It’s indisputable that plastics are the subject of adoration for some people, while others vehemently despise them. Banning them entirely may seem like a noble goal, but it’s impractical and downright absurd. Everyone who has recovered from a hospital stay knows the vital role that plastics play. On the other hand, we must acknowledge the overwhelming amount of plastic waste that remains unaddressed.

It is clear that passive viewing is no longer an option. Steps need to be taken and Saskia Walraedt, Director essenscia PolyMatters, and Leo Goeyens discussed this.

Microplastics, the term appears so often, but what exactly does it mean?

The word plastic instantly conjures images of synthetic materials and environmental chemical pollution. The European Chemicals Agency offers a concise explanation: Plastics make our lives easier in many ways and are often lighter or cost less than alternative materials. However, if they are not properly disposed of or recycled, they may end up in the environment where they stay for centuries and degrade into smaller and smaller pieces. These small pieces (typically smaller than 5 mm) are called microplastics and they are of concern[1].

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic made up of polymers and functional additives, and they may contain impurities. These may occur unintentionally due to the disintegration of larger plastic objects, including tyres, containers, and fishing equipment. They are also deliberately manufactured by the industry and added to certain products, like facial or body scrubs, for specific purposes, such as exfoliation.

Nanoplastics are even smaller than microplastics; they typically measure between 1 and 1000 nanometres.

It is now agreed that microplastics are distributed worldwide. They were found on the highest mountains[2] and in the deepest ocean trenches[3]. Moreover, several scientific publications have already shown that many people have micro and nanoplastics in their bodies because they also occur in our diet[4] and in the air we breathe[5]. Therefore, it is reasonable to question whether this could affect public welfare or health. Some people have claimed that individuals ingest a credit card every week. However, such claims are nothing short of blatant erroneous information[6]. This is quite painful, because the impact of misinformation extends beyond the individual. It can lead to an accelerated development of an erroneous public policy and acceptance of collective behavior. By spreading false or unfounded ideas, fake news reduces support for ambitious actions and hinders the efforts of sound science when expanding our knowledge.

Better safe than sorry! Efforts are being made to mitigate potential dangers, such as the proposal to regulate microplastics in the oceans, and we must not ignore them.

Europe enacted a regulation on preventing the loss of plastic pellets to reduce microplastic pollution

There is now a consensus on the widespread, long-lasting, and transboundary nature of microplastics. They are detrimental to the environment and potentially harmful to human health. Their harm to the environment and potentially to human health may be further increased due to the presence of harmful chemical additives and other substances of concern added during production and conversion.

Plastic pellet losses have been identified as the third largest source of microplastics unintentionally released to the environment in the Union and occur due to poor handling practices at all stages of the plastic pellet supply chain, which includes production including recycling, master batching, compounding, conversion, processing, distribution, transport, including by the sea, and other logistic operations, storage, packaging, and the cleaning of plastic pellet containers and tanks.

It is therefore essential to handle the plastic pellets safely and responsibly at all stages of the plastic pellet supply chain, so as to avoid losses and achieve the ambition of zero losses of plastic pellets for the environment.

These excerpts, directly drawn from the working draught of the regulatory document, highlight the need for caution in combating microplastic pollution.

Any economic operator within the European Union dealing with plastic pellets, flakes or powders, including those responsible for cleaning plastic pellet containers and tanks, must adhere to the new regulation if they handle at least 5 metric tons of plastic pellets annually. The primary goal of this regulation is to guarantee the secure handling of plastic pellets during the entire distribution process, no matter their ultimate destination. The main responsibilities are to address and resolve pellet spills quickly, create a risk management plan, and develop a certification strategy for all facilities[7].

Regulations do not just come out of the blue

Regulation (EU) 2025/2365 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 November 2025 on preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution was published on November 26, 2025 and is based on a series of significant assessments.

The European Commission had previously published Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, which amends Annexe XVII to the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. It introduced a new restriction on the use of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM). This restriction states that SPM cannot be used if they provide a specific property in a mixture at a concentration of 0.01 % or more by weight. It aligns with the EU’s strategy to combat plastic pollution. Exemptions from these bans are envisaged for polymer manufacturers and plastic processors, among others. However, in such case, obligations to inform downstream users on safe use and disposal apply as well as obligations on yearly reporting of estimated losses to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

To address this issue from a maritime transport perspective, the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers (MEPC.1/Circ.909, 19 April 2024), which provides recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in cargo containers. However, these recommendations are not legally binding. Therefore, the Union has included these recommendations in the newly published Regulation (EU) 2025/2365 making them legally binding and enforceable. These measures are consistent with its responsibility to preserve, safeguard, and improve our planet, as well as its dedication to driving initiatives aimed at tackling worldwide ecological challenges.

