Overview
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic, usually less than 5mm. They are persistent, very mobile and hard to remove from nature.
A growing volume of microplastics are found in the environment, including in the sea, soil, food and drinking water.
Once in the environment, microplastics do not biodegrade and tend to accumulate, unless they are specifically designed to biodegrade in the open environment. Biodegradability is a complex phenomenon, especially in the marine environment.
There are also increasing concerns about the presence of microplastics in different environmental compartments (such as water), their impact on the environment, biodiversity and potentially human health.
Background
EU action on microplastics sets out an integrated framework designed to protect European ecosystems and public health from plastic particle contamination.
Covering both intentionally manufactured particles and those generated through wear, tear, or degradation, this policy focus spans the entire supply chain, from industrial pellet handling and product design to waste treatment and water management.
Why do we take action?
EU action on microplastics stems from growing alarm over their environmental persistence and potential risks to natural ecosystems and human health. Once released into nature, microplastics do not biodegrade, leading to continuous accumulation in marine environments, surface waters, soil, drinking water, and the food chain.
Unintentional releases alone account for massive volumes of environmental contamination each year, including lost industrial plastic pellets, synthetic textile fibres, and wear from vehicle tyres, while larger plastic litter breaks down into secondary microplastics over time. Tackling microplastics is critical to preventing long-term damage to biodiversity, marine life, and public health.
Alignment with other EU policies
Measures on microplastics are a key component of the EU’s overarching environmental and circular economy architecture. They interface directly with freshwater and marine protection laws, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, as well as broader waste management, chemical safety, and product policy frameworks, including the Waste Framework Directive, REACH, and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.
Strategic basis
On a strategic level, microplastics action supports the European Green Deal, the EU Plastics Strategy, and the second Circular Economy Action Plan. It is central to attaining the targets set under the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan, specifically the commitment to reduce microplastics released into the environment by 30% by 2030, as well as supporting the goals of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
