Microplastics Everywhere
Tiny Particles in Our Bodies - What Does This Mean for Our Health?
Bluestein’s Take
Our mission at Bluestein Ventures is to make the food system better, healthier, and more sustainable. Reducing microplastics is an area where these goals converge, as addressing this issue has the potential to improve the environment, protect human health, and enhance food safety.
The problem is growing, with over 460 million metric tons of plastic produced annually.1 Much of this plastic ends up as waste, and microplastics have infiltrated nearly every aspect of our environment. Recent studies increasingly reveal their presence in human tissues and their harmful effects on ecosystems, highlighting the need for innovative solutions.2 Microplastics’ impact on the food system, from seafood contamination to soil health, poses risks to human health and food security.
The time to act is now due to rising plastic production, inadequate waste management solutions, increasing awareness of the health risks from ingesting microplastics, and widespread government and corporate intervention acting as
acatalysts. With rising consumer awareness and demand, large corporations like Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Unilever are committing to phasing out single-use plastics and transitioning to sustainable packaging solutions, accelerating demand for innovations in microplastics reduction.Bluestein is excited about the opportunity to address these challenges through scalable innovations. We’re particularly interested in solutions that span multiple industries (e.g., packaging, water treatment, cosmetics), leverage regulatory tailwinds, and offer cost-effective options that don’t require major shifts in consumer behavior.
The Problem: Understanding Microplastics and Their Pervasive Impact
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are now found everywhere—from packaged foods and inside our homes to oceans, rivers, soil, and the air we breathe. These contaminants pose significant threats to the environment and human health. For example, global plastic production now exceeds 460 million tons annually, yet only 9% of it is recycled, posing threats to our ecosystem.3 These particles are also detectable in human tissues, raising critical questions about their long-term health effects.45
Types of Microplastics
Microplastics fall into two main categories: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured to be small, such as microbeads used in cosmetics and personal care products. Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, are formed when larger plastic items break down over time due to environmental factors. An example of how secondary microplastics impact the food system is in agricultural soils; plastic mulch and other farming tools degrade over time, leaving behind microplastic particles that can be absorbed by crops, potentially entering the food chain.6
Nanoplastics, which are smaller than 1 micrometer, can be categorized as either primary or secondary microplastics. The discovery of nanoplastics is relatively recent, with the term gaining prominence in the scientific community around 2008.7 The detection and measurement of these minuscule particles initially posed significant challenges due to their size and the limitations of existing analytical techniques. However, technological advancements have revolutionized our ability to study nanoplastics, with cutting-edge technologies such as Raman micro-spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) greatly enhancing our capacity to detect and characterize nanoplastics in recent years8 – which enable researchers to identify the chemical composition of individual nanoparticles and provide insights into their origins and potential impacts.
Innovative sampling methods have made it possible to isolate nanoplastics from complex environmental matrices, such as seawater. For example, researchers recently identified nanoplastics in ocean waters using a new bubble deposition technique, allowing for the first visual confirmation of their shapes and chemical diversity.9 This breakthrough has enabled scientists to visually confirm the presence of nanoplastics and study their diverse shapes and chemical properties in natural settings.
These tiny particles pose additional threats to environmental and human health. For one, these particles can penetrate deep into biological tissues, including at the cellular level. As technology continues to evolve, our understanding of nanoplastics will expand, which will be crucial in assessing the full extent of plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems and human health.
Pathways of Microplastic Contamination
Microplastics enter and accumulate in ecosystems through various pathways, ultimately impacting the food system at multiple levels. Most microplastics originate on land, where they are released into the environment from sources like urban runoff, plastic waste disposal, industrial processes, and food waste management.10 These particles are then transported by rivers, winds, and stormwater systems into larger bodies of water, eventually reaching the ocean. Once in the marine environment, microplastics are carried by ocean currents, spreading across global waters and accumulating in ecological zones, including areas critical to the food supply, such as fisheries and aquaculture sites. Both synthetic textiles and car tires are major sources of microplastic pollution in the ocean.11
For example, as tires wear down, they release a significant amount of microplastic particles, which end up in waterways through runoff and contribute heavily to marine pollution. This issue is exacerbated by 6PPD, a chemical in tires that breaks down into toxic compounds harmful to marine life. Innovations like The Tyre Collective’s electrostatic plates, which are applied to car tires, offer a promising way to capture these particles at the source, reducing their environmental impact.12 Additionally, supply chain innovations leveraging AI can indirectly help minimize tire pollution by optimizing the routing of commercial vehicles, reducing the miles driven and thus decreasing tire wear.
A significant route for microplastic contamination in food systems also comes from the breakdown of plastic in food packaging and waste management processes. Microplastics have been detected in various foods, including shellfish, rice, fruits, and vegetables.13 For example, studies have shown that plastic contamination in pre-cooked instant rice is four times greater than in uncooked rice, likely due to the heating of plastic packaging.14 Styrofoam containers, commonly used for disposable food packaging, release microplastics at a higher rate when exposed to high temperatures, such as during microwaving or contact with hot liquids. However, microplastics can leach into food through multiple factors beyond just heat. Leaching is influenced by temperature, but also by the length of time food is in contact with plastic, physical stress on the packaging, and the type of food itself—acidic, fatty, or liquid foods are particularly susceptible.15
Efforts to make plastic packaging safer, such as labeling products as BPA free, address only one specific chemical without protecting against microplastic contamination. While BPA-free products avoid bisphenol A, a known endocrine disruptor, they can still release microplastic particles.16 This label may give a false sense of security, as it overlooks the potential for these plastics to shed other harmful particles, leaving consumers exposed to microplastic contamination in their food.
The way food waste is managed can lead to further microplastic contamination. In many municipalities, food waste is collected in plastic bags that break down into microplastics over time. Even in composting facilities, where large plastics may be filtered out, microplastics from these bags often persist and become incorporated into the compost. These particles can then enter agricultural soils, where they may be taken up by crops, leading to microplastic exposure for both humans and animals through food consumption.17
Microplastics are both pervasive and durable – taking hundreds of years to degrade fully – which makes them a persistent contaminant in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. As they infiltrate these systems, microplastics pose a direct threat to the integrity of our food sources. In marine environments, they accumulate in seafood, so when humans consume fish or shellfish, we may also ingest microplastics and any toxins they carry.18 This raises serious concerns about seafood safety. On land, microplastics can enter agricultural soils, potentially affecting the quality of crops and leading to contamination in other food sources. Together, these factors highlight a broader issue of food security, as the presence of microplastics in food systems may reduce the reliability and quality of our food supply, impacting our ability to sustain human health and nutrition.
Impact on Ecosystems and Health
Microplastics have been detected in various human organs, including the liver, kidneys, and even the placenta. Studies show that nanoplastics can enter cells, raising concerns about oxidative stress, DNA mutations, and cellular disruptions, potentially leading to long-term health effects.19 Recent research suggests that microplastics may disrupt hormone balance by interfering with endocrine function, posing risks to fertility and reproductive health. These particles can mimic hormones or disrupt their function, potentially leading to issues such as decreased sperm quality and fertility challenges in both men and women.20 Microplastics can also act as obesogens, disrupting metabolic processes in ways that may contribute to weight gain and obesity.21 Their prevalence in food, water, and air only underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. For example, 93% of bottled water samples contain synthetic polymer particles, and microplastics have been found in seafood, table salt, and even human breast milk.222324 This wide-scale exposure highlights the need for further investigation into how microplastics interact with the human body and the potential health risks they pose.
The Growing Concern Over Microplastics: Why Now?
Several factors have pushed microplastics to the forefront of global concern:
Regulatory Momentum: Governments worldwide are now introducing laws to reduce plastic waste and limit microplastic pollution, creating both challenges and opportunities for innovation. The European Union, for example, has implemented strict regulations on single-use plastics, aiming for at least 70% of the weight of all packaging to be recycled by 2030.25 In the United States, California became the first state to mandate a statewide microplastics testing program for drinking water, launching a phased plan in 2023 to monitor large community water systems for microplastic contamination.26
Increased Awareness: Media attention, along with mounting scientific evidence have brought microplastics to the attention of the global conversation. A recent study by Ocean Conservancy found that public awareness of microplastics is increasing in the U.S., with nearly half of adults now familiar with the term, signaling a heightened concern for the environmental and health risks associated with plastic pollution.27 An example of efforts to increase awareness is the Florida Microplastic Awareness Project, launched by the University of Florida and funded by NOAA in 2015.28 Corporations are also pushing for change. For example, Coca-Cola aims for 100% of its packaging to be recyclable by 2025, and to use 50% recycled material by 2030.2930
Rising Plastic Production: With plastic production soaring, much of this plastic ends up as waste, contributing to the global microplastics crisis. Since the 1970s, plastic production has accelerated faster than that of any other material, with half of all plastic produced intended for single-use purposes.31 As our reliance on plastic products increases, from food packaging to cosmetics, managing plastic waste and its environmental impact has become a growing challenge worldwide.
