Binding European Union measures to prevent the release of microplastics, which have been found in the human body, polar sea ice and the deepest ocean trenches are now been advocated by Germany, the Netherlands, France and three other countries.
Products including cosmetics, paints and sports pitches are created from the tiny plastic particles, or created unintentionally when bigger pieces of plastic litter break up over time.
A law that is due to be proposed to members of the 27-country bloc and lawmakers next month, including measures to cut the volume of microplastics released into the environment by 30% by 2030 is now been drafted by the European Union.
says that in Europe Around 42,000 tonnes of intentionally-added microplastics are released into the environment each year in Europe, according to the European Chemicals Agency, plus an estimated 176,000 tonnes of unintentionally-formed particles.
“Voluntary measures are not enough,” the six countries said in a joint paper which was seen by reporters. It was also signed by Denmark, Luxembourg and non-European Union member Norway.
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“We call on the Commission to introduce precautionary measures at EU level to prevent and reduce microplastics in the environment,” the countries said in the letter.
They also want the creation of uniform systems by the EU to monitor microplastics in air, water and soil across Europe, to track whether countries are complying and enforcing the rules.
Lasy year, the Commission proposed a separate law that will phase in restrictions on adding microplastics to products sold in Europe, including sports pitches and cosmetics and the upcoming proposal is expected to also target unintentionally released microplastics, such as from wear and tear of tyres and washing clothes made from synthetic materials.
Story was adapted from Reuters.
