Strategic options for reducing microplastics

Abstract

The goal of the strategic roadmap is to stimulate the transformation of social and economic systems through accumulated scientific and technological knowledge. This will trigger the development of a national strategy for microplastics based on scientific excellence, policy and industry readiness for environmentally friendly lifestyles to address the growing amount of microplastics in the environment. In order to achieve the goal of the proposed initiative on a national strategy for microplastics, the following specific objectives have been established: Pollution prevention through the improvement of a sustainable plastic waste management system and more efficient use of waste in the circular economy; Developing a circular economy based on industrial symbiosis and increasing resource efficiency, Identifying and advancing product alternatives; Develop a monitoring program for microplastics, Define risk thresholds and develop a risk assessment framework; Sources and pathways prioritization; Evaluating new solutions to mitigate microplastics contamination; Improvement of the environmental protection financing system; Strengthened capacities of institutions for reducing microplastics and harmonized regulations with EU regulations; Conduct consumer education and awareness-raising campaigns.