Understanding Europe’s Restriction on Microplastics

Consumer CompactHardgoods22 Jan 2024

On September 27, 2023, the European Union (EU) introduced measures to regulate microplastics in a wide variety of products. What are the risks from microplastics and how will these regulations impact businesses?

We are all aware of microbeads in cosmetics, but how many of us think about microplastics in glitter, the infill materials used in sports surfaces or veterinary and medicinal products?

The problem with microplastics

Microplastics are solid plastic particles composed of mixtures of polymers and functional additives that measure less than 5 mm and may contain residual impurities. They can form naturally through the breaking down of plastics in the environment but, because they are light, cheap and have an abrasive action, they are also intentionally added to a variety of products, including fertilizers, cosmetics, household and industrial detergents and paints.

While microplastics are useful, scientists, governments and consumers now recognize them as a major threat to the environment. It is estimated our oceans contain around 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic, with a further 33 billion pounds of plastic entering every year. ¹ In Europe alone, the EU estimates 145,000 tonnes of microplastics are used every year in the EU/European Economic Area (EEA). ²

Microplastics are a concern because, once they are in the environment, they obstruct the food chain, causing devastation to the natural environment. For example, they are linked to the destruction of coral reefs. Aquatic creatures also mistake them for food, causing harm to the creature but also allowing the plastic to enter the food chain. Toxins within the plastic are then concentrated as we move up the food chain. In humans, microplastics can cause a variety of human health concerns, including neurotoxicity, dermal irritation and organ inflammation.

Europe regulates

The EU first stated its intention to restrict microplastics in January 2018, opening a consultation that ran until September 2020. A combined final opinion was then submitted to the European Commission in February 2021, with a draft regulation being issued in August 2022.

On September 27, 2023, the EU issued Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 to regulate synthetic polymer microparticles as substances on their own and in mixtures under Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 ‘Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals’ (REACH). ³ This defines synthetic polymer microparticles as polymers that are solid and fulfill both of the following conditions:

Are contained in particles and constitute at least 1% of those particles; or build a continuous surface coating on particles
At least 1% of the particles in the point above meet either of the following requirements:

≤ 5 mm for all particle dimensions
≤ 15 mm for particle length with a length to diameter ratio of more than three

The commission regulation created a new Entry 78 to Annex XVII of REACH, which became effective on October 17, 2023.

Under the terms of the restriction, microplastics must not be placed onto the market:

As a substance on their own, or
Where the synthetics polymer microparticles are present to confer a sought-after characteristic