Understanding Microplastics – Technology, Responsibility, Future

On June 18, 2025, Stuttgart became the stage for an important dialogue on one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time: microplastics. Invisible yet omnipresent – whether through packaging or tire wear – microplastics enter our environment and pose an increasing challenge.

As part of our talk series “Let’s talk Greenovation”, experts from science and technology discussed the causes, impacts, and solutions related to microplastics. The evening was moderated by Jacob Beautemps, a science YouTuber and science communicator, who skillfully guided through this complex topic.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the URBANFILTER project. Johannes Neupert from the Technical University of Berlin presented this innovative filtration system that retains microplastics in street runoff water – before it reaches rivers and oceans. Wolfgang Rommel, Professor of Process Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences Augsburg brought his many years of experience in environmental engineering and enriched the discussion with fascinating anecdotes. Marco Beeken, Professor of Chemistry Didactics at the University of Osnabrück, demonstrated how microplastics can be made visible through impressive experiments and surprised the audience with striking facts – such as the fact that each person produces around four kilograms of microplastics per year. Rüdiger Recknagel, Managing Director of the Audi Environmental Foundation, emphasized the shared responsibility of business, politics, and society: “Plastic is part of our everyday lives – but how we deal with it is our decision.”

Let’s talk Greenovation once again impressed with depth, clear positioning, and inspiring exchange. The event clearly showed: technology, innovation, and human behavior must go hand in hand to protect our environment sustainably.