Investigating options for reducing releases in the aquatic environment of microplastics emitted by (but not intentionally added in) products

This report has been prepared for the European Commission by ICF in association with Eunomia and partners.

The objectives of the study were to:

• Critically assess all available information on sources, pathways and impacts of microplastics in the aquatic environment, as well as on actions aiming at their reduction;
• Provide the analysis for the Commission to identify relevant measures and policy options to reduce releases of microplastics in the aquatic environment including through product policies, improved sewerage and storm water collection, improved waste water treatment and any other relevant measures whether specific to the various sources of microplastics or horizontal measures;
• After validation of the proposed options by the Commission, analyse the social, economic and environmental impacts of the selected options
• Compare the impacts of the options with the baseline to enable the selection of most efficient and effective options, on the basis of which the Commission might propose preferred action(s)/options at EU level.