Nurdle pollution: old problem, same legislative challenges

euobserver, December 2023

Nurdles are microplastics from the start due to their diminutive size, something also known as primary microplastics (Photo: Davide Mancini)

This is the second chapter of the investigation into plastic pellet pollution. Building on the insights presented in part one, this segment explores the limited efforts made to address the issue and the regulatory gap that prevents holding companies accountable.

Nurdle pollution is not a recent occurrence: the earliest reported sightings of plastic pellets on beaches date back to the early 1970s. Yet no specific legislation has been introduced since then, and efforts to mitigate spills have largely relied on voluntary initiatives.

One such is Operation Clean Sweep (OCS). Under this program, firms commit to a set of guidelines and best practices to prevent pellet leakage, including improving storage, handling, and transportation, as well as implementing spill-response protocols. According to its website, the aim is to achieve zero pellet loss.

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