TIP 19: Response to plastic pellet incidents

Concern over the extent of plastic and microplastic contamination of our oceans has steadily increased over many years. It is, however, still a relatively new area of research and the full extent of the impacts of microplastics on the marine environment, wider ecosystems and human health are not yet fully understood. One source of microplastic pollution is the plastic pellets used as the feedstock to manufacture all plastic products, which are shipped worldwide to meet the global demand for plastic production.

The difficulties of responding to a plastic pellet incident arise from the characteristics of the pellets (their density, small size and light weight), how easily they are subsequently influenced by meteorological and oceanographic conditions and the extensive geographical area they can therefore affect. Recent cases have demonstrated that responses are likely to be labour intensive and protracted. The key to a successful response is to be well organised, and to respond promptly, with a targeted, proportionate deployment of resources focused on recovering the bulk of the plastic pellets from the affected area as quickly as possible.

This TIP, published in 2025, encapsulates knowledge gained from ITOPF’s significant involvement with plastic pellet incidents, providing considerations for contingency planning and guidance on strategies and techniques that have proved effective during previous responses.

Category: Technical Information Paper (TIPS)