The scale of plastic pollution globally is growing, and one often overlooked source of this is microplastics. Microplastics, defined as pieces of plastic less than 5 millimetres in length, are already pervasive in our air, soil and water. They have been found in the most remote regions of the world as well as circulating in people’s bloodstreams. The European Union has committed to reducing microplastic pollution by 30% by 2030 and has a lot to do to deliver on these promises.
Here are seven reasons why it’s vital for decision makers, in the European Union (EU) and beyond, to urgently prevent microplastic pollution:
1. The problem is only going to get bigger.
Microplastic emissions into the ocean and other waterways are expected to more than double globally in the next 20 years (from a 2016 baseline) if no action is taken.
2 People and planet would benefit.
Microplastics can end up in the air and in the food chain—and may even be inhaled or consumed by people. Studies have shown that microplastics and the toxic chemicals they contain can affect the growth, health and survival of a range of animals and plants. Tyre wear particles are also a significant source of air pollution: It is estimated that by 2050, up to 90% of particulate emissions from road transport in Europe will come from non-exhaust sources—namely tyres and brakes.
3. Prevention is better than cure.
Once released into the environment, microplastics are almost impossible to remove. The most cost-efficient and feasible way to curb emissions is to tackle them at the source. Five EU member States have called for precautionary, ambitious action on microplastics that “should be taken early in the lifecycle.”
4. The EU cannot reach its 2030 goal without addressing the leading sources of microplastics.
Paint, tyres, pellets and textiles are major sources of microplastics, contributing to approximately a quarter of plastic pollution globally. The EU can only fulfil its commitment to reducing microplastic pollution by 30% by 2030 if it first tackles these sources.
5. Solutions exist; new legislation is needed to spur progress.
There are tyres and textiles available today with lower abrasion rates. Best practices also already exist to reduce pellet loss.
6. Consumers are already taking action to stem plastic pollution.
Through the EU’s directives on single-use plastics and the plastic bags, consumption of products such as food containers, plastics bags and cotton buds is on track to be reduced. Now it’s time for industry to play its part.
7. Industry and government have the power and responsibility to fix this.
Improving product design and manufacturing as well as introducing pellet loss prevention measures throughout the supply chain would help curb microplastic emissions from three major sources. And governments need to create the policies that mandate action, compelling industry to make these changes.
Given the pervasive impact microplastics have on both the environment and human health—as well as their major anticipated increase—it is imperative that decision makers, not only in the EU but worldwide, take action. To meet the EU’s ambitious 2030 reduction targets, decision makers must swiftly enact known solutions for leading sources of microplastic pollution like paint, tyres, pellets and textiles, and spur action from all stakeholders.