European Commission Opens Public Consultation on Marine Microplastics

The European Commission has opened a public consultation on policy options to reduce microplastics entering the marine environment.

It has invited citizens and organisations to take part by completing an online questionnaire by 16 October. A report will be published at the end of the year, setting out conclusions and also recommendations from a study commissioned by DG Environment.

Microplastics, which are items smaller than 5mm, are widespread in the marine environment, causing concern about their potential impact on the food chain. Used directly in products, fragmenting from larger pieces, or generated from other sources, such as fibres from washing clothes, they are among the "contaminants of emerging concern", a DG Environment study has said.

Canada has banned their use in personal care products, while South Korea and Taiwan are considering similar measures. In the EU, a microplastic ban is being mulled over in some member states, including Ireland, France and the UK.