Accidental spills of plastic pellets, or nurdles, are causing significant environmental damage to marine ecosystems, with recent incidents reported in Europe and Asia.

Plastic pellet pollution, involving small plastic granules known as nurdles, has emerged as a significant environmental concern in 2025. These pellets, used as raw materials in plastic manufacturing, often enter marine environments through accidental spills during transportation. In March 2025, a collision between cargo ship Solong and tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea resulted in nurdles washing up on the northeast coast of England. Similar incidents have occurred in Galicia, Spain, and Brittany, France, where millions of plastic pellets have polluted coastlines, harming wildlife and ecosystems. Nurdles are easily mistaken for food by marine animals, leading to ingestion, starvation, and death. The persistent nature of plastic pollution poses long-term threats to marine biodiversity and food chains. Environmental groups are calling for stricter regulations on plastic pellet handling and transportation to prevent future spills and protect marine life.