italiano
english
français
española
中国
日本の
العربية
Deutsch
한국어
Português
Russian
- |
ROME - Stop microgranules added to products, which then return to the environment and pollute:the European Commission today takes another important step forward for the protection of the environment by adopting measures that limit the intentional addition of microplastics to products regulated by the European Union's Reach legislation on chemicals.Soon a series of products – like scrubs, soaps, toothpastes, glitter, toys, medicines, but also the material used to make synthetic sports fields – they can no longer be sold, or they will have to change the formula. The European Commission's underlying 'war' is on microplastics, which if added to products in the form of microgranules return to the environment when the product is used.And they do too much damage.
WHEN THE STOP COMES
The first measures, such as the ban on microbeads and loose glitter, will start to apply in 20 days, with the entry into force of the restriction.In other cases the sales ban will be applied after a longer period, to give stakeholders time to develop and adopt alternatives.
STOP HALF A MILLION TONS OF MICROPLASTICS
With these new rules, which will prevent the release into the environment of around half a million tonnes of microplastics, the sale of microplastics as such and of products containing intentionally added microplastics and which release microplastics when used.In duly justified cases, exemptions and transitional periods will apply to allow interested parties to adapt to the new rules.
WHAT IS MEANT BY MICROPLASTICS
The adopted restriction is based on a broad definition of microplastics, which they fall into all synthetic polymer particles smaller than five millimeters that are organic, insoluble and resistant to degradation.The goal is to reduce intentional microplastic emissions from as many products as possible.
WHICH PRODUCTS CONTAIN MICROGRANULES
Common products affected by this restriction include: the granular infill material used for artificial sports surfaces, which constitutes the main source of microplastics intentionally used in the environment; cosmetics, in which microplastics are used for multiple purposes, such as exfoliation (micrograins) or obtaining a specific consistency, fragrance or colour;detergents, softeners for fabrics, glitter, fertilizers, plant protection products, toys, medicines and medical devices etc.
Products used in industrial sites or which do not release microplastics during their use are exempt from the sales ban, but the relevant manufacturers must provide instructions on how to use and dispose of them to avoid emissions of microplastics.
THE OBJECTIVE BY 2030
The European Commission is committed to fighting microplastic pollution, as reiterated in the European Green Deal and in the new action plan for the circular economy.In the zero pollution action plan, the Commission has set the objective of reducing microplastic pollution by 30% by 2030.
As part of these efforts, the Commission is working to reduce microplastic pollution from different sources:waste in general and plastic waste, accidental and unintentional releases (e.g. leakage of plastic pellets, degradation of tires or release from clothing), as well as intentional uses in products.
THE RISKS OF MICROPLASTICS ADDED TO PRODUCTS
To tackle the problem of microplastic pollution while preventing the risk of fragmentation in the single market, the Commission asked the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to evaluate the risk posed by the intentional addition of microplastics to products and the possible need for further regulatory action at EU level.Echa found that microplastics intentionally added to certain products are released into the environment in an uncontrolled manner, and recommended limiting them.
Based on the scientific evidence provided by ECHA, the Commission developed a restriction proposal under the REACH Regulation which was adopted after approval by EU Member States, the European Parliament and the Council.