Organic polymers and microplastics pose a major challenge for our environment and our society.
Agricultural sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants currently releases enormous quantities of polymer cosmetic additives into soils, inland waters and the world’s oceans, where they are increasingly accumulating. Due to increased environmental awareness, there is growing pressure, particularly from consumers, to design cosmetic products in an environmentally friendly way and to avoid microplastics. The search for functional substitutes is proving extremely difficult. Hair cleansing products (shampoos), for example, can now deliver satisfactory results without critical substances such as silicones or synthetic emulsifiers. However, the market is still looking for environmentally friendly, biodegradable and minerizable alternatives, particularly in the area of hair setting products.