On March 19, 2024, the European Parliament’s Environment and Public Health Committee (ENVI) adopted its position on the Proposal for a Regulation to prevent pellet losses and reduce microplastic pollution. However, EU NGOs think the ENVI proposal has gaps, and call for improvements.
As studies continue to highlight the connection between microplastic contamination and various health risks, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were presented with an opportunity to implement regulations to mitigate plastic pellets as a major source of microplastic pollution. These tiny particles, used in producing nearly all plastic goods, remain within industrial control throughout their entire life cycle, spanning from production and transportation to storage, conversion, and recycling.
Accordingly, MEPs have endorsed the Commission’s strategy to regulate the supply chain, establishing minimal requirements for all carriers and operators. They have taken additional steps by making these requirements mandatory and more robust and extending them to maritime transport following significant recent spills along the Spanish, French, and Portuguese coasts. Nevertheless, by exempting certain companies from audits and certification based on their operational scale, MEPs have introduced a significant loophole in the legislation’s enforcement.
Moreover, Frédérique Mongodin from Seas At Risk worries that the current proposals and compensations do not address any measures to restore ecosystems affected by pellet spills. He says holding those responsible for pellet pollution for the lasting environmental damage is essential. This regulation is a chance to rectify past spills and combat pellet pollution for the benefit of future generations.
See the complete press release from Rethink Plastic at https://rethinkplasticalliance.eu/news/envi-committee-takes-a-positive-stance-against-plastic-pellet-pollution-but-there-is-still-room-for-improvement/
