Status: 12.10.2023, 15:12 PM
By: Robin Dittrich
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The EU wants to gradually ban the sale of microplastics. The first regulations will come into force with immediate effect, with others to follow shortly.
Kassel – Almost 400 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide every year. As this is increasingly polluting the environment, the EU wants to take action against the sale of microplastics. The first bans take effect immediately.
EU wants to ban the sale of microplastics in a wide range of areas
The new rules of the EU Commission will prohibit the sale of microplastics in the future. This also includes products to which microplastics have been added and which release them during use. "These new rules will prevent nearly half a million tonnes of microplastics from being released into the environment," the EU Commission writes in its statement. Depending on the product, some bans will come into force sooner or later.
The EU wants to ban a number of products that contain microplastics – including cosmetics with loose glitter. © Christoph Soeder/dpa (symbolic image)
Already after the start of the restrictions from 16 October, the ban on loose glitter and microbeads will apply. In other cases, the sales ban will only come into force in the coming years "to give affected stakeholders time to develop and adapt to alternatives." The background to the extensive measures is the fight against environmental pollution caused by microplastics. The aim is to reduce pollution by 2030 percent by 30. So-called perpetual chemicals are also to be banned by the EU.
Ban on microplastics: These products will soon no longer be available for sale
According to the EU Commission, the largest source of the release of added microplastics is the granules on artificial turf pitches and other sports facilities. Nevertheless, the ban in this area will only come into force after eight years, "to give the owners of sports fields the time to switch to alternatives. On the other hand, a ban on cosmetics containing microbeads will apply immediately. These are small plastic beads that are used in scrubs.
The microplastics ban applies:
- from October 2023 for microplastic beads (often used in scrubs)
- from October 2027 for cosmetic products to be rinsed/rinsed off, such as shampoo or shower gel
- from October 2028 for detergents, care products and cleaning agents, including waxes, polishes and air fresheners
- from October 2029 for cosmetics that remain on the skin/in the hair, such as creams or hair gels
- from October 2029 for synthetic polymer microparticles for the encapsulation of fragrances
- from October 2031 for infill granules for synthetic sports flooring
- from October 2035 for lipsticks, nail polishes and make-up products
- (Source: Consumer Advice Centre)
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For other cosmetics, the ban will only apply after four to 12 years, depending on the complexity of the product, the need for a new formula, as well as the availability of suitable alternatives. Products affected by the ban also include detergents, plasticizers, glitter, fertilizers, pesticides, toys, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. "Products that are used at industrial sites or do not release microplastics during use are exempt from the sales ban, but their manufacturers must provide instructions on how to use and dispose of the product to avoid releases of microplastics." (rd with dpa)
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