Health Risks: Although research is still emerging, studies have linked microplastics to various health risks, such as respiratory, digestive, and reproductive issues. Animal studies have found that exposure to microplastics can lead to DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation. For example, zebrafish exposed to microplastics exhibited inflammation, indicating potential immune responses that could mirror those in humans under similar conditions.32
Technological Advancements: Advancements in technology are boosting our ability to detect, filter, and recycle microplastics. Spectroscopy techniques like Raman and FTIR now allow researchers to identify plastic particles as tiny as 1 micrometer, while innovative filtration systems, including nanofiltration membranes, help capture microplastics in wastewater.3334 Companies like Carbios are advancing chemical recycling methods, breaking down hard-to-recycle plastics into reusable materials. AI-powered microscopes and magnetic nanoparticles are further enhancing detection and removal in diverse environments, offering more scalable solutions to address microplastic pollution effectively.35
The Opportunity in Microplastic Reduction and Innovation
Innovation in microplastics reduction spans various modalities aimed at addressing contamination both at its source and within the environment. Key areas of focus include:
Alternative Materials and Packaging: Startups are developing biodegradable and compostable materials to replace traditional plastics, aiming to prevent pollution at the source. While these innovations hold promise for long-term impact, they face challenges in scalability and cost efficiency. Notable examples include Kelpi and Naturbeads. Kelpi focuses on seaweed-based bioplastics, providing a compostable alternative for packaging applications that aims to reduce dependency on petroleum-based plastics. Naturbeads, on the other hand, specializes in creating biodegradable microbeads from cellulose, offering a sustainable solution for industries that traditionally rely on plastic microbeads, such as cosmetics and personal care.
Detection and Monitoring Technologies: Real-time tracking of microplastics is essential for assessing contamination and guiding regulations. For example, Zaitrus makes microplastics detection more affordable and practical. Using electrical impedance spectroscopy and AI, Zaitrus provides continuous, on-site monitoring, eliminating the need for costly lab sampling and analysis. This streamlined approach pushes microplastic detection toward scalable, real-world applications.
Filtration and Removal Solutions: From wastewater treatment plants to household appliances, filtration systems are essential for preventing microplastics from entering food and water sources. Current technologies remove approximately 90% of microplastics in wastewater, though smaller particles often escape.36 Baleena is a startup focusing on household solutions, designing filters for washing machines that capture microplastics released during laundry cycles, tackling one of the main sources of microplastics from everyday activities. Matter, on the other hand, takes a multi-tiered approach, developing filtration technology not only for consumer laundry but also for large-scale applications in wastewater treatment facilities.
Waste Transformation and Recycling: Innovations in chemical and biological recycling aim to transform plastic waste into reusable materials, promoting a circular economy. Despite promising advances, economic feasibility remains a challenge. Birch Biosciences is focused on enzymatic PET recycling, breaking down plastics into building blocks to create fully recycled resin. This approach focuses on making traditional plastics part of a sustainable cycle, helping reduce reliance on virgin plastic production.
The chart below maps out companies that offer solutions – both B2C and B2B – for addressing needs across microplastics reduction, including the modalities outlined above.
Key Insights
The Value of Specialized Solutions
While specialized microplastic solutions may seem niche, they address critical issues in industries with high regulatory and consumer expectations, allowing them to command premium pricing. Sectors like food and beverage, healthcare, and high-end cosmetics are willing to invest in these solutions due to the regulatory and reputational risks involved. For example, luxury brands like Chanel and REN Clean Skincare are prioritizing reducing plastic waste, showing that in high-value markets, the added cost is more acceptable due to higher customer willingness to pay for sustainable solutions.3738
Evolution from Specific to Broad Applications
Many companies in the microplastics space begin with a focused application—such as laundry filtration or single-use packaging alternatives—before expanding into broader environmental or industrial uses. This strategy allows companies to build initial traction in one area, proving efficacy, before scaling to address larger TAMs. In particular, filtration technology providers often start with household or textile-specific solutions and gradually move to industrial applications as they demonstrate reliability and scalability.