Shippers must ensure that plastic pellets are packed in high-quality packaging, that they deliver transportation information to the ship’s crew, agent, and captain promptly, and that they submit a special stowage request. Those responsible for the operation of seafaring vessels, including cargo handlers and captains, must ensure that containers of plastic pellets are properly stored and secured. This is based on the transport information received from the shippers. Thanks to this measure, both the marine environment and the people on board are protected.

Can Joe Public make a contribution

The widespread prevalence of both tiny and large plastic fragments has become a commonplace fact. PLUXIN, one of the most extensive studies on Flemish coastal waters, seaports and estuaries, shows that plastic particles are everywhere. The count of microplastics is significantly higher than that of larger debris. Moreover, the pollution accumulates at the bottom and on the banks; estuaries such as the Scheldt serve as collection sites rather than sources for the open sea. The areas of Ostend-Zeebrugge, Vlissingen-Bath, and those upstream of Antwerp have become hot spots for the presence of plastics[8].

Numerous research initiatives have also demonstrated the presence of tiny plastics in marine life, which eventually makes its way into our food[9]. The potential health effects of microplastics are currently under investigation. However, there are indications of plausible biological mechanisms that link microplastic intake to multi-organ toxicity[10]. Therefore, let us view this as a cautionary tale. From now on, we should refrain from carelessly discarding any item, including plastic, in whatever location we may be.

Used plastic bags, bottles and cups should not be thrown on public roads or public sideways. Discarded cigarette butts and chewing gum have no place on our city streets or in public areas. It’s especially important to avoid leaving cigarette butts unattended, as they can cause wildfires during periods of extreme heat. Likewise, damaged fishing equipment should never be left in the ocean. It is also not appropriate to discard old or new clothing in the Atacama Desert. Chile has a long history of importing used and unsold clothing from China and Bangladesh via Europe, Asia and the United States[11].

In light of these findings, there are two important points to remember: firstly, each individual must strive to better their behaviour; secondly, the importance of collecting and recycling cannot be overstated.

Reduce your use of single-use plastics

Disposable plastics, such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry-cleaning bags, take-away containers, and any other single-use plastic items, are used once and then discarded. Fast fashion also deserves a spot in this list. We know very well how difficult it is to avoid using disposable and other plastics. Yet we can all do our part to make sure they are properly collected, sorted and recycled and preferably not only in low-quality applications such as flower pots and the like. This will help keep plastics out of the ocean, and hopefully reduce the amount of new plastic circulating.

Unfortunately, the Jevons paradox holds true in this case. In his 1865 publication The Coal Question, William Jevons foresaw that coal use would actually rise, not fall, due to the increased efficiency of steam engines. His prediction proved accurate. It is therefore conceivable that our demand for plastic will rise when recycled plastic becomes a valuable resource.

Moreover, it is essential to keep up to date with the issue of plastic pollution and to raise awareness among others about the problem. Consider having a conversation with your family and friends about potential solutions, and encourage their involvement. However, be careful not to disseminate false information or fake news. The threat to sea turtles becoming entangled in disposable plastics, or seahorses clinging to straws, seems largely overstated. On the other hand, the presence of micro and nanoplastics in seafood and fish (and in our food too) is a real concern.

Pay close attention to both new pellets and recycled pellets.

Once in the marine environment, microplastic pellets are nearly impossible to collect. The growing awareness of microplastics’ presence in the food chain can undermine consumer confidence and bear economic consequences. Reason enough to welcome the development of a new regulation and to hope that the European initiative will not be an isolated fact!

Internationally, hopes were placed on the United Nations Plastic Pollution Treaty. This treaty aimed at legally binding measures throughout the life cycle of plastic, from design and production to use and recycling. But negotiations between countries that want production restrictions and countries that produce oil failed[12].

What is not, will come soon?

For your information

The Belgian Statistical Office, Statbel, reports that in 2023, 79% of household waste was recycled, which is the same rate as it was 10 years ago[13]. Plastic remains the least recycled category of waste, even though its recycling rate has increased significantly, from 39% to 60% between 2013 and 2023.

