The European Commission has adopted a series of measures to prohibit selling products with microplastics, which contribute to microplastic pollution. The ban was implemented on October 15, starting with the sale of loose glitter and microbead products. The transition period for other products will be much longer.
Microplastics, which are plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have emerged as a significant environmental concern in recent years. These tiny fragments can stem from various sources, ranging from plastic items to synthetic textiles.
One of the most critical issues concerning microplastics is their widespread presence in the environment. These particles are nearly everywhere and can be found in oceans, rivers, soil, and even in the air we breathe. Microplastics can stay there for centuries posing a threat to ecosystems, wildlife, the food chain, and human health.
In an attempt to combat this issue, the European Commission has adopted a series of measures under the EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) legislation that governs harmful chemicals.
According to the European Commission, “the new rules will prevent the release to the environment of about half a million tonnes (metric tons) of microplastics. They will prohibit the sale of microplastics as such, and of products to which microplastics have been added on purpose and that release those microplastics when used.”
Between 4 and 12 years of transition for most products
The European Commission press release also mentioned that the “adopted restriction uses a broad definition of microplastics – it covers all synthetic polymer particles below five millimeters that are organic, insoluble and resist degradation. The purpose is to reduce emissions of intentional microplastics from as many products as possible.”
For cosmetics containing microbeads or loose glitter, the ban went into effect on October 15, 2023.
For other cosmetics and materials, manufacturers will have a transition period of between four and 12 years to find alternatives and adjust to the ban, depending on the complexity of the product and the availability of suitable alternatives.
Some of the examples of products in the scope of the restriction are cosmetics (exfoliating microbeads), detergents, fabric softeners, glitter, fertilizers, pesticides, toys, medicines and medical devices, artificial sports surfaces, and cleaning products.
The ban won’t affect certain products such as construction materials that contain microplastics but don’t release them into the environment, and products used at industrial sites. Manufacturers will still have to provide instructions on how to use and dispose of the product to prevent microplastic emissions.
Basically, these measures prohibit the sale of microplastics and products that intentionally contain them within the European Union.
What could be the impacts of the ban?
In the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the EU has committed to a target goal of a 30% reduction in microplastic pollution by 2030. The ban is a first step toward that goal.
Around 145,000 tons of microplastics are estimated to be used in the European Economic Area each year. Further EU goals could see the tackle of microplastics that are unintentionally released, for instance, from clothes, car tires, and paint.
Plastics are often lighter or cost less than alternative materials.
It also may not be that easy to find suitable alternatives to plastic, as other types of materials may require a lot of energy to produce or not be a suitable product replacement.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) estimated that the cost of the new measures for stakeholders can be up to 19 billion euros (20 billion dollars) over the next 20 years. The new rules are expected to prevent the release of about half a million tons of microplastics into the environment.
