A cross party agreement in Denmark will look at microplastics in a circular plastic economy.
Denmark Plans to Take Action on Microplastics
In addition to controls on microplastic additives in cosmetics from 2020, the policy advocates the mapping the advantages and disadvantages of various other uses for sewage sludge containing microplastic, including energy production and raw material extraction by thermal and biological gassification, phosphorus extraction, metal extraction and enzymatic treatment.
Another element says the parties will support the EU Commission’s focus to reduce the release of microplastics from tyres and shoe soles and develop a method for measuring tyre wear.
The European tyre industry has set up an industry platform where actors in the value chain will work together to build knowledge and find solutions to reduce microplastics, the parties said.
The government is also going to launch an exercise on microplastic discharge from artificial turf pitches. The plan says that quantities and means of microplastic spread from artificial turf pitches to the surrounding environment must be identified “more precisely” with a view to assessing whether initiatives are needed to prevent this. Possible alternatives to rubber granulate, such as cork granules or coconut fibres, should also be considered.
MP Christian Poll said it is “essential” the Danes “get a grip” on microplastic emissions. Meanwhile, environmental and food minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen said new environmental challenges “require new ways” to cooperate politically.
“The parties agree that it requires strong government action and a sharp political focus to stop plastic pollution and promote the circular economy,” he said.
