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arvind
- July 31, 2023
Microplastics Restriction
he REACH committee voted to restrict the use of intentionally added microplastics in products. This measure aims to prevent the release of about half a million tonnes of microplastics into the environment over 20 years. The proposal will be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council before adoption (Internal Market).
Key aspects of the restriction include prohibiting the use of microplastics in products such as cosmetics, detergents, and fertilizers, with an estimated prevention of 500,000 tonnes of microplastics entering the environment over the next 20 years. This comprehensive approach also addresses the largest source of pollution—granular infill material used on artificial turf pitches, which releases up to 16,000 tonnes of microplastics annually (Environment).
The restriction proposal has undergone extensive consultations and reviews by various stakeholders, including EU Member States and industry representatives. The ECHA’s Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) have provided their opinions, supporting the proposal while recommending certain adjustments to ensure effective enforcement and minimize socio-economic impacts (Homepage – ECHA) (Rethink Plastic).
For further details, you can visit the official ECHA website or the European Commission’s environment page.