Keep Fibers Zipped - New CCB report and campaign on the reduction of microplastic pollution from textile

CCB • June 26, 2023

26 June 2023 - Everyone knows about the microplastic pollution, but how to tackle it? Is it possible in a plastic-dependent world to reduce the separation of synthetic microfibres? We decided to answer this question and collected the available solutions in a new report: Keep fibers zipped. Holistic approach to reduction of microfiber pollution from textile. Report and case study of available solutions in the Baltic Sea region and worldwide


The textile sector is one of the causes responsible for plastic pollution. The washing of synthetic textiles is responsible for 35% of global emissions of primary microplastics into the ocean. The microplastics problem is widespread and seriously affects human health and the environment.


The separability of particles from textiles and their release into the environment is influenced by various indicators and factors: the quality and technology of fabric production, the washing machines, the practice of wearing and washing clothes, consumer choices and habits, the presence and the internal structure of sewage treatment plants in the area. There are already available methods and solutions to prevent and reduce this microplastic contamination.


Our new report presents 19 working examples and implemented solutions, as well as recommendations for various stakeholders throughout the textile lifecycle. In the landing page

https://www.ccb.se/keep-fibers-zipped we also made available the Summary Report (EN, BY, DE, LT, RU) and separate chapters with solutions for people, business, cities and countries.


The work may contribute to the implementation of the updated HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, as well as it will be useful to everyone working on tackling microplastic pollution in the Baltic Sea region.

The social media campaign #KeepFibersZipped will be running from 26 June to 10 July 2023.

You can follow and support on CCB Facebook and Instagram pages:


NGOs to EU decision makers: Commit to a Genuine Baltic Sea Recovery Plan

By CCB • May 28, 2025
Key Baltic fish populations are in crisis, warn environmental NGOs. New scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, ICES, confirms the poor condition of key Baltic fish populations, several of which remain collapsed (1). EU fisheries ministers must set 2026-catch limits well below ICES advice and prioritise long-term recovery over short-term economic gains.

EU Commission upholds Fisheries Law: Finland's 2025 Atlantic Salmon quota reduced after unjustified overfishing in 2024

By CCB • May 7, 2025
7 May 2025 - Yesterday the European Commission took a strong decision to deduct Finland´s 2025 Atlantic Salmon quota due to unjustified overfishing last year. This action is a clear application of the EU fisheries rules - aiming to ensure sustainable fishing practices and compliance with established quotas - and an important precedent for the consistent enforcement of fisheries law. In 2024, Finland was allocated a strict by-catch quota for Atlantic salmon, with direct fishing prohibited, except for some specific, minor exceptions. Despite this, Finland reported catching 3,162 salmon in a targeted fishery, under a claimed derogation stating the fishery was for scientific research purposes. Upon review, the European Commission concluded that these activities did not meet the legal standards for such an exemption and therefore found this claim unjustified. The number of vessels participating, 32, the number of salmon caught as well as the fact that Finland refused to re-release the salmon after conducting the “scientific research” are all reasons why the fishery cannot be considered to have been carried out for scientific research purposes. As a result, the same number of salmon caught beyond the legal limit in 2024 is now being deducted from Finland’s 2025 quota, from the same stock. “ We welcome the Commission's decision to take enforcement action and apply the law as intended. It sends a clear message to Member States that exceeding quotas will have consequences. However, more consistent enforcement is urgently needed across EU waters, especially in the Baltic Sea, where many fish stocks are collapsing and the ecosystem is in a poor state ” said Aimi Hamberg, CCB Marine Policy Officer. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland has already responded to the Commission´s quota reduction for Atlantic salmon by stating that this decision “is not legally justified” and they will consider taking legal action against it. As this matter continues to evolve, it is highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in managing fish stocks sustainably. Species like salmon, herring and cod , are under increasing pressure due to overfishing, climate change and habitat loss. In this context, rule enforcement is not just a bureaucratic step but a necessary action to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine life in the Baltic Sea.