The European Union (EU) is stepping up efforts to stop plastic pellet pollution at sea. These tiny plastic pieces, used to make everyday plastic items, often spill during transport and end up in oceans. ”Microplastics, including plastic pellets are now found everywhere — in our oceans, seas and even in the food we eat,” says Paulina Hennig-Kloska, the Polish minister for climate and environment, in a press release.

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. The EU Council and Parliament have agreed on new rules to prevent spills during maritime transport to tackle this. The focus will be on how pellets are packaged, loaded, and handled.

New rules will also require action in the event of a spill, along with better staff training and necessary equipment. The agreement still needs formal approval, and the rules will take effect two years after adoption.

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

Source: ShippingWatch