| January 23rd, 2026 | News

The SOS-ZEROPOL2030 project has released a comprehensive set of Work Package 4 (WP4) deliverables (D4.1–D4.4) that together provide an integrated, end-to-end assessment of two priority pollutants: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and tyre wear particles (TWPs).

This deliverable package brings together emissions mapping, environmental risk assessment, mitigation options, governance analysis, scenario development, and policy-ready communication tools, offering a robust evidence base to support the EU’s Zero Pollution ambition for European seas.

From sources to seas: integrated pollutant assessments (D4.1)

Deliverable D4.1 presents detailed integrated case-study assessments for both PFAS and TWPs, synthesising knowledge generated across WP4 tasks.
For each pollutant, the reports map:

• emission sources along the value chain,
• transport pathways and accumulation in marine environments,
• current and emerging environmental risks,
• existing technological and value-chain mitigation options, and
• governance strategies at EU, regional-sea, and national levels.

By deliberately focusing on complex and data-challenging pollutants, D4.1 stress-tests the SOS-ZEROPOL2030 risk-assessment framework and highlights key data gaps that must be addressed to achieve meaningful zero-pollution outcomes.

Exploring futures: scenarios and pathways to zero pollution (D4.2 & D4.3)

Building on the integrated assessments, D4.2 and D4.3 translate scientific evidence into scenario-based analyses for PFAS and TWPs. These deliverables explore how combinations of policy measures, technological innovation, value-chain interventions, and governance reforms could reduce emissions and risks under different future pathways.

The scenario work supports decision-makers by illustrating:

• which levers are most effective at different stages of the value chain,
• where mitigation efforts should be prioritised geographically, and
• how governance alignment across EU and regional-sea conventions can accelerate progress.

Together, D4.2 and D4.3 provide a structured bridge between scientific assessment and actionable policy design

Making science accessible: case-study pollutant factsheets (D4.4)

To ensure uptake beyond the research community, D4.4 distils the WP4 findings into concise, visually engaging factsheets on PFAS and TWPs.

Each factsheet summarises:

• key emission sources,
• current environmental risks,
• mitigation and governance options, and
• scenario outcomes for achieving zero pollution.

Designed for policy-makers, stakeholders, educators, and outreach activities, the factsheets translate complex analyses into clear, accessible messages and will be available for download and print via the SOS-ZEROPOL2030 Resources page and the project’s Zero-Pollution Online Hub

Supporting Europe’s Zero Pollution ambition

Taken together, D4.1–D4.4 form a coherent knowledge package that strengthens the science–policy interface and supports evidence-based decision-making for tackling emerging chemical and microplastic pollution in European seas.

All deliverables are now publicly available in the Resources section of the SOS-ZEROPOL2030 website.

D4.1 Knowledge and outcomes from T4.1- T4.4 summarised in the ‘integrated analysis’ section of the individual case study pollutant template.

Part A: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Part B: Tyre Wear Particles (TWPs)

D4.3 Exploratory scenarios for zero marine pollution in three EU regional seas

Understanding PFAS Usage, emissions, and risks

Understanding Tyre Wear Particles Emissions, Pathways & Risks

D4.4 Case Study Pollutant Factsheets