After 2 years of negotiations, the Regulation on preventing pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution has finally been formally approved by the European Parliament, paving the way for its publication in the Official Journal and entry into force in the coming weeks.
As pellet pollution is a daily reality for citizens – such as in Tarragona (Spain) or Ecaussinnes (Belgium) – Rethink Plastic alliance (RPa) welcomes this longawaited Regulation which we have advocated for over a decade (see the note to the editor below).
The final regulation marks a significant step towards a concrete “Zero Pellet Loss” objective and follows a comprehensive supply chain approach, introducing measures on prevention, adapted packaging, staff training, mandatory certification of conformity issued by an accredited certifier for medium and large
operators.
By mandating annual reporting on pellet losses for both EU and non-EU carriers, the European Union sends a strong global message that compliance and accountability are essential to tackling this major source of microplastic pollution.
Still, RPa is disappointed that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) managing
fewer than 1,500 tonnes per year per installation will fall outside the regulation’s ambition, facing only reduced obligations, such as a one-off certification five years after the regulation comes into effect. This represents a major loophole that risk undermining ambition in the new Regulation.
Quotes:
- “This Regulation is a long-overdue course correction – with this groundbreaking law, the EU is finally treating plastic pellets as the major microplastic hazard they are. For decades, producers and handlers have
been unaccountable for billions of pellets lost into the environment. This Regulation sets out a vital benchmark for accountability, establishing binding supply-chain obligations to protect the EU’s land and seas. Yet
loopholes and delayed implementation risk weakening its impact, allowing tonnes more pellets to slip through the cracks. We urge Member States and industry to deliver on the EU’s zero-pellet-loss ambition with decisive action and stop plastic pellet pollution at its source.”
Amy Youngman, Legal and Policy Specialist for the Environmental Investigation Agency
- “It is a huge relief to see EU decision-makers unite behind a binding regulation with a set of specific measures to fight plastic pellet pollution on both land and sea. The Commission got it right by choosing a supply chain approach, ensuring a uniform implementation of prevention and clean-up measures. Including maritime transport was a welcome addition, likely driven by recent container ship accidents, although an unjustified 3-year delay is disappointing. It is high time such binding rules replaced existing voluntary initiatives to ensure pellets are finally treated as the hazardous pollutant they are, not just another cargo”.
Frédérique Mongodin, Senior Marine Litter Policy Officer for Seas At Risk.
- “The situation in Tarragona is a prime example of why clear regulation is urgently needed. Plastic pellet pollution doesn’t only occur during maritime transport – it’s also a chronic issue on industrial sites, where
responsibilities are too often blurred between actors. After years of monitoring pollution on the ground and bringing this issue to decisionmakers, we know that challenges will remain even once the regulation is
fully adopted. We’ve documented pollution coming from small and medium-sized companies, and although EU decision-makers haven’t fully reflected this reality in the final text, the responsibility will now fall on
national and regional authorities. If the rules themselves aren’t strict enough, the on-the-ground inspections will have to be.”
Lucie Padovani, Marine Litter Lobbying Officer for Surfrider Foundation Europe.
For the Rethink Plastic Alliance, this regulation must be considered a basis which gives an essential tool to EU Member States to reach a Zero Pellet Loss Ambition. It belongs to them to make it effective, powerful, and to strictly follow its implementation.