The EU Plastics Strategy identifies microplastic pollution as an issue warranting the development of innovative reduction solutions.
In the second Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Commission commits to addressing the presence of microplastics in the environment by restricting the use of intentionally added microplastics in products and addressing unintentional releases of microplastics.
The Zero Pollution Action Plan also provides further impetus by setting a 30% reduction target for microplastic releases by 2030.
Plastic Pellets
The Regulation on preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution (EU 2025/2365), adopted in November 2025, applies to all economic operators managing installations in the EU that handle five tonnes or more of plastic pellets per year.
This includes manufacturers, recyclers, converters, stockists and other handlers, as well as all carriers transporting pellets within the EU and by sea.
Operators must avoid, contain and clean up any spills or losses, as well as establish and implement risk management plans tailored to the nature and size of their installations.
Companies that handle more than 1,500 tonnes of plastic pellets annually must obtain a certificate of compliance or a permit. Companies handling less than 1,500 tonnes annually and microenterprises only need to issue a self-declaration of conformity.
All operators must report their installations to competent authorities and keep annual records of the quantities of pellets handled and estimated losses.
REACH
In 2023, the Commission adopted a REACH restriction on microplastics intentionally added to products.
