Europe’s New Regulations on Plastic Pellet Pollution
Europe is stepping up its fight against plastic pellet pollution. The European Union (EU) is drafting new regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of plastic pellets, particularly from maritime transport. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics that reveal the maritime sector is responsible for about 38 percent of all plastic pellets transported within the EU. With pollution incidents from ocean-going vessels remaining high, the EU is taking decisive action to address this pressing issue.
The Environmental Impact of Plastic Pellets
The European Council has identified plastic pellet losses as the third largest source of unintentional microplastic releases. Each year, between 50,000 and 180,000 tonnes of plastic pellets accidentally enter the environment. These losses often occur during loading and unloading operations or due to leaky containers. The consequences of this pollution are severe, affecting marine life, human health, and the overall environment. Research indicates that plastic pellets make up about 70 percent of the plastic ingested by seabirds. Alarmingly, small plastic particles have been found in the stomachs of 63 out of approximately 250 seabird species worldwide.
Plastic pellets are not just a minor issue; they represent the second largest direct source of microplastic pollution in the oceans. Billions of these pellets enter the marine ecosystem every year due to both small and large-scale losses during various stages of the supply chain. This includes transportation, where spills can occur on land and at sea. The growing threat of pellet pollution has prompted the EU to take action. The new regulations aim to prevent and reduce the unintentional release of plastic pellets during production, transport, and processing. Proponents of the draft regulations believe they could cut plastic losses to the environment by as much as 74 percent.
New Regulations for Maritime Transport
The EU’s proposed regulations introduce strict obligations for sea-going vessels to combat plastic pellet pollution. These requirements apply to both EU and non-EU carriers. Carriers must ensure that plastic pellets are packed in high-quality packaging that can withstand shocks and prevent any loss. Additionally, they are required to provide information about containers containing pellets to relevant authorities and agencies. Training for staff handling these materials is also mandated to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
Furthermore, operators and masters of sea-going vessels must take additional precautions. They are required to stow containers containing plastic pellets under deck whenever reasonably practicable. If this is not possible, the containers must be placed in sheltered areas on exposed decks. In both scenarios, the containers must be secured to minimize risks to the marine environment while maintaining safety standards.
The regulations also outline measures for prevention, containment, and clean-up. Carriers must have the necessary equipment on board when transporting plastic pellets. Once these regulations are adopted into law, the maritime industry will have a one-year grace period to comply. This comprehensive approach aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastic pellet pollution and protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
