The EU has passed a law to reduce microplastic pollution
On September 22, new EU regulations aim to reduce microplastic pollution by strengthening controls on plastic pellets, a key industrial raw material, throughout the supply chain.
Plastic pellets are tiny particles used to produce plastic materials. If released into the environment during manufacturing or transportation, they do not biodegrade but instead accumulate in the environment, entering the bodies of animals such as fish and shellfish, and may eventually be ingested by humans. These particles can also lead to pollution of oceans, freshwater, and soil.
The new regulations focus on preventing the leakage of pellets, requiring companies to develop risk management plans covering packaging, handling, personnel management, training, and equipment use. The regulations also clarify the cleanup responsibilities of companies in the event of an accidental spill.
To ensure fairness and transparency, non-EU airlines must designate an authorized representative within the EU, and transport companies handling more than 1,500 tons of plastic pellets annually must obtain third-party certification. Small businesses will benefit from more streamlined compliance requirements-for example, micro-enterprises only need to self-declare that their products comply with relevant standards.
The regulation also sets specific requirements for the maritime transport of plastic pellets, including regulations for packaging materials, transportation procedures, and cargo information, aiming to prevent these pellets from being lost at sea.
It is estimated that between 52,000 and 184,000 tons of plastic pellets are released into the environment annually due to improper handling throughout the supply chain. Plastic pellets rank third among the various sources of accidental releases of microplastics, after paint and tires.
The European Parliament is expected to hold a final vote in October 2025. Thereafter, the new regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. With some specific exceptions, most of the regulation's provisions will be implemented two years after its entry into force.
