Responsibility is expanded to include transporters, who must package microplastics in quality containers, label them, and immediately report any accidental losses to authorities.

Specifically, ships are now required to use quality containers, label microplastic contents, and report incidents within 30 days, with penalties for failure to comply.

It is estimated that up to 180,000 tonnes of plastic pellets are dispersed annually across the EU due to mishandling, contaminating beaches and oceans, which is roughly equivalent to 20 truckloads daily.

Globally, millions of tonnes of plastic pellets are produced each year, with tens of thousands lost in the EU alone, contributing to pollution phenomena like 'white tides' on beaches.

The European Parliament has adopted new regulations to combat microplastic pollution, focusing on plastic pellets, or nurdles, which often spill into the environment during handling and transport.

Transport companies moving over five tonnes of microplastics annually within the EU will have two years to comply for land transport and three years for maritime transport, under the new rules.

These regulations require companies to promptly report and contain pellet leaks, estimate the spilled amount within 30 days, and conduct risk assessments to prevent future spills and manage clean-ups.

The legislation was adopted by the European Parliament on October 23 without a vote, reflecting broad support from the environment committee, with the goal of reducing microplastic pollution across the EU.

A significant aspect of the regulation is the inclusion of maritime transport, making ship owners responsible for microplastic losses and imposing penalties for non-compliance.

The regulation aims to hold companies accountable, preventing denial of responsibility, and enforces stricter oversight through mandatory reporting and responsibility measures.

This mishandling results in significant environmental damage, with microplastics polluting seas and soils, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations.