The European Commission's strategy for plastics focuses on a circular economy with regulatory actions targeting single-use plastics, biodegradable plastics, and microplastic pollution. Key areas include addressing intentional and unintentional microplastics from various sources and enhancing regulations through measures like standards, labeling, and producer responsibility. The Commission emphasizes the need for more sustainable plastic use rather than aiming for a plastic-free economy.

1. From the Plastics Strategy to
microplastics
Valentina Bertato
European Commission
DG Environment
Helsinki Chemicals Forum, 14 June 2018

2. A EUROPEAN STRATEGY FOR PLASTICS IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
• Smart
• Innovative
• Sustainable
• Opportunities
• Social innovation
• Environment
Four main axis

3. • Regulatory action on single use plastic and fishing gear  COM
proposal
• Regulatory framework for biodegradable plastics
• Report on Oxo-degradable plastics  REACH
• Revision of Directive on Port reception facilities  Council
• Curb microplastics pollution:
• intentional release  REACH
• unintentional release (tyres, textiles, pellets)  various actions
Waste legislation
REACH
Drinking Water Directive
Port reception facilities Directive
Marine Strategy Framework Directive
Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive

4. Intentionally added microplastics
• ECHA working definition:
• Any polymer-containing solid or semi-solid
particle having a size of 5mm or less in at least
one external dimension
• Uses assessed:
 Cosmetics (rinse-off and leave-on), agriculture,
detergents, healthcare, oil and gas

5. Unintentionally generated
microplastics
 Tyres
 Plastic pellets
 Synthetic clothing
 Wastewater treatment
o Development of standards
o Measure of emissions
o Labelling
o Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme
o Restrictive measures where needed

6. Conclusions
 Plastics and microplastics are a policy priority for the
Commission
We do not want a plastic-free economy, BUT
Plastic needs to be used in a more sustainable and
circular way
 REACH restriction process: unacceptable risk from
the presence of microplastics in the environment 
very strong push to all other actions
 Plastics Strategy: combination of many targeted
actions across the sectors, using all regulatory and
non-regulatory tools available.

7. This presentation does not necessarily reflect the official
opinion of the Commission.
Thank you
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