European Commission proposes measures to reduce microplastic pollution from plastic pellets

On 16 October 2023, the European Commission presented a proposal for a Regulation on the prevention of pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution. The aim of the proposal is to ensure that all operators handling plastic pellets in the EU take the necessary precautionary measures. This is expected to reduce pellet release by up to 74 % contributing to plastic-free rivers and oceans, cleaner ecosystems, and a reduction in potential risks to human health.

Background on Plastic Pellets

Plastic pellets, also known as nurdles, nibs, and resin pellets, are the primary raw material used in the production of all plastics. The majority of these pellets are considered microplastics, measuring up to 5mm in size, although a small proportion may be slightly larger. Plastic pellets represent one of the largest sources of unintentional microplastic pollution.

Current practices for handling plastic pellets result in losses at all stages of the supply chain, in particular during production, processing, transport and waste management operations. Once released into the environment, these small particles do not biodegrade and cannot be removed. Microplastics accumulate in animals including fish and shellfish, and eventually end up in human food. The continued release of microplastics contributes to persistent contamination of our ecosystems and food chains.

Proposed Measures

The measures proposed by the European Commission are as follows:

• Best handling practices for operators: Depending on the size of the facility or transport activity, operators will be required to follow certain best handling practices.

• Mandatory certification and self-declaration: To assist national competent authorities in verifying compliance, larger operators will be required to obtain a certificate from an independent third party, while smaller operators will be required to self-declare their compliance.

• A harmonised methodology to estimate losses: To help operators monitor their losses and fill some of the remaining data gaps, a harmonised methodology will be developed by standardisation bodies. This methodology is expected to increase accountability by increasing awareness of the environmental and human health impacts of different practices. 

• Reduced requirements for SMEs: Given the large share of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the pellet supply chain, reduced requirements will apply in particular to micro and small operators.

Who is affected by the proposal?

The proposal sets minimum requirements for all operators, with additional conditions for medium and large companies handling more than 1,000 tonnes of plastic pellets per year. For SMEs and for medium and large companies handling less than 1,000 tonnes of plastic pellets per year the following less stringent requirements will apply:

• No obligation to carry out an internal assessment.

• No requirement for certification but of self-declaration of compliance.

• No obligation of reviewing at formal management meetings certain compliance information.

• No requirement to establish an awareness and training programme. 

• No requirement to establish procedures for informing drivers, suppliers and subcontractors of the relevant procedures to prevent, contain and clean up spills and losses.

Medium-sized companies handling more than 1,000 tonnes of plastic pellets per year will have a longer transition period compared to larger companies (36 months instead of 24 months) and a longer validity of the certificate (four years instead of three). There will also be specific requirements for transporters of plastic pellets.

Other EU Action on Microplastics Pollution

The European Union has taken a number of regulatory initiatives to address the pollution caused by plastic products that ultimately degrade into microplastics in the environment. These initiatives, including the Single-Use Plastics Directive and the proposal for a new EU Packaging Regulation, play a significant role in reducing the production of plastic waste, improving its collection and recycling, and promoting the incorporation of recycled materials in new products.

In addition, the EU adopted restrictions on intentionally added microplastics on 25 September 2023. These restrictions together with the newly proposed measures are the first EU instruments specifically designed to tackle microplastic pollution at the source and contribute to the Zero Pollution Action Plan’s target of reducing microplastic releases into the environment by 30 % by 2030.

The full text of the proposed Regulation on preventing pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution can be found here.