Microplastics in the Environment 2019

The occurrence of microplastics in the environment has attracted attention in recent years. This is particularly evident in the huge volumes of initiatives, research, projects and actions that are taking place both internationally and in Sweden. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency sees the occurrence of microplastics in the environment as an important ongoing issue. While we are dependent on synchronization of results within the EU and other countries, and sometimes have to wait for others’ results, our own work in Sweden needs to continue. The Swedish EPA considers that the conditions for reducing the dispersal of microplastics in the environment has been improved by the measures it proposes here. To continue making progress, we need to increase our knowledge of sources, dispersal and effects.

This report presents results from the second government commission, the first published in 2017. It was published in Swedish in 2019 and contains new findings and proposed measures. The proposed measures target important quantified sources, such as artificial grass and microfibres from laundering of textiles.