How can EU legislation tackle microplastic pollution

The document advocates for a shift from voluntary agreements to mandatory EU regulations to tackle microplastic pollution. It emphasizes reducing virgin plastic production and implementing sector-specific bans and design requirements for pellets, textiles, tyres, and agriculture. The authors argue that addressing both macro and microplastics is essential, as the degradation of larger plastics continues to fuel microplastic pollution.

• Microplastic pollution is linked to the release of greenhouse gases during the degradation of macroplastics to microplastics and may disrupt the biological carbon pump, which is a primary climate regulator.
• The authors argue that voluntary agreements have been ineffective and that the EU should instead adopt stringent, compulsory measures based on Article 192 TFEU to protect health and the environment.
• To effectively reduce microplastic pollution, the EU must reduce virgin plastic production and consumption to sustainable levels and phase out single-use plastics, which account for 50% of marine litter on European beaches.
• The document recommends specific upstream measures for the textile industry, including legally binding maximum thresholds for microplastic shedding and mandatory filtering systems for industrial pre-washing and domestic appliances.
• For the road transport sector, the paper proposes EU-wide reduction targets for passenger and freight transport to lower tyre dust emissions, alongside legal thresholds for tyre abrasion and wear.
• The report suggests phasing out synthetic polymers and geosynthetics in agriculture, horticulture, and coastal protection, replacing them with plastic-free alternatives like wood or concrete.
• The authors call for a comprehensive certification scheme and harmonised minimum requirements for the handling of plastic pellets, flakes, and powders to prevent spillage throughout the supply chain.

APA

Center for International Environmental Law (2022). How can EU legislation tackle microplastic pollution. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/RPa-Microplastics-Position-Paper-July-2022.pdf

Chicago

Center for International Environmental Law. How can EU legislation tackle microplastic pollution. 2022. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/RPa-Microplastics-Position-Paper-July-2022.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Center for International Environmental Law |title=How can EU legislation tackle microplastic pollution |date=June 2022 |url=https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/RPa-Microplastics-Position-Paper-July-2022.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centerforinternationalenvironmentallaw2022how, author = {{Center for International Environmental Law}}, title = {{How can EU legislation tackle microplastic pollution}}, institution = {Center for International Environmental Law}, year = {2022}, month = jun, url = {https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/RPa-Microplastics-Position-Paper-July-2022.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }