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EU Adopts Binding Rules to Cut Microplastics From Plastic Pellets by 2030

The law makes companies legally responsible for preventing pellet releases with mandatory incident reporting.

Overview

  • The European Parliament approved a regulation that obliges producers and transporters to keep plastic granulate out of the environment.
  • Companies must notify authorities if pellets escape, minimize harm, and submit plans to reduce microplastic pollution.
  • Firms processing over 1,500 tonnes of granulate per year need annual independent certification, smaller operators require a one-time certification, and those below the threshold may file a self-declaration.
  • The rules extend to maritime transport, requiring denser packaging to prevent losses at sea, with shipping accounting for about 40% of EU pellet movements.
  • The EU aims to cut microplastic pollution by nearly one third by 2030, the Commission estimates up to 184,000 tonnes of pellets leak each year, and WWF praised the move as a potential boost for stalled UN plastics treaty talks.