Plastic Planks: Should We Fear Microplastic Pollution?

In recent years, studies have repeatedly shown that microplastics are almost everywhere—present in our water, soil, and even food. But how much do recycled plastic products contribute to this issue?

Exactly Are Microplastics, and How Are They Produced?

Microplastics are officially defined as plastic particles smaller than half a millimetre, including those invisible to the naked eye. They are produced by virtually every plastic item we use daily. Everything from electronic covers to plastic parts in household devices contributes to their creation.

Microplastics form in two main ways:

1. Wear and Tear: This occurs during use, through abrasion, friction, or scratching.
2. Degradation: Plastics breaking down due to UV exposure or erosion often release significant amounts of microplastic particles.
   1. Matters More Than You Think!

The majority of microplastics come from low-quality, cheaply manufactured plastics. Items like PET bottles, food packaging (PP), and PVC products are among the worst offenders. These materials degrade quickly under UV light, releasing millions of tiny particles into the environment, which ultimately reach water sources, soil, and living organisms.

For instance, cheap PVC decking boards are notorious contributors to microplastic pollution and should be avoided whenever possible.

On the other hand, durable, UV-resistant plastics that are hard to damage produce far fewer microplastics. At LL Plastic, we offer only high-quality recycled plastic products designed with these concerns in mind.

Recycled Plastic Planks and Fence Elements: Minimal Pollution

When comparing conventional wooden planks to recycled plastic planks, the results may surprise you. While untreated raw wooden planks might seem like the eco-friendlier choice, they are rarely used outdoors. Instead, most wooden planks are coated with UV-resistant paint or treatments, which can also release micro-particles.

This means that, in terms of pollution, there’s little difference between painted wood and recycled plastic boards. However, the durability of recycled plastic products is a clear advantage. The UV-resistant recycled plastic boards we offer can last for decades without requiring staining or treatments, and they produce minimal microplastic pollution in the process.