Stop particles at the source
The EU Commission wants to reduce microplastics
October 16, 2023, 7:16 p.m
Microplastics can now be found everywhere. The EU Commission wants to limit this and tighten the laws for companies. This is intended to massively reduce the burden on the environment. If pollution still occurs, the companies themselves would have to take action.
In the future, stricter rules will apply to the processing of plastic granules in the European Union. According to a proposal from the EU Commission, companies should submit measures to prevent microplastics from production from entering the environment. The Brussels authority wants to ensure that up to 74 percent less plastic granules are released.
“Microplastics are omnipresent and we must stop pollution at the source,” said EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius. The proposed law affects plastic particles, which are usually smaller than five millimeters, extremely long-lasting and difficult to break down in nature. With the law, the EU is tackling a serious problem for the environment and health, explained the EU representative for the Green Deal climate protection package, Maros Sefcovic.
In the future, manufacturers should ensure that no plastic granules from production end up in the environment. If that happens, the companies should be responsible for the clean-up work. According to the proposal, large corporations should have their plans confirmed by independent certifiers; for small companies, self-disclosure is sufficient.
According to estimates by the EU Commission, up to 184,000 tonnes of plastic granules are released into the environment every year due to errors in production. In addition to the rules now proposed for companies, Brussels had already deliberately added microplastics at the end of September such as granules on artificial turf and loose glitter in cosmetic products. By 2030, a total of 30 percent less microplastics should be released in the EU.