The UK Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)on Microplastics works to raise awareness of the effects of microplastics on the environment discussing issues related to microplastics and steps needed to tackle the issue and prevent harmful impacts on the environment, riverine and marine life and human health. In this first report, the Group has been focussing on the issue of plastic microfibres and sought to understand plastic microfibre release during the laundry process – considering the scale of the problem, its impacts and possible solutions.

The report contains a series of holistic recommendations designed to eliminate the release of microplastic fibres from clothing into British waters covering education and awareness, textiles, and filtration and wastewater.

Key recommendations include the fitting of microfibre filters in all new domestic and commercial washing machines from 2025 and the appointment of a designated cross-departmental ‘Minister for Plastics Pollution’ who would have a clear remit for the control and prevention of plastic pollution.
Over thirty cross-sector stakeholders worked with the APPG on Microplastics to help formulate the policy solutions in the report.

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