An infographic showing the tons of plastic waste generated and recycled in the EU.
By AFP - Agence France Presse
EU countries back tougher rules to reduce microplastic pollution
European Union countries on Tuesday backed plans to reduce plastic pollution by toughening rules for companies that use the granules that are the building blocks of most plastic products.
The microscopic granules, called nurdles, are the base material used in most of the world's plastic production, from car bumpers to salad bowls.
Roughly the size of a lentil and made from fossil fuels, the granules often spread throughout the environment, polluting beaches and oceans - something the European Union would like to combat.
Based on legislation proposed by the European Commission last year, the bloc's 27 countries agreed on Tuesday to introduce new rules for companies that handle and transport the material.
Negotiations with the European Parliament to finalize the text are expected to begin early next year.
“The new rules, the first of their kind in the EU, will help companies minimize plastic pellet losses, contributing to the fight against microplastic pollution, which knows no borders or boundaries,” said Aniko Raisz, Hungary's Minister of State for Environmental Affairs.
Hungary currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU.
The proposal requires operators handling pellets in the EU to take the necessary measures to limit the release of the material due to improper handling.
Companies will have to conduct risk assessments, act quickly to contain leaks and carry out clean-up operations if necessary.
Sea freight companies will be subject to specific obligations, such as “ensuring good quality packaging” and “providing technical information relating to the cargo.”
This, in turn, will give the sector three years to adapt to the regulation when it comes into force, compared to the two years given to other industries.
Some countries have pushed for maritime transport, responsible for around 38% of all pellets transported in the EU in 2022, to be excluded from the legislation, leaving it to the International Maritime Organization to define specific rules.
According to data from the European Commission, up to 184,000 tons of pellets a year - the equivalent of 20 trucks a day - are dispersed into the environment across the 27-nation bloc due to incorrect handling.
The EU hopes the proposal will reduce the release of pellets by up to 74%.
ub/del/rlp
Comments