Case Study - Galicia nurdle spill December 2023

A Predictable and Preventable Disaster

Following the loss of a container holding plastic pellets from a transport ship off the Portuguese coast in December 2023, millions of plastic pellets began to wash up on the beaches of Galicia, Spain. Local NGO Noia Limpa raised the alarm, however a lack clarity around responsibility for response and delayed action from authorities and industry has resulted in widespread pellet pollution which will continue to impact the region for years to come.

A legislative supply chain approach along with international agreements and national legislation is essential to prevent such spills occurring again in the future

Language: English