Will the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) help end chemical and microplastic pollution?
Fidra welcome the UK Government’s new Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025, and take a closer look at the commitments, highlights, and next steps to protect our environment from pollution.
Fidra at the 30th European Biosolids Conference: Making the Case for Cleaner Agricultural Soils
This month, our Sewage Free Soils team at Fidra attended the 30th European Biosolids and Bioresources Conference in Manchester, where we joined water industry professionals, consultants, and academics to discuss the future of biosolids management.
A commentary on the new Environment Agency flame retardant scoping review
Environment Agency Flame Retardant report does not sufficiently highlight high volume flame retardants currently under close scrutiny in the European Union.
How pharmaceuticals in sewage sludge are polluting our land and threatening soil health
Pharmaceuticals in sewage sludge can destroy soil fungal networks, impacting nutrient cycling and threatening crop productivity, as well as long-term soil health.
Protecting Health and Nature: A Call to Rethink Chemical Regulation Proposals
HSE proposals for Chemicals Legislative Reform for won’t protect us from the some of the most hazardous chemicals that have been developed and need an urgent rethink
Cunliffe’s Water Commission highlights need for regulation to tackle chemical and plastic pollution
Independent Water Commission’s Review recommends regulation to tackle chemical and plastic pollution from polluting products and sewage sludge
UK agrees to align with the EU on pesticide regulation
Reset discussions between the UK and EU have resulted in a massive win for pesticide regulation and our environment as the UK has committed to ‘dynamically align’ with the EU on pesticides.
Defra report states artificial pitches are the main source of intentionally added microplastic pollution in the UK
Fidra are calling for a broad restriction on the use of intentionally added microplastics, as seen in the EU. This should include artificial pitches as the most significant source of intentionally added microplastic pollution in the UK.
Defra research recommends reducing sewage sludge recycling to land as a cost-effective measure to tackle microplastic pollution.
Defra has published a report outlining the outcome of its evidence project on intentionally added microplastics, with recommended options to reduce sewage sludge application to land in the UK.
Fidra’s position on chemical recycling
While chemical recycling may have a supporting role in advancing circular economy goals, Fidra emphasises that limiting plastic production and phasing out harmful chemicals must remain the top priorities. Read our latest position paper on chemical recycling.