Across the entire supply chain, between 52,000 and 184,000 tons of plastic pellets end up in the environment every year (Image source: Pixabay)

Our ecosystems are increasingly polluted with microplastics – the smallest plastic particles. This problem is being tackled as part of the EU Plastics Strategy. Following the publication of regulations in September this year to restrict the deliberate addition of microplastics, there are now measures to reduce pollution caused by microplastics from plastic pellets.

The aim is to reduce the release of plastic pellets by up to 74 percent. The measures force companies that handle the granulate to comply with certain safety measures. These relate to transportation, among other things. According to the EU Commission’s proposal, there should also be a certification system with independent controls. In addition, losses are to be better assessed using a harmonized method and environmental awareness is to be raised overall.

“Today’s proposal marks an important step in the fight against microplastic pollution. Tackling the unintentional release of plastic pellets addresses a serious problem not only for our environment but also for our health, and helps us achieve the zero pollution ambition of the European Green Deal. When it comes to microplastics leakage, prevention is the only solution.” – Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal

Further information can be found in the EU Commission’s press release dated October 16, 2023.

Source: EU Commission