Analysis of intentionally-added microplastics’ emissions to the environment up to 2030

The report by ClientEarth and the EEB uses ECHA data to project that intentionally added microplastics will continue to increase in the environment through 2030. It highlights that a one-year delay in the restriction's entry into force would increase total emissions by approximately 40,000 tonnes by 2030. The analysis identifies sports pitch infill as the largest source of pollution and criticizes the lack of data for sectors such as construction and food additives.

• Total emissions of intentionally added microplastics are estimated to reach approximately 550,000 tonnes by 2030. If the restriction is delayed by one year, this figure is projected to rise to nearly 590,000 tonnes.
• The use of granules in sports pitches is identified as the most significant source of microplastic pollution under the restriction. It is expected to release 112,000 tonnes by 2030, increasing to 128,000 tonnes if the proposal is delayed by one year.
• Other significant contributors to emissions by 2030 include agriculture and horticulture products (72,000 tonnes), detergents (51,200 tonnes), and cosmetics (approximately 20,000 tonnes).
• There is a critical lack of data regarding emissions from certain sectors, including food additives, construction, and medical devices, due to industry reluctance to share information.
• Since the European Commission first signaled its intent to restrict these materials in 2017, an estimated 170,000 tonnes of microplastics have already been released into the environment.

APA

ClientEarth (2021). Analysis of intentionally-added microplastics’ emissions to the environment up to 2030. https://www.clientearth.org/media/txwaa4wt/analysis-of-intentionally-added-microplastics-emissions-to-the-environment-up-to-2030-november-2021.pdf

Chicago

ClientEarth. Analysis of intentionally-added microplastics’ emissions to the environment up to 2030. 2021. https://www.clientearth.org/media/txwaa4wt/analysis-of-intentionally-added-microplastics-emissions-to-the-environment-up-to-2030-november-2021.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=ClientEarth |title=Analysis of intentionally-added microplastics’ emissions to the environment up to 2030 |date=23 November 2021 |url=https://www.clientearth.org/media/txwaa4wt/analysis-of-intentionally-added-microplastics-emissions-to-the-environment-up-to-2030-november-2021.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{clientearth2021analysis, author = {{ClientEarth}}, title = {{Analysis of intentionally-added microplastics’ emissions to the environment up to 2030}}, institution = {ClientEarth}, year = {2021}, month = nov, url = {https://www.clientearth.org/media/txwaa4wt/analysis-of-intentionally-added-microplastics-emissions-to-the-environment-up-to-2030-november-2021.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }