Microplastics

Microplastics are small pieces of plastics, usually smaller than 5mm. They are persistent, very mobile and hard to remove from nature. A growing volume of microplastics is found in the environment, including in the sea and in soil, as well as in food and in 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 increasing concerns about the presence of microplastics in different environment compartments (such as water), their impact on the environment and biodiversity and potentially human health.

In 2023, the European Commission adopted a REACH restriction on microplastics intentionally added to products and a proposal for a Regulation on preventing plastic pellet losses to the environment. These actions will directly contribute to reaching the 30% reduction target for microplastic releases set out in the Zero Pollution Action Plan.

In addition, the Commission presented a brochure to provide an overview of EU policies and initiatives to combat microplastic pollution, promote research and innovation, and ensure integrated monitoring of microplastics.

The EU aims to reduce microplastic releases by 30% by 2030. This will be achieved by

• reducing plastic pollution (as these degrade into microplastics)
• restricting the use of intentionally added microplastics to products, and
• reducing unintentional microplastic releases

There is currently no EU law in place applying to microplastics in a comprehensive manner.

There are several specific laws with partial objectives

• Marine Strategy Framework Directive
• Fertilising Products Regulation
• REACH restriction proposal – which addresses intentionally added microplastics
• Proposal for a Regulation on preventing pellet losses

Some microplastics are formed when larger plastics break down. These unintentionally formed microplastics fall outside of the scope of the new initiative, and are addressed by

• Plastics strategy
• Waste Framework Directive
• Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Several EU laws affect the production of microplastics, or their release into the environment, both directly and indirectly. These are

• Ecodesign Directive
• Waste Framework Directive
• Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
• Sewage Sludge Directive
• Directive on air quality
• Industrial Emissions Directive
• Regulation on tyre labelling
• Regulation on motor vehicle type approval

Key dates related to initiatives on microplastics

In 2018, the EU Plastics Strategy identified microplastic pollution as an issue warranting the development of innovative reduction solutions. The 2019 Opinion of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors on “Environmental and health risks of microplastic pollution” also pointed to the need for precautionary measures to be taken. In the new Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Commission committed 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. In 2021, the Zero Pollution Action Plan provided further impetus by setting a 30% reduction target for microplastic releases by 2030.

Main laws: REACH restriction, Proposal for a Regulation on preventing pellet losses

Related topics: Circular economy, Plastics,  Waste and recycling

Related strategies: Circular economy action plan, Plastics strategy, Chemicals strategy, Zero pollution action plan

Related Commission priorities: European Green Deal