Integration of Advanced Technology for Competitive Differentiation
In the field of detection and monitoring, seamless integration of advanced technology is essential for meeting regulatory and industry expectations. Traditional microplastics detection methods, while accurate, often require lengthy lab processing times, which can delay action and limit their real-world applicability.39 To address this, solutions like Zaitrus' real-time detection system have emerged, embedding AI-driven analytics and continuous monitoring directly into operational workflows. By incorporating advanced technology into real-time monitoring, operators can quickly identify and respond to contamination events, making regulatory compliance easier, and environmental protection more proactive.
Scalability and Cost Considerations
Scalability remains a significant challenge for companies focused on alternative materials and packaging, where balancing cost with sustainability goals is crucial. While materials innovation holds promise, achieving economic feasibility is essential for mainstream adoption. Although 60 to 70 percent of consumers indicate they would pay more for sustainable packaging, achieving cost competitiveness with conventional plastics remains crucial, as the premium consumers are willing to pay is modest.40 Strategic partnerships with industry leaders, such as large CPG companies or industrial plastics manufacturers, can accelerate scalability by integrating new solutions within existing infrastructure. These partnerships not only provide access to larger distribution networks but also help absorb initial costs, making sustainable alternatives more economically viable.
However, a fundamental challenge remains: achieving scale often requires partnerships, but demonstrating cost-effectiveness without that scale can be difficult for startups. One strategy is to target high-margin, niche markets where customers are willing to pay a premium for sustainability, creating proof points that can attract larger partners. For example, Loliware, a startup producing seaweed-based straws, initially targeted premium brands like Pernod Ricard USA. Pernod Ricard, a global leader in wine and spirits, partnered with Loliware to support its sustainability efforts by introducing eco-friendly, edible straws for its cocktails, aligning with its commitment to reducing single-use plastics in the beverage industry.41
Regulatory Alignment as a Key Adoption Driver
With stricter microplastics regulations on the horizon, particularly in the EU and North America, there is a significant opportunity for solutions that align with these new standards. The 2018 California Safe Drinking Water Act: Microplastics may pave the way for broader state regulations, depending on the results from the initial phase of monitoring efforts.42 While California is currently focused on testing drinking water, future regulations could extend further upstream to encompass areas that manufacture, use, or discharge microplastics. Companies demonstrating clear environmental benefits will be well-positioned to lead in regulatory compliance, especially in sectors like food packaging, where both regulators and companies are prioritizing sustainability.
Evaluative Criteria for Microplastics Solutions
To assess investment opportunities in microplastics reduction, we begin by exploring the broader impact and market potential of each solution: How critical is the problem it addresses, and does it align with key industry trends? Can it adapt across various sectors, and does it hold long-term relevance as environmental and health standards evolve? This framework enables us to identify the most promising innovations in the space.
In the microplastics sector, we dig deeper to ask — does the solution:
Tackle an underserved, high-priority area of contamination, such as food or water?
Align with growing regulatory threats or demands, or acute consumer preferences for sustainability?
Offer a unique and scalable approach that can be integrated across multiple industries (e.g., packaging, water treatment)?
Benefit all stakeholders, ensuring that the solution supports producers, intermediaries, and consumers in meeting their financial needs and adopting sustainable practices effectively across the supply chain?
Demonstrate unit economics that support a compelling path to cost parity with conventional solutions or serve a large enough high-value market where consumers are willing to pay a premium?
For Bluestein, measurable impact is essential. Solutions that demonstrate quantifiable reductions in contamination levels, such as lower microplastic counts in water samples, or show clear metrics of success in waste transformation and recycling processes, stand out as strong investment candidates. The best solutions not only address pressing contamination challenges but also deliver demonstrable improvements, align with regulatory pushes, and encourage adoption across sectors by offering a clear, quantifiable benefit.
What’s Next
The fight against microplastics is just beginning, and it’s moving fast. We’re committed to backing the innovators who are tackling this issue head-on. If you're working on a solution to help reduce microplastics, reach out to us at info@bluesteinventures.com. We’d love to learn more and explore ways to support your vision.
A big thank you to our MBA intern Michael Del Monte for his analysis on this space!
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