Microplastic Waste: Why Businesses Must Take Action Now

We’ve all heard about plastic pollution, bottles floating in oceans or bags tangled in trees. But microplastics? These minuscule fragments of plastic, smaller than 5mm, are an invisible threat that’s fast becoming one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time.

What are microplastics, and where do they come from?

Microplastics fall into two main categories: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are manufactured tiny think microbeads once found in cosmetics. Secondary microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as packaging, bottles, and synthetic fabrics.

They’re everywhere: in our rivers, oceans, rainwater, air and alarmingly, in our food and drinking water. Recent studies have even detected microplastics in human blood and lungs.

A huge source? Everyday business operations. Washing uniforms made from synthetic fibres, vehicle tyres wearing down, packaging materials each contribute to the problem. A single laundry load of synthetic workwear can release hundreds of thousands of microfibres into the water system.

Why should UK businesses care? Microplastics affect more than marine life. As they travel through ecosystems, they enter food chains,impacting biodiversity, agriculture, and potentially human health.

For businesses, ignoring this issue could pose long term reputational and compliance risks. Clients and stakeholders increasingly expect companies to show leadership in sustainability. Failing to act can mean being left behind.

At Workplace, we believe environmental responsibility isn't just good practice it's smart business. -Rebecca Meeuwissen

Our approach includes:

• Using chemical free cleaning technology to reduce microplastic and pollutant use.

• Partnering with certified suppliers committed to plastic reduction.

• Using high-quality microfibre cloths designed to minimise shedding and improve cleaning efficiency without the need for harsh chemicals.

• Educating our teams on sustainable fabric care and responsible waste handling.

• Tracking our environmental footprint through Planet Mark and B Corp frameworks.
  

  What can businesses do right now?

  
  

  1 Audit your operations: Identify where microplastic waste may be entering the environment from cleaning products to uniforms.

  2. Choose better materials:  Opt for natural fibres over synthetics, both in staff uniforms and office materials. Where synthetics are necessary like microfibre cloths—opt for durable, high-quality versions and explore recycling schemes.

  3. Invest in sustainable innovation: From laundry filters to packaging alternatives, small investments can lead to significant impact.

  4. Train your teams: Awareness leads to action. Help employees understand the issue and their role in reducing it.

  5. Collaborate and share: Join forces with other businesses and industry groups to innovate and drive change.

Leading by example

We’re proud to be part of a growing movement of UK businesses taking microplastic pollution seriously. Our certifications with Bcorp , ISO, and PlanetMark reflect our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

Microplastic waste might be invisible, but its impact is not. We are a business that’s good for the planet and people. We have a responsibility and an opportunity to lead by example.

By embedding sustainability into everyday decisions, we protect not just our planet, but also our long-term business health.

Ready to take action? Let’s connect, collaborate, and make small changes that lead to a bigger impact.