EU Regulation Concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), as regards synthetic polymer microparticles
Governmental Agency: European Commission
Jurisdiction: European Union
Ref no: 2023/2055
Status: ADOPTED
As part of the overarching EU Action Plan "Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil", this initiative aims to tackle microplastics unintentionally released into the environment, with the target of a 30% reduction in microplastics released by 2030.
In September 2023, the EU Regulation concerning REACH, as regards to synthetic polymer microparticles (the Microplastics Restriction) was adopted. The regulation places a number of restrictions on the use of microplastics that are intended to be released. The regulation places a ban on microplastics that are not water-soluble, biodegradable, natural or inorganic (i.e. glass or metal), focusing in particular on insoluble, non-biodegradable plastic. This also implicates fibers/textiles, as they are among the products with no transitional period, meaning bans will apply immediately.
If microplastics are affixed to a textile, and the primary purpose is decorative (rather than function), and would detach during normal use/storage, the product falls under the scope and cannot be sold. However, it does not inhibit the use of synthetic polymers used for functional (not decorative) purposes.
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The proposed restriction on microplastics will apply to manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of microplastics and of products concerned by the proposal.
Businesses that explore alternative fiber choices, and pivot/expand their material portfolio into areas such as biodegradable textiles may be at an advantage - as they will not be able to sell some of their products containing these detachable, insoluble, non-biodegradable polymers.
