eu commission confirms paint is main source of microplastic pollution

The #EUCommission has confirmed, for the first time, that #Paint is the biggest source of #Microplastics in the #Environment 😮, which for the most part end up in the #Ocean 🌊 . 

The EU Commission published a brochure, "EU Action against Microplastics" last week (link to download the brochure 👉  https://lnkd.in/ewxpzCmj) after almost 3 years of intensive study and analysis. 

In the foreword, Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, said

⚠ "Microplastics are accumulating in our environment"
⚠ "We now find them everywhere,…in the food we eat and the water we drink
⚠ "The risks related to high levels of human exposure are a cause for grave concern"
⚠ "The case for preventative action is crystal clear"

As part of the EU Green Deal, the EU has an objective to reduce Microplastic Emissions to the Environment by 30% by 2030, and the Commission has the task of taking the necessary regulatory measures to achieve this. 💪 

And what are the main sources of those Microplastics? Well, see the EU Commission’s graph below 👇 

The Commission will start the ball rolling with regulations to prevent the release of Plastic Pellets to the environment. They will continue their work to identify the most effective and efficient measures to address the other important sources.

On Paint, the Commission said "Relevant industries have a role in developing EU-wide guidelines to minimise microplastic releases such as on the application and removal of paints”. 👌 

So, "the direction of travel" on regulation is now clear! Like the EU Commission, Pinovo calls on

✔ the Paint Industry to educate its customers on the risks of mismanaged Paint,
✔ Regulators to create a level playing field for all paint companies,
✔ Paint Users to adopt measures to stop Paint Microplastic Pollution

Why? Because #PaintIsPlastic!

Further scientific research on Microplastic Pollution is essential to better understand the different aspects of the problem, including the impact of Microplastics on Human, Animal and Plant Health - the all important "So what?!" question!

The research work of NAMC (North Atlantic Microplastic Centre) and NORCE Norwegian Research Centre is super valuable in this regard.  Pinovo will be attending the NAMC Annual Meeting in Bergen next week, and we are very excited to hear about their latest findings.

#SDG14  #PaintMicroplastics  #SaveOurOcean #GlobalPlasticsTreaty #Biz4PlasticsTreaty