The kick-off meeting of di ECHO project fostered insightful discussions on the broader environmental relevance of microplastics, emphasizing the importance of real-world context in scientific research. Participants shared perspectives on the presence and impact of MPs across diverse environmental settings—underscoring the need for integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to tackle these emerging contaminants. We would like to acknowledge our Speakers: Prof. Dr. Gabriela Kalčikova, Dr. Serena Ducoli, Dr. Leilei Zhang, and Dr. Sonia Tassone.