What are microplastics?

Microplastics are microscopic plastic fragments with a length of less than 5 mm, smaller than a grain of rice.

Microplastics are divided into two categories. Primary microplastics are microscopic particles that are purposefully produced for commercial usage, such as in cosmetics, nurdles-plastic pellets used in industrial manufacturing, and nylon fibres.

Secondary microplastics are created when bigger plastic products, such as bottles, fishing nets, and plastic bags, degrade. This happens as a result of exposure to the environment, such as sunlight, wind, and ocean waves.