MARII was founded by the International Council of Chemical Associations in 2022 to advance microplastics science around the globe.

MARII is a global scientific forum convening experts from academia, research institutions, government and industry to exchange knowledge on microplastics. MARII coordinates workshops, conferences and webinars to advance scientific understanding, standardize methodologies, and align research efforts around the world.

Through this work, MARII aims to:

  • Facilitate global scientific exchange by sharing information on current research, emerging test methods, and new technologies.
  • Convene expert gatherings—including conferences and webinars—to collectively evaluate ongoing research and identify key knowledge gaps.
  • Support collaborative research and data-sharing by leveraging resources to inform microplastics risk assessment and accelerate development of standardized test methods.

Advances in detecting microplastics have significantly increased awareness among the public and regulators worldwide. Yet researchers continue to face challenges such as the lack of standardized, validated methods, which limit the ability to draw definitive conclusions from existing studies. MARII brings together experts studying microplastics to share their insights with one another and work together on filling critical knowledge gaps and developing consistent, reproducible approaches to assess the potential impacts of microplastics on both human health and the environment. This collaborative effort is essential to guide informed decision-making and effective management of potential microplastic risks globally.

Learn more about MARII’s upcoming and past events.

Industry associations affiliated with the International Council of Chemical Associations—including the American Chemistry Council, Cefic, the Japan Chemical Industry Association, and Plastics Europe—have collectively pledged millions of dollars to support microplastics research. This investment has enabled projects involving over 100 researchers across 37 institutions worldwide.

MARII plays a key role in coordinating these efforts, helping to organize and accelerate research funded by the four associations around the globe.

Learn more about past, ongoing, and current research funding opportunities.

Interested in MARII or have a specific inquiry? Email us at info@marii.org.