The Protecting Against Microplastics Act aims to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of microplastics in New Jersey by implementing strict labeling requirements and prohibiting the sale of certain products containing intentionally added microplastics. Manufacturers of cleaning, cosmetic, foodware, or potentially ingestible products will be required to disclose the presence of these microplastics on product labels in both English and Spanish, starting one year after the act's effective date. Furthermore, beginning three years after the act's implementation, the sale, distribution, or offering of products containing intentionally added microplastics will be banned. The act also establishes penalties for non-compliance and empowers the Division of Consumer Affairs to audit manufacturers to ensure adherence to these regulations.

In addition to labeling and sales restrictions, the act mandates the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a source reduction program aimed at minimizing microplastics in the state's air, water, and soil. This program will include educational resources, public awareness campaigns, and potential grants for municipalities to manage microplastics effectively. The DEP is also tasked with conducting comprehensive research and monitoring of microplastics, developing a microplastics strategy within three years, and reporting annually on their findings and recommendations. To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $2.5 million to the DEP and an additional $500,000 to the Department of Law and Public Safety for enforcement purposes.