New EU rules to prevent microplastic pollution from plastic pellets take effect, marking a major step in the EU’s work to reduce microplastic emissions at their source.

The new rules will help ensure fair competition across the Single Market, encourage innovation and investments in cleaner practices, and support Europe’s transition to a sustainable economy.

Plastic pellets – the fundamental raw material for most plastic products – are a significant source of microplastic pollution.  Once released, pellets remain in the environment resisting biodegradation and dispersing across soils, rivers, and oceans, posing grave risks to ecosystems and potentially human health.