EC approves ban on ‘intentionally added’ microplastics

The EU’s first generic group restriction on chemicals is set to be introduced with a phased ban on intentionally added microplastics in products. Six years in the making, the proposal was seen as one of the most complex chemical bans prepared in the EU, covering products from artificial 3G sports pitches to cosmetics. It’s estimated by the European Chemicals Agency that more than 42,000 tonnes of microparticles are added to the environment each year, resulting in multiple negative impacts on living organisms and ecosystems. Rubber crumb, derived from old car tyres, that’s used in artificial turf contributes 16,000 tons. EU member state representatives took the decision on microplastics at a European REACH Committee meeting where a qualified majority was achieved during the vote. The European Commission can now send the proposal to the European Parliament and Council, which have a three-month period to scrutinise the text. If no objections are raised during that period, the proposal will enter into force. Under the proposals, different industries will be allowed lengthy transition periods to implement the changes. Make-up products can continue to contain microplastics for up to 12 years after the restriction has been adopted. The marketing of microplastics for use in sports pitches will be allowed for a further eight years. Industry and sporting groups, including the tyre recycling business, have said the ban on artificial turf is disproportionate when measures such as fences and drainage filter systems to limit the release of microplastics are being developed. Hélène Duguy, law and policy advisor at the environmental campaign group ClientEarth, said the vote marks a significant step forward for public health and the environment. “If implemented effectively, this restriction will prevent a massive amount of unnecessary pollution caused by these tiny pieces of plastics – which we are already seeing on mountains, in the ocean, in Arctic Sea ice, or in our blood. We will put our full support into the implementation of the ban and hope that everyone, including industry actors, joins in the effort,” she added. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commercial Risk and Global Risk Manager are to launch a dedicated information service covering Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, aimed primarily at large organisations in Europe. ESG Risk Review will provide insight and intelligence on sustainability risks, covering regulation, litigation and insurance market news, as well as analysis, comment, interviews and webinars. ESG Risk Review will be supported by Zurich as our headline partner and will be free to access content for all risk and insurance managers and related ESG officials within corporates. It will launch on 17 May 2023. To sign up for the monthly newsletter, please visit: https://www.commercialriskonline.com/esg-launch/

EC approves ban on ‘intentionally added’ microplastics

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