On Tuesday 22 February, the European Commission launched a public consultation to gather as much input as possible, from now until 17 May, on how to reduce the amount of microplastics unintentionally released into the environment, with a view to a future regulation to combat pollution by these plastic particles.
Microplastics accumulate throughout the food chain and end up in soil, air, water and living organisms.
The EU’s ‘Zero Pollution’ Action Plan for 2030, presented in May 2021, calls for a 50% reduction in plastic waste at sea and a 30% reduction in microplastics released into the environment (see EUROPE 12719/4).
The proposed regulation is expected in the third quarter of 2022. It will address labelling, standardisation, certification and regulatory measures for the main sources of these microplastics.
The public consultation focuses on plastic pellets, synthetic textiles, and tyres, which are known to be important sources of microplastics. Other sources, such as paints, geotextiles, and laundry and dishwasher detergent capsules, will also be assessed.
The groundwork for negotiating a binding international agreement on plastic pollution is expected to be laid next week at the Fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5, Nairobi, 28 February-2 March) (see EUROPE 12885/4).
To access the consultation (until midnight on 17 May): https://aeur.eu/f/fi (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)