Strata International Journal of Social Issues
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): August

The Hazards of Microplastics: A Legal Perspective on Unlawful Acts and Consumer Protection

Aufa, Muhammad Fikri (Unknown)
Abdillah, Irvan (Unknown)
Saifuddin, Sendy Salsabilla (Unknown)
Apriana, Adistia Lulu (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Aug 2025

Abstract

Microplastics have emerged as a multidimensional threat, not only to environmental and public health but also to legal systems worldwide. Despite increasing scientific evidence regarding their ecological persistence and toxicity, legal responses—particularly in civil law and consumer protection—remain underdeveloped. This study examines the legal implications of microplastic pollution through the lens of unlawful acts (onrechtmatige daad) and consumer protection, using normative legal research methods grounded in statutory analysis, legal doctrine, and jurisprudence. The findings reveal that industrial negligence in plastic waste management may satisfy the legal elements of tort under Indonesian civil law (Article 1365 of the Civil Code), especially when microplastics harm ecosystems or pose health risks to consumers. Moreover, the absence of specific regulatory frameworks addressing microplastic content in consumer products indicates a critical normative gap that undermines the right to product safety and accurate information. This research argues that microplastic pollution constitutes not merely a technical or scientific issue but a legal crisis demanding comprehensive reform. It recommends integrating the precautionary principle into national legislation, setting enforceable safety standards, mandating microplastic content labeling, and enhancing producer accountability, drawing lessons from international instruments. The study also advocates for the establishment of independent testing bodies and robust monitoring mechanisms to support scientific evidence in environmental litigation.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

sijosi

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

Strata International Journal of Social Issues (SIJoSI) is a peer-reviewed journal published twice yearly (February and August) by CV. Strata Persada Academia. This journal uses an Open Journal System and provides a digital object identifier (DOI) to make the journal more accessible to all readers. ...