PlastTrack

We are an interdisciplinary team that collaborates across the Danish-German border bringing in our expertise to develop a toolbox to monitor the transformation and degradation of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. The PlastTrack project is about developing a methodological toolbox, ready to track the degradation pathways of plastics in the environment. In addition, a product life cycle analysis (LCA) and related hazard assessment will be created, led by the Mads Clausen Institute at the University of Southern Denmark in Sønderborg. Together with partners from Germany, the project will map the plastic pollution in the sea. As part of the project, a toolbox will be developed that can be used for a future LCA framework for new materials and product development. In addition, the project will try to develop a tangible detection method for MNPs (Micro- and Nanoplastics) in seawater with a view to assessing environmental impacts. This is relevant for the maritime, food, coating and healthcare sectors. Such a methodology is of unique importance for policy makers and the public to understand the overall environmental impact of MNPs and environmental product declarations (EPDs). In the global context, PlastTrack will help understand the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans, which will support the development of mitigation solutions and break the climate change related ‘plastic-climate nexus’ problems.