Labour must urgently develop a clear national strategy to tackle microplastic pollution, or risk falling further behind international efforts to confront one of the world’s most pressing environmental threats, scientists have warned.
A new policy brief, delivered to MPs today by the University of Portsmouth’s Global Plastics Policy Centre, demands a UK-wide roadmap with firm targets and timelines to stem the microplastic tide.
Despite growing evidence of damage to human health, ecosystems and the economy, the UK has no co-ordinated approach.
“The fact that the evidence is still emerging should not be a reason to delay action. A national roadmap informed by international developments is not only timely but necessary to ensure policy coherence and future readiness.
“Microplastic pollution represents a complex, transboundary policy challenge with implications for environmental health, public well-being and long-term economic resilience. Its diffuse sources and persistence across ecosystems call for a co-ordinated and forward-looking response.”
Dr Antaya March, Director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre
While the UK references microplastics in its Plan for Water and Environmental Improvement Plan, neither includes specific reduction targets.
Meanwhile, the EU and US have begun setting enforceable limits on microplastics in water, industry and consumer goods.
The report, backed by microplastics scientists from seven UK universities, identifies glaring regulatory gaps.
It recommends a raft of urgent actions, including:
- A national policy framework covering all primary and secondary sources of microplastics
- Design standards to reduce shedding in textiles, tyres, packaging and paint
- Specific limits for high-emission sectors like agriculture, where sludge and mulching are contaminating soil
- Cuts to primary plastic production by simplifying product design and boosting traceability
- Investment in research to set safe exposure limits and tackle overlooked areas like air and soil pollution
- Alignment with international rules to keep UK policy future-proof
Researchers say without rapid action, the UK risks environmental damage, health risks and economic fallout – and will be playing catch-up with global leaders in the fight against plastic pollution.
Copyright © 2025 Energy Live News Ltd
