(Finance) – The European Commission proposed for the first time measures aimed at prevent microplastic pollution due to accidental release from plastic pellets. This is the raw material used to produce all plastic and most pellets are microplastics up to 5mm, while a smaller portion may be slightly larger.
Between 52 and 184 thousand tonnes of pellets are released into the environment every year due to mismanagement along the entire supply chain, according to the EU executive. Today’s proposal aims to ensure that all operators dealing with pellets in the EU take the necessary precautionary measures. This is expected to reduce pellet releases by up to 74%, leading to cleaner ecosystems, helping to make rivers and oceans plastic-free and reducing potential risks to human health. Common measures across the EU will also help ensure a level playing field for operators.
“Today’s proposal marks an important step in the fight against microplastic pollution – he commented Maros Sefcovic, executive vice president for the European Green Deal – Tackling the unintentional release of plastic pellets solves 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.”
The proposal concerns in particular best practices for operators regarding pellet processing, mandatory certification and self-declarations, as well as a common methodology for estimating losses. Less stringent requirements will apply to small and medium-sized businesses to help them comply.
The proposal will be now carried out by the European Parliament and the Council according to the ordinary legislative procedure.