Once in the ocean, plastic pellets float widely, causing widespread harm to flora and fauna. Their small size makes them nearly impossible to clean up. Moreover, the pellets act as toxin magnets and transport mediums for surrounding bacteria or toxic substances, adding to the risks posed to human health and the environment.
It is a European and even a global problem. NGOs have been increasingly reporting pellet spills and pollution cases for years, and as plastic production is expected to triple by 2060, this will only escalate dramatically. [1] Plastic pellets are spilled at each stage of the value chain, from production and conversion sites to recycling installations and during transportation. In the European Union alone, an estimated 184,000 tons of plastic pellets are lost annually. [2] We need bold EU measures to prevent this pollution and finally hold polluters accountable. It is appalling that taxpayers are currently bearing the cost of the countless incidents of pollution across the EU. The EU must urgently address this regulatory gap, and the culture of impunity must be crushed. Join our fight for a clean and healthy environment!
