A study undertaken by the University of Plymouth to test the effectiveness of a number of prototype washing machine filters on their ability to reduce the volume of microfiber plastics reaching our oceans, features today in The Times, METRO, Daily Mirror and Engineering & Technology. The study tested six different products, all designed to filter out microfibers that would otherwise reach our oceans and water courses and have an adverse effect on water quality and marine life. This study is a welcome contribution to ongoing research currently underway to address marine plastic pollution and the impact of human activities on marine life. Its findings provide useful insights to what is and isn’t effective in tackling this form of plastic pollution and it is one that is being kept under close review. The government is already undertaking measures to tackle the scourge of plastics that blight the environment; from introducing a ban of microbeads in personal care products to ensuring further long-term commitments are legislated for in the Environment Bill. Additionally, earlier this year, a Defra-funded study led by the University of Plymouth looked at how microplastics pass through water treatment works and was one of the first worldwide to identify tyres as additional sources of microplastics. A Defra spokesperson said:
“The UK is at the forefront of a global fight against the scourge of plastics, and we have already introduced a pioneering ban on microbeads in rinse-off personal care products and the 5p single use bag charge.
“We are clear that manufacturers should harness the latest technology to protect our marine environment and we are keeping the compulsory fitting of microplastic filters under close review.”
Government reaffirms commitment to clamping down on single-use plastics
Ministers Pow ad Goldsmith reaffirm the Government’s continued commitment to crack down on single use plastics at home and abroad. In the op-ed both Defra Minister’s made clear that as we emerge from the pandemic, we must pick up from where we left off – driving forward with our ambitious plans to lead the global fight on unnecessary single-use plastics and each playing our part to make real change. Our landmark Environment Bill will soon return to Parliament, and through this world-leading legislation we will transform our environment and ensure protections above and beyond those in the EU, as well as paving the way for new innovative schemes that slash our plastic waste.
The Telegraph also promoted this important message on their front page, highlighting how the pandemic has opened a new front in the war on plastics. In the piece, Helena Horton looks at the potential impact of single-use PPE, much of which is plastic, as well as our ongoing work to investigate reusable and biodegradable PPE in a bid to cut down on plastic waste. From October, we will implement our landmark ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds, and from 2022 will introduce a tax on plastic packaging to penalise companies if they produce or import packaging which does not contain at least 30 per cent recycled content. We will also transform the waste system to move us closer to a circular economy where products are built to last, be recycled or repaired. Through new extended producer responsibility schemes, we will also make sure industries pay higher fees if their products or packaging are harder to reuse or recycle.
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