ABSTRACT
The uncontrolled generation and dispersion of plastic debris and microplastics in the environment and particularly in the oceans has become a global problem. The present paper intends to critically analyse the source and quantities of microplastic debris produced by geosynthetics vs the environmental benefits afforded by geosynthetics. The paper considers the environmental innovation in the geosynthetics industry. Some fake news which associate geosynthetics to detrimental effects like the generation of plastic debris and microplastics are critically analysed. It is shown that in reality the advantages of geosynthetics are much larger than disadvantages, while detrimental effects are absolutely minimal. The conclusions highlight the undisputable fact that the generation of plastic debris and microplastics from geosynthetics is very limited, and lower than the quantities of microplastics generated by alternative solutions.
