a thin coat of chocolate inside. The shape does not change even in hot temperatures, and you can even eat chocolate biscuits after drinking coffee.


"Biscuit coffee cups" (left), the world's first 100% plastic-free paper liquor bottle (right)
The development of new eco-friendly materials that replace plastics is also notable. French startup Lactips has developed biodegradable and renewable bioplastics with waste milk, while Fleury Michon, which makes instant food, has developed poplar-based containers.

Food companies are also rushing to invest. Earlier this year, Danone, a multinational food and beverage company, said it plans to invest about 1 billion euros (about 1 trillion won) in eco-friendly packaging development over three years, while Unilever, a multinational household goods and food company, announced that it will reduce plastic use by 50 percent by 2025.

▶ Consumer Role Becoming More Important in Corona Era = Companies are introducing eco-friendly packaging because they can expect to create profits while fulfilling their 'social responsibility' for the environment. This also means that more competitive development by companies requires a "choice" of consumer products. The consumer is now at an important time in determining this trend. The spread of Corona 19 has also improved awareness of environmental protection, but at the same time, the use of disposable plastic is rapidly increasing due to the growing fear of infectious disease infection.

The "responsibility" for environmental protection is largely up to consumers as well as businesses. "We need to make efforts to reduce unnecessary disposable plastic (forks, spoons, etc.) among the recent increase in delivery food," said Hong Na-hee, head of WWF Korea's corporate partnership division. "We should not use straws or disposable plastic cups, but also avoid over-packaged products." You should also pay attention to waste discharge. Hong Na-hee, the manager of the department, said, "The recycling rate can be increased only when the waste is disposed of properly in case of separation and discharge." The label and lid are separated and discharged, and transparent plastic bottles are separated. "Plastics not only pollute the oceans and waterways, kill marine life, but also threaten the body," WWF Secretary-General Marco Lambertini said. "If our bodies don't want to be contaminated with plastic, we have to stop millions of tons of plastic flowing into nature every year."