The EU Council has adopted a regulation to prevent the loss of plastic pellets into the environment, following a provisional agreement with the European Parliament.
The new EU regulation aims to reduce microplastic pollution by strengthening controls and management of plastic pellets, a key industrial raw material, throughout the supply chain.
Plastic pellets are minuscule particles used for producing plastic materials. When lost in the environment during manufacturing or transport, the particles do not biodegrade but accumulate in the environment and animals, such as fish and shellfish, and can consequently be ingested by humans. They also contribute to marine, freshwater and soil pollution.
The new rules focus on prevention of pellet losses, and require companies to implement risk management plans that include measures for packaging, handling, staff, training and equipment. The regulation also establishes clear obligations for clean-up operations in the event of accidental losses.
To ensure fairness and accountability, non-EU carriers will need to designate an authorised representative within the EU, and operators handling more than 1,500 tonnes of plastic pellets annually will be required to obtain certification from an independent third party. Smaller companies will benefit from simplified compliance measures, including self-declarations of conformity for microenterprises.
In addition, the regulation introduces specific requirements for the maritime transport of plastic pellets, addressing packaging, transport and cargo information to prevent pellet losses at sea.
An estimated 52 to 184 thousand tonnes of pellets are currently released into the environment annually due to mishandling throughout the entire supply chain. Plastic pellets rank as the third-largest source of unintentional microplastic releases, after paints and tyres.
The European Parliament is now expected to hold its final vote in October 2025. Following this, the new rules will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU official journal. Apart from specific derogations and exemptions, the majority of provisions in the regulation will start applying from 2 years after entry into force.
Regulation on preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution
