The European Union is moving to tighten controls on plastic pellet transport to combat rising microplastic pollution. These tiny plastic pieces, used to make everyday plastic items, often spill during transport and end up in oceans. Each year, up to 7,300 truckloads of pellets are lost into the environment. In 2022, approximately 38% of all plastic pellets in the EU were transported by sea.

A new agreement between the EU Council and Parliament introduces stricter rules for packaging, loading, and handling pellets during ocean transport. The legislation also mandates spill response protocols, enhanced staff training, and proper equipment. Once formally approved, the rules will take effect two years after adoption.

Polish Climate Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska emphasized the urgency, noting microplastics are now found “in our oceans, seas, and even in the food we eat.”

According to a recent report by TMC Marine, the longer voyages around Africa to avoid the Red Sea threats, have increased container losses and amplified environmental risks involving plastic pellet spills.

Source: ShippingWatch