On 16th October, the Commission is proposing for the first time measures to prevent microplastic pollution from the unintentional release of plastic pellets. The proposal includes a proposal for a Regulation on preventing pellet losses which will now be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council. The Regulations introduces an exemption for EMAS registered companies and also recognises the possibility that EMAS environmental verifiers check the compliance with the requirements of the Regulation. Check the proposal for a Regulation here!

On 29^th November, the Council and Parliament reached an agreement on the revised Industrial Emission Directive. The new rules will, among others, introduce a mandatory requirement for an environmental management system as well as improve public access to information. The final text is not yet available but you can consult the European Council press release here!

On 5^th December Council and Parliament conclude a provisional agreement on the Ecodesign regulation. The Ecodesign regulation establishes a harmonised framework for setting of requirements for specific product groups to make them not only energy and resource-efficient but also more durable, reliable, reusable, upgradable, reparable, recyclable and easier to maintain. A new "Digital Product Passport" will provide information about products' environmental sustainability. Check the European Coucil press release here!