Microplastics in Supply Chains: What Businesses Need to Know

• April 15, 2025

Imagine something smaller than a sesame seed or the end of a pencil; but ubiquitous, in our oceans and earth and even the air we breathe and what we consume. We’re talking about microplastics, tiny plastic fragments smaller than 5mm in size, from the fragmentation of larger plastic waste. Microplastics are also resistant to degradation, taking centuries to remain in the environment, harming marine life, contaminating the ground, and making their way into our drinking water. The British Antarctic Survey issued a press release stating that microplastics have also been found in fresh snow in Antarctica. Plastic-dependent, synthetic, or packaging-based industries are inadvertently adding to microplastic pollution. With more regulations, consumer vigilance, and environmental concerns, businesses are now being held accountable for the way they produce and deal with microplastics in their supply chains. JB rPET is on a mission to help businesses navigate this challenge head-on. As an rPET manufacturer in India, we provide rPET solutions aiming for a more sustainable supply chain. Let’s take a look at where microplastics enter supply chains, the sectors most impacted, and what steps businesses need to take to reduce their footprint.

How Do Microplastics Enter Supply Chains?

For companies, microplastics in supply chains are a latent risk. They enter supply chains through various routes, usually unknown. By understanding these sources, they can reduce risks, maintain product integrity, and be in compliance with sustainability requirements.

1. Raw Material Production

Most industries use plastic-based raw materials with microplastics as additives or fillers. During processing, these tiny pieces of plastic may be released and find their way into supply chains.

2. Manufacturing Processes

Industrial processes such as plastic cutting, abrasion, and moulding generate microplastic dust and fragments, which pass through air, water, and surfaces and pollute production lines.

3. Synthetic Textiles & Fibres

Materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic release microplastic fibres during production, washing, and daily use. They find their way into wastewater, which eventually flows into rivers and oceans.

4. Plastic Packaging Breakdown

The problem is not all plastics, but low-quality or single-use plastics. It breaks down gradually as a result of exposure to heat, sun rays, and abrasion. The breakdown of such plastic produces microplastics that can combine with foodstuffs, drinks, and other packaged items.

5. Transportation & Storage Contamination

The wear and tear of plastic-based storage containers, pallets, and transport materials cause microscopic plastic fragments to leach into products, increasing contamination risks.

6. Industrial Waste & Runoff

Firms and processing units tend to release wastewater containing microplastics from manufacturing waste, unfiltered into water bodies, which increases contamination in supply chains.

Which Industries Are at Risk?

While microplastic pollution affects nearly every industry, the top 5 sectors that are more vulnerable than others are mentioned below.

1. Fashion & Textiles

Synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and spandex shed microplastic fibres when produced, washed, or even worn every day. Such small fibres find their way into wastewater streams, contaminating oceans and freshwater bodies. Recycled plastics with little plastic shedding are becoming the new norm.

2. Food & Beverage

Plastic packaging, especially single-use containers, can degrade over time, leaching microplastics into food and drinks. Recent studies have detected microplastics in bottled water, seafood, and even table salt. Many brands are switching to rPET (recycled PET) to address this problem with sustainable packaging solutions.

3. Personal Care & Cosmetics

Microbeads, small plastic beads found in exfoliating face and body scrubs, toothpaste, and cosmetics, are a point source of microplastic contamination, frequently washing directly into water bodies. In 2023, the EU prohibited adding microplastics used in products. As global restrictions tighten, beauty and personal care companies are under pressure to substitute microplastics with biodegradable or natural alternatives.

4. Manufacturing & Packaging

Industrial operations involving plastic components, plastic adhesives, and composite materials pose a gigantic risk of microplastic pollution. Molding, handling, and cutting plastic products lead to plastic powder and dust. To reduce this, industries are considering implementing biodegradable packaging, rPET-based materials, and closed-loop recycling solutions to encapsulate plastic waste and environmental harm.

5. Automotive & Electronics

Tyres, car interiors, and plastic enclosures in devices release microplastics due to wear and tear. These particles tend to settle in air and water sources. Companies are exploring alternative materials and better recycling methods to address this growing issue.

What Can Businesses Do?

It is the need of the hour to relook at the business supply chains and take proactive steps toward reducing microplastic contamination. Here’s how:

1. Choose Sustainable & Certified

Materials Swap virgin plastics for premium recycled PET resins from industry leaders such as JB rPET. Our recycled pellets are just as durable as virgin PET while greatly reducing its environmental footprint.

2. Improve Manufacturing Processes

Invest in improved filtration systems to avoid microplastic spillage into water and air. Use closed-loop systems where plastic waste gets recycled constantly rather than being thrown away.

3. Adopt Sustainable Packaging

Minimize the use of single-use plastics by adopting recycled and biodegradable packaging. Promote minimalist packaging to reduce excess plastic usage.

4. Comply with Regulations & Industry Standards

Regulators are implementing bans on microplastics in items, extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations, and increased packaging waste requirements. Companies have to remain aware of these regulations, remain compliant with regulations, and practice sustainable material procurement. Non-compliance can lead to legal action, loss of public image, and loss of customer confidence.

5. Supply Chain Integrity

Regularly audit suppliers to make sure they adhere to sustainability requirements. Make sure that any “recycled materials” incorporated in your products are actually recycled and not merely labelled as such. We, at JB rPET, aim to provide traceability and openness.

6. Educate Employees & Consumers

Train employees on best practices for minimising microplastic pollution. Promote responsible disposal and recycling habits on products so that plastics can be recycled and reused and remain in the economy, rather than in landfills.

Conclusion

Microplastics have evolved from an environmental concern to a business risk. Future-looking companies are turning to recycled PET (rPET) and other alternative materials to decrease their plastic usage. JB rPET assists businesses in shifting toward sustainable packaging and production practices in line with world regulations and customer demands. Is your company ready to take action?