According to Eurostat[14], Belgium boasts one of the highest recovery and recycling rates amongst all European Union countries. Its recycling rate actually surpasses the EU average of 53%. The numbers are even more impressive when it comes to the recycling of household packaging waste. Fost Plus, the organization responsible for household waste management in the country, collected a record volume of packaging during 2024. Each Belgian sorted 25.7 kg of plastic packaging, metal packaging and beverage cartons (plastic verpakkingen, metalen verpakkingen en drankkartons, PMD), 24.7 kg of paper and cardboard, and 28.7 kg of glass, totalling ~80 kg per citizen[15].

Recycling in Belgium operates on a dual track. Not only do they collect garbage directly from households, but there are also designated drop-off sites and recycling centres where people can bring their discarded items. Municipalities are responsible for collecting and managing household waste. To maximise efficiency, many municipalities collaborate through inter-municipal organisations.

Notably, Belgium’s Central Government, along with its three autonomous regions, Brussels-Capital, Flanders, and Wallonia, have set formal targets to transition into a circular economy by 2025. To help achieve this, private, public, and federal partners have signed many green deals to encourage sustainable development projects.

In December 2022, the Flemish government also offered 30 million € to 14 cutting-edge recycling programs in Flanders. Meanwhile, companies in the Brussels-Capital region are participating in the Be Circular, Be Brussel scheme[16]. This lays out plans to transition from a linear to a circular economy by 2025. In addition to this, the City of Brussels offers green bonuses to private individuals and companies to encourage their waste management efforts.

What happens to recycled materials in Belgium? To begin with, plastic waste is collected from homes in blue PMD bags and transported to five newly built sorting centers. These are located in Willebroek (Indaver), Evergem (Prezero), Couillet (Valtris), Mons (Val’Up), and Liège (Sitel). A combination of various sorting techniques (flotation, sieves, infrared detection etc…) separates the different types of plastic streams and presses it into large bales which then travel to recycling plants. These are washed and cured into pellet or granular form and then sold to plastic converters where it is melted and reshaped into new products.

[1] https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/microplastics

[2] Napper et al. (2020). Reaching new heights in plastic pollution—preliminary findings of microplastics on Mount Everest. One Earth 3(5), 621-630

[3] Peng et al. (2018). Microplastics contaminate the deepest part of the world’s ocean. Geochemical Perspectives Letters 9(1), 1-5

[4] Pironti et al. (2021). Microplastics in the environment: intake through the food web, human exposure and toxicological effects. Toxics 9(9), 224.

[5] Yakovenko et al. (2025). Human exposure to PM10 microplastics in indoor air. PLoS One 20(7), e0328011.

[6] https://fullfact.org/health/credit-card-microplastic-week/

[7] https://www.khlaw.com/insights/regulation-preventing-loss-plastic-pellets-reduce-microplastic-pollution-draft-agreement

[8] VLIZ 2024. Plastic hoopt zich op in bodem en op oevers riviermondingen. https://www.vliz.be/nl/news/plastic-hoopt-zich-op-bodem-en-op-oevers-riviermondingen

[9] Muñiz & Rahman (2025). Microplastics in coastal and marine environments: A critical issue of plastic pollution on marine organisms, seafood contaminations, and human health implications. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 18, 100663

[10] Fitri et al. (2026). Dietary Microplastics: Exposure Pathways, Hotspots, and Organ-Specific Health Effects. Side: Scientific Development Journal, 3(1), 1-6

[11] WIRED 2014. A Mountain of Used Clothes Appeared in Chile’s Desert. Then It Went Up in Flames. https://www.wired.com/story/fashion-disposal-environment/

[12] McLellan, F. (2025). Plastics treaty left in limbo. The Lancet, 406(10507), 991

[13] https://statbel.fgov.be/en/news/79-packaging-waste-recycled-belgium

[14] Nauriyal 2024. Household waste and recycling in Belgium. https://www.expatica.com/be/living/household/waste-and-recycling-in-belgium-102650/

[15] Fost Plus 2024. In 2024, every Belgian sorted almost 80 kg of packaging waste. https://www.fostplus.be/en/blog/in-2024-every-belgian-sorted-almost-80-kg-of-packaging-waste

[16] https://www.circulareconomy.brussels/