Preventing pollution through the EU Plastics Strategy 2016 – A briefing note by the European Coalition to End Plastic Pellet Loss


This document was prepared by the ‘European Coalition to End Plastic Pellet Loss’ and summarises available knowledge on pellet loss, existing initiatives to monitor and prevent pellet loss, and suggests measures for mitigating the problem.

The key policy recommendation from the European Coalition to End Plastic Pellet Loss is that the EU Plastics Strategy identifies a suitable statutory instrument to mandate industry to carry out actions to prevent pellet loss. Recommended actions to prevent loss are as follows:

The key policy recommendation from the European Coalition to End Plastic Pellet Loss is that the EU Plastics Strategy identifies a suitable statutory instrument to mandate industry to carry out actions to prevent pellet loss. Recommended actions to prevent loss are as follows:

1.1 Require that OSPAR and MSFD beach monitoring fully incorporates pellet loss observations (both of presence/absence and density levels)

1.2 Conduct a targeted pan-European study (with an NGO-industry-regulator steering committee) to evaluate the effectiveness of industry PLPM

1.3 Conducta comprehensive audit of all companies across Europe to determine which handle pellets and in what volumes. Review and update this on an annual basis.

1.4 All member states with a plastics industry association endorse a PLPM scheme, preferably OCS. All member states without a plastic industry association engage with OCS via PlasticsEurope

1.5 Report progress on sign-up bi-annually, with sign-up and auditing applied to all logistics partners

1.6 Reform pellet loss schemes, with strengthened, standardised criteria toinclude, but not be limited to:

1.6.1 An independent auditing and reporting mechanism whereby all companies are audited annually on implementation of pellet loss prevention measures

1.6.2 Mandatory reporting by all companies handling pellets of pellet loss into the environment

1.6.3 Restriction of use of cardboard and thin plastic films in storing and transporting pellets; mandatory use of HDPE pellet barrels

1.6.4 Mandatory use of labelling on pellet transporting and containment apparatus –use of “hazardous to marine life” wording/symbol

1.6.5 Mandatory use of surface water drainage filters in all facilities and catch-traps for pellet spills at all potential points of risk (e.g. trans-loading from facility to vehicle)

1.6.6 Prioritisation of engagement with industries located in pellet hotspots

1.6.7 Review of pellet loss standardised criteria on a four-yearly cycle.

 

 

Language: English

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