Complimentary Article: Microplastics Are in the News, and Manufacturers Are Seeing Lawsuits
Written by Rachel Henke of Roux and Megan Baroni of Robinson+Cole
Microplastics are tiny, often microscopic particles of plastic that can either be directly released into the environment or formed as a result of breakdown of larger plastics. These emerging contaminants can enter the environment at every stage of their lifecycle, from airborne discharge during manufacturing, shedding during product use, or mismanagement of waste and stormwater/wastewater discharges. California has already started the process of developing regulations for microplastics, while the scientific community still works to determine the associated potential human health and environmental impacts.
Plaintiffs, however, are not waiting for the development of microplastics regulations, and instead are suing plastics producers and users under existing legal theories. Cases filed under federal environmental law, state consumer protection laws, as well as the common law, are having real impacts on industries that produce and use plastics.
To learn more, click below to read the full complimentary article, published through IndustryWeek.
