On the 28th of January, FEPORT attended an EP Event organised by Pew on the microplastics regulation proposal, in view of the upcoming trialogue negotiations.
The event was co-sponsored by MEPs including MEP César Luena (S&D), MEP Karin Karlsbro (Renew) and MEP Jutta Paulus (Greens)
MEP César Luena underlined in his opening remarks the need to maintain an ambitious approach in the trialogues, whereas MEP Karlsbro stressed the need for prevention. MEP Jutta Paulus pleaded in favour of an inclusion of the maritime sector and the labelling of containers.
The European Commission was represented by Ms. Emmanuelle Maire, Head of Unit DG ENVI B1, who explained the need for regulation as voluntary actions have not been delivering enough. She also pointed to responsibilities for operators to adopt a risk management plan and stressed operators are required to report in case of accidents causing pellet losses.
The event also featured speakers from several NGOs, such as Good Karma Projects, represented by Mr. Jordi Oliva, who stressed the need for all the actors in the supply chain ranging from the maritime sector to pellet producers to take appropriate action.
The perspective of certification bodies was provided by Martin Michelot representing TIC Council, while Ms. Morag Campbell presented on behalf of OSPAR who shone light on the organisation’s recommendations and guidelines building on Operation Clean Sweep (OCS).
The closing remarks were provided by Ms. Natacha Tullis speaking on behalf of Pew, who stressed that the adoption of the regulation should lead to a clear chain of responsibility in case of pellet losses.
