Scientists urge UK government to act on microplastics

On Tuesday, May 6, the University of Portsmouth’s Global Plastics Policy Centre presented a new policy brief to MPs urging the UK government to develop a strategy to fight microplastic pollution. Compiled by scientists from several leading UK universities, the brief highlights serious regulatory gaps and calls for a national roadmap with clear targets and timelines. The authors warn that failure to act may lead to escalating risks for the environment, the economy, and public health. Dr Antaya March, Director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre, said that microplastic pollution is “a complex, transboundary policy challenge” and it requires “a coordinated and forward-looking response” to be addressed. As pointed out in the brief, the UK is lagging behind the EU and the US, which have begun setting enforceable limits on microplastics in water and industrial processes. Last January, for example, the EU imposed new rules that require advanced micro-pollutant removal, including microplastics, in urban wastewater treatment plants.
Despite the growing risks to public health, with microplastics constantly accumulating in the environment and contaminating food products, the UK has yet to adopt a clear strategy to reduce microplastic pollution, especially in agriculture. Professor Fay Couceiro of the Microplastics Research Group at the University of Portsmouth’s Revolution Plastics Institute warned that without action, the UK’s environment and public health could be compromised. A robust microplastic policy framework is essential to safeguard the country and its well-being. In this sense, the brief recommends establishing targets to reduce microplastics at source, introducing safe-led regulation with PFAS exposure thresholds, and aligning future UK legislation with existing international frameworks.