Losses of plastic pellets – new EU rules aim to curb microplastic pollution

Plastic pellets – also known as "nurdles" – are a key raw material for almost all plastic products. However, significant amounts are unintentionally released into the environment every year, accumulating in water bodies and oceans and becoming a major source of microplastic pollution. To effectively counter this, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament agreed on 8 April 2025 to introduce binding rules for preventing pellet loss along the entire supply chain. For the first time, the EU is complementing voluntary industry initiatives – such as the German plastics association’s "Zero Pellet Loss" (IK-Initiative „Null Granulatverlust“) – with a mandatory, uniform legal framework across Europe.

Uniform rules across Europe

Until now, there were no binding EU-wide regulations to prevent pellet losses. With the legislative proposal KOM(2023) 645, the European Commission is closing this gap. The new rules require companies to minimise losses along the entire plastics supply chain – from production to transport, storage and processing. This includes applying best handling practices, conducting risk analyses, employee training, and regular audits.

The requirements are tiered: companies handling more than five tonnes of plastic pellets per year will be subject to stricter obligations than small and medium-sized enterprises.

Targeted action against microplastic pollution

These measures are part of the European action plan to reduce microplastics under the Green Deal. The goal is to reduce microplastic releases by 30% by 2030. Pellet losses are a significant source of soil and water pollution, impacting ecosystems and food chains, which makes their reduction particularly important.
 

A key new aspect is the clear allocation of responsibility: pellet losses must be avoided and documented throughout the entire supply chain – with potential liability consequences, as highlighted by analysis from the National Law Review.

Taking responsibility – measures for practical implementation

Following the EU-level agreement, member states are now required to transpose the new provisions into national law and establish effective monitoring and sanction mechanisms. Preventing the release of plastic pellets into the environment calls for a holistic approach along the entire value chain – from production and processing to transport and collection. Alongside technical measures such as pellet traps and closed conveying systems, targeted employee training, raising awareness, and strengthening responsibility among all parties involved are essential. Voluntary industry initiatives also play an important role by providing audits and best-practice approaches.

Weitere Informationen:

Mirco Gattinger
Marketing und Social Media Manager, RIGK GmbH
+49 1721369 774
gattinger(at)rigk.de