Plast Track seeks to generate technical insights on the degradation and debris of microplastics which can be used to inform guidelines, support mechanisms and future regulations for industry and public stakeholders. The project also seeks to identify technical and legislative barriers and drivers which can accelerate or hinder the reduction of MNPs. In example, it is evident that there is a lack of incentives and regulations for removal of MNPs from wastewater and other water matrices, which is why Plast Track collaborates with ambitious wastewater treatment plants to lead by positive example.

In other areas however, ambitious policies are set forth to address the challenge. In example, one of the key components of the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan is the commitment to reduce microplastic releases by 30% by 2030. This target aligns with the broader goal of ending plastic pollution globally. Through stringent regulations and proactive measures, the EU aims to tackle both intentional and unintentional sources of microplastic pollution, including the deliberate addition of microplastics to various products such as cosmetics, detergents and in agriculture applications and the release of particles from activities like abrasion and inadequate waste management. Read more under the European Chemicals Agency.

Besides these initiatives that directly aim to prevent microplastics, there are several EU and national policies and guidelines that support this agenda. These policies contribute through circular economy initiatives to minimize plastic waste, improve reusability and recyclability, enhance traceability in the plastic value chain, and ensure sustainable product design.

Plastic Pellet Loss Prevention: Plastic pellets are a major source of microplastic pollution when they are spilled during production, transportation or handling. From 2026 producers need to report on the amounts used as well as potential losses. This will increase transparency and encourage practices that minimize pellet loss. ( https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2023.238.01.0067.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2023%3A238%3ATOC , Annex XVII, 11.)

Packaging and packaging waste regulation: The upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) seeks to make packaging more sustainable by reducing waste, increasing recyclability, and limiting unnecessary plastic use. This indirectly helps prevent microplastics by reducing the amount of poorly managed plastic waste that can degrade into microplastics. The regulation also promotes reuse and high-quality recycling, which reduces the need for virgin plastic production—another significant contributor to microplastic emissions. Information can be found here ( https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/articles/2024/april/30/european-packaging-and-packaging-waste-regulation ).

Extended producer responsibility: Extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging ensures that producers take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their plastic products, including collection, recycling, and proper disposal.

Reduction of harmful additives in plastics: Registration, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation (REACH) is the primary EU regulation that restricts hazardous substances

in products, including plastics. It controls the use of harmful additives such as phthalates, bisphenols, and brominated flame retardants and thereby helps make plastics safer for recycling, preventing the release of toxic microplastics.

Digital product pass and standardization initiatives: The development of a digital product passport (DPP) under Danish and European standardization efforts supports better traceability of plastic materials throughout their lifecycle. This can help reduce microplastic pollution by improving sorting, reusability, and the identification of materials that degrade into microplastics. Danish Standards has established a new Danish committee to follow the European standardization work with the development of standards for the digital product pass: https://www.ds.dk/da/udvalg/kategorier/it/det-digitale-produktpas