TWPs are an increasingly important but often overlooked source of pollution in European aquatic environments. Generated continuously through vehicle use, TWPs consist of both particles and a complex mixture of associated chemicals (TWCs), many of which are toxic, persistent, and poorly understood. Due to their small size and mobility, TWPs are widely dispersed via road runoff, atmospheric transport, and wastewater systems, ultimately accumulating in freshwater and marine environments, where sediments act as long-term sinks.

Addressing TWPs is not only a technical and regulatory challenge but also a societal one. Raising awareness, promoting behavioural change, and encouraging active societal engagement are essential to support effective implementation and long-term impact. At the same time, the successful deployment of mitigation measures will depend on a better understanding of their socio-economic implications, including implementation costs, technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential trade-offs across stakeholder groups. These aspects remain insufficiently quantified and represent an important area for future research and policy development.

This guidance translates the scientific and technical findings of SOS-ZEROPOL2030 into actionable recommendations for the prevention, reduction and mitigation of TWPs pollution in European seas. By providing clear, policy-relevant and practical guidance, this
document aims to support policymakers, decision-makers, and other stakeholders in implementing measures that reduce emissions at the source, mitigate environmental risks, and achieve measurable improvements in marine water quality.