The EC announced on February 22, 2022, the launch of a public consultation on how best to reduce the amount of unintentionally released microplastics into the environment. According to the EC, the public consultation will support its initiative on Microplastics pollution – measures to reduce impacts on the environment, “a key deliverable of the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Zero Pollution Action Plan.” According to the EC, the consultation focuses on plastic pellets, synthetic textiles, and tires, the sources that are known to release the largest quantity of microplastics. Additional sources, such as paints, geotextiles, and detergent capsules for laundry and dishwashers, are also being evaluated. Responses are due May 17, 2022.
