Lawmakers broaden new regulations on microplastics to include shipping industry

The European Parliament and EU governments have reached an agreement on rules to reduce accidental microplastic pollution, following incidents where millions of small particles washed up on European beaches. The European Commission estimates that between 50,000 and 184,000 tonnes of plastic pellets, known as nurdles, are released into the environment each year. Despite the scale of the issue, the EU executive initially did not include maritime freight in their proposal for stricter safety standards on pellet transport. However, MEPs and governments pushed for maritime freight to be included, resulting in a provisional agreement that mandates firms shipping nurdles in containers to use high-quality packaging and provide detailed cargo information in line with international guidelines.

The new legislation, awaiting final approval from the parliament and EU Council, requires independent audits for medium and large operators and certification of conformity with the new rules for companies handling over 1,500 tonnes of plastic pellets annually. While there are exemptions for some smaller companies, the agreement has been praised as a significant step towards pollution control. Frédérique Mongodin of Seas At Risk called it a “ground-breaking regional approach” that addresses both land- and sea-based sources of pellet microplastic pollution. The inclusion of maritime transport, albeit with a three-year delay, was seen as a positive development in light of recent container ship accidents.

Microplastics have become a significant environmental concern, with scientific evidence showing their presence in nearly all life forms and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier in humans. The new legislation is seen as a way to hold polluters accountable and prevent ecological disasters like the plastic pellet spills seen in Spain, the Netherlands, and the North Sea. César Luena, who led the legislation through the European Parliament, highlighted the need to prevent future incidents by enforcing regulations on accidental microplastic pollution.

This legislation is the first of its kind to specifically target accidental microplastic pollution, following a previous law in 2023 that focused on phasing out intentionally added microplastics in various products. The emphasis on preventing accidental pollution underscores the EU’s commitment to addressing the widespread issue of plastic pollution and its detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. By implementing measures to regulate the transport and handling of plastic pellets, the EU aims to reduce the environmental impact of these tiny plastic particles and protect marine ecosystems from further contamination.

Overall, the agreement between the European Parliament and EU governments on rules to reduce accidental microplastic pollution represents a significant step forward in addressing the environmental impact of plastic pellets. By including maritime transport in the legislation and imposing stricter safety standards on pellet shipping, the EU aims to prevent future incidents of microplastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems from the harmful effects of plastic contamination. The new regulations, once finalized, will require companies to adhere to specific guidelines for packaging and cargo information, as well as undergo independent audits and certification to ensure compliance with the rules. With a focus on preventing ecological disasters and holding polluters accountable, the EU legislation sets a precedent for proactive measures to combat microplastic pollution and safeguard the environment for future generations.