Germany, the Netherlands, France along with three other countries are asking European Commission adopt binding regulations to limit microplastics that pollute Wednesday and which have been found in humans, polar ice and deep oceans.

These small plastic particles are used in various products such as cosmetics and paints, or are unintentionally formed when break up large pieces of plastic waste.

The European Commission is drafting a law to be presented to MEPs and 27 Member States next month to take action on reduce the volume of microplastics released into the environment by 30% by 2030.

“Voluntary measures are not enough”

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) notes that in Europe, about 42,000 tons of microplastics contained in products are released into the environment, and another 176,000 tons of microplastics are formed unintentionally as a result of the decomposition of larger waste.

“Voluntary measures are not enough,” emphasize six countries, including Denmark, Luxembourg and also Norwaywhich is not a member of the EU, in a joint paper sent to the European Commission this week.

“We ask the Commission to take preventive measures at the European level to prevent and limit microplastics in the environment,” they add.

They are also asking the EU to create a common monitoring system. presence of microplastics in air, water and soil across Europe, as well as to verify that countries are complying with and applying the rules.

Last year, the European Commission proposed legislation to limit the amount of microplastics deliberately added to various products sold in Europe.

The new bill he will introduce is also expected to address microplastics that are unintentionally released into the environment, such as through the use and wear of car tires and the washing of synthetic clothing.

Source: APE-Reuters.