EU Proposal for an Implementing Act on Microplastics

Governmental Agency: European Commission
Jurisdiction: European Union
Ref no: D083921/01
Status: IN REVIEW

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.

The European Union has proposed a regulation to restrict the use of microplastics in products placed on the EU/EEA market to avoid or reduce their release to the environment. The proposed restriction would comprise synthetic polymer microparticles below 5 mm. The Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) adopted its opinion in December 2020, supporting ECHA’s proposal but making some recommendations for the European Commission to consider in the decision-making phase. SEAC recommended, among other things, a lower size limit of 1 nm for restricting microplastics.

• Which Businesses Will Be Impacted?

  The proposed restriction on microplastics will apply to manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of microplastics and of products concerned by the proposal. Businesses that start to explore alternative fiber choices, and pivot/expand their material portfolio into areas such as biodegradable textiles may be at an advantage.

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