Scientific Report Confirms Microplastic Risk from EPS Pontoons; OSPAR Mandates Phase-Out by 2031

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - AlfaBryggan AB announces that the long-standing environmental debate on EPS foam (expanded polystyrene) in floating docks has reached a decisive scientific and regulatory stage. The publication of the Swedish Marine Institute's national assessment (Report 2025:5) confirms that more than 110,000 floating dock structures exist in Sweden, many containing EPS foam that may contribute to microplastic pollution, particularly traditional wood and concrete pontoons containing exposed EPS/XPS foam.

Scientific evidence and regulatory action
The report documents how EPS/XPS foam fragments over time due to mechanical wear, ice pressure, and UV exposure, releasing microplastics into aquatic environments. A key finding is that many traditional concrete pontoons lack a sealed underside, leaving EPS directly exposed to water. This results in continuous environmental degradation over the structure's lifetime.

Under Sweden's Environmental Code, facility owners are responsible for preventing environmental harm. OSPAR Decision 2025/02 entered into force on January 13, 2026, requiring member countries to implement national measures addressing exposed EPS/XPS according to the following timeline:

• January 13, 2026 - Entry into force. Member countries begin implementing national measures to prevent new installations using exposed EPS/XPS.
• January 13, 2029 - Phase-out or remediation of exposed EPS buoys through national regulatory processes.
• January 13, 2031 - Phase-out, encapsulation, or replacement of exposed EPS pontoons through national implementation.
• Immediate action required if damage exposes EPS, requiring repair, encapsulation, or replacement.

Geographic scope and economic implications
OSPAR Decision 2025/02 applies to the North Sea region, including Sweden's west coast. Equivalent environmental objectives are addressed in the Baltic Sea through HELCOM cooperation and national implementation. As a result, municipalities, marina operators, and infrastructure owners must increasingly consider lifecycle cost (LCC) and regulatory compliance when selecting floating dock systems.

Future-proof solutions
AlfaBryggan AB has specialized in air-filled pontoon systems made from HDPE and steel, eliminating EPS entirely. These systems provide long service life, full recyclability, and compliance with emerging environmental standards. By eliminating foam fragmentation risks, they represent a technically and environmentally sustainable alternative for marinas, municipalities, and infrastructure projects.

Resources and further information:

OSPAR regulatory guide:
https://alfabryggan.se/miljo-och-vatten/2026/02/ospar-guide-regler-for-flytbryggor-och-pontoner

Floating dock procurement guide:
https://alfabryggan.se/om-bryggor/2026/02/vad-ar-en-flytbrygga-guide-om-regler-teknik-och-inkop

Technical pontoon specifications:
https://alfabryggan.se/produktutbud/ponton

Marine Institute Report 2025:5 (PDF):
https://alfabryggan.se/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/rapport-plastfororeningar-flytbryggor-havsmiljoinstitutet-2025-5.pdf

Website:
https://alfabryggan.se

Company:
AlfaBryggan AB

Address:
Järnvägsgatan 8
736 32 Kungsör
Sweden

Contact person:
Christer Ulfvengren

AlfaBryggan AB is a Swedish supplier of floating dock and pontoon systems. Founded in 2009, the company specializes in environmentally sustainable marine infrastructure using air-filled HDPE and steel pontoon technology. AlfaBryggan supports municipalities, marina operators, and contractors with engineering expertise, floating dock systems, and long-life marine solutions designed for long service life, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability.

This release was published on openPR.