The extent of the problem was uncovered through extensive fieldwork conducted on selected beaches in western Jutland, where a study had indicated that there was a high likelihood of finding marine debris. The company Strandet had identified microplastics in the form of plastic pellets in Nørre Vorupøre, but the extent of the problem in terms of the amount of microplastics in this size range on the Jutland west coast was unknown. Therefore, part of the project was to gain more knowledge about this so that the appropriate equipment could be developed. The fieldwork revealed large amounts of microplastics on the surveyed beaches, and toxicological analyses showed that the fauna is exposed to acute toxicity, mutations, and reproductive problems, and that it can be harmful for humans to consume fish and mussels contaminated with microplastics.

It was investigated which principles could be applied in a machine to remove the microplastics and how such a machine could be constructed. Subsequently, several prototypes were designed and manufactured as part of the project. Numerous tests were conducted, followed by optimization of the prototypes and user trials. CemeCon’s primary role in the project was to coat elements of the sorting unit for collecting plastic – the filter unit, shaft, spacer tubes, and bolts – to increase the wear and corrosion resistance of these components.

The project is a development project created as a collaboration between knowledge institutions, universities, and private companies.

The project is a collaboration between the following partners:

• Fredericia Maskinmesterskole
• Dansk Materiale Netværk
• Ocean Plastic Forum
• Alumeco A/S
• Hvide Sande Shipyard, Steel & Service (HVSA)
• Strandet
• Virkekraft
• KIMO Denmark
• Maskinmestrenes Forening (MMF)
• Fiskeri og Søfartsmuseet (FIMUS)
• Roskilde Universitet (RUC)
• Syddansk Universitet (SDU)
• Ren Strand Fanø
• DHI A/S
• Alumeco
• CemeCon Scandinavia