Microplastics and Nanoplastics: What It Means for NZ Plastics

This article was originally published in the Environment Committee’s ‘Sustainability News’ newsletter. For more content like this, Members email katy@plastics.org.nz to make sure you’re subscribed!

Relevance to the NZ Plastics Sector

• Despite currently limited monitoring, MNPs have been identified across the motu in Aotearoa in air, soils, beach sediments, wastewater, waterways, and flora and fauna.

• Plastic polymer types identified are similar across these locations and are representative of commonly used plastics: largely PP, PMMA, PE, PC, PVC, PET, and nylon 66, with lower amounts of PS, PU, PLA, PBAT, PCL, and PVA/MA.

• Industrial sources are identified as a release risk:

• The manufacturing and release of intentionally made MNPs, including pre-production pellets, is identified as a risk.

• The release of MNPs through atmospheric and wastewater discharge from mechanical recycling operations is identified as risk.

• An additional risk factor of recycled materials is that they carry higher levels of NIAS of unknown types and concentration.

• The updated Health Risk Assessment also specifically names plastic recycling facilities as an occupational environment with elevated airborne MNP exposure.

The Regulatory Landscape

• Internationally, some existing agreements already set targets to reduce industrial MNP release and the Global Plastics Treaty proposes limitations to MNPs that are intentionally added or created during manufacturing, as well as primary microplastics (including pellets, flakes, and powders).

• Locally, NZ has restricted microbeads in wash-off products through the Waste Minimisation (Microbeads) Regulation 2018. However, several other primary MNP sources remain unregulated at present. The updated Health Risk Assessment flags limiting unnecessary intentionally added MNPs, strengthening controls on chemicals of concern, and adopting lifecycle measures to reduce the release of secondary MNPs.

• There are currently no thresholds, no bands, and no standard monitoring method for MNPs, though it is feasible they could be folded into instruments like the NES–Contaminated Soils or the HSNO Act once evidence firms up.

• The report recommends "routine and coordinated monitoring" across air, water, soil, and source pathways - this could mean new monitoring obligations down the line.

Risks to Industry

• There are reputational and market-access risks for exporters (seafood, horticulture, meat, dairy) if MNPs are detected in their products.

• Monitoring for MNPs is costly, and this burden could fall on industry if monitoring is enforced or required for market access. To put a number on it, per-sample testing costs roughly NZ$1,500 - 5,000 depending on the method.

• There is also broad reputational risks to industry as a perceived source of contamination - for example, in the eyes of the general public.

Key Takeaways:

The documents highlight the increasing reputational risk to our industry posed by MNPs. We know that plastics provide benefits to society. At the same time, we must ensure we have the right measures in place to handle and dispose of them properly to mitigate this risk.

The reports also highlight that MNPs are a growing focus of the global regulatory landscape. Industrial processes have been identified as a source of release, including as raw materials and byproducts from manufacturing and mechanical recycling. The report signals that the direction of travel (even if slowly) is toward tighter regulation surrounding the use and release of these materials.

The good news is that industry can prepare for this now. All sites can put measures in place to mitigate their release of plastic pellets, flakes, and powders. Operation Clean Sweep can help support sites in identifying the measures needed, as well as providing certification that demonstrates these measures are in place. Undertaking an advisory audit today can help our industry build capability to tackle the issue before regulation takes effect. This can help us to remain credible and trusted in the face of reports such as these. Contact Katy@plastics.org.nz for more information.

Not a plastics handling site? Material suppliers and brands selling plastic products and packaging can drive responsible handling across the supply chain by joining OCS as a supporter. Find out more here: https://operationcleansweep.org.nz/ocs-nz-supporters

Learnings from the Newly Released Microplastics and Nanoplastics Report

On the 25 August, MFE/MCERT released the "Microplastics and nanoplastics in soil, water, and air" report, alongside an updated Health Risk Assessment. These documents provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the impacts, presence, and regulations surrounding micro and nano plastics (MNPs).

The documents can be accessed here: https://environment.govt.nz/publications/microplastics-and-nanoplastics-in-soil-water-and-air/

The report functions as an "attribute stocktake" with findings could inform future regulations. The main items of interest to our industry are outlined below.

Risks Posed by MNPs

• Research indicates and it is generally accepted globally that MNPs pose a risk to ecological and human health.

• The exact impacts and degree of risk vary between studies and are widely debated.

• Global plastic production is projected to double by 2040 (OECD); MNP loads are likely to escalate under the status quo.

• The updated Health Risk Assessment states that plastics are not inert: they carry and release a wide range of associated chemicals, including additives and · non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), many of which are known to have human health effects.

• A precautionary approach is advised, echoing WHO's position that MNPs "don't belong in the environment" regardless of unresolved health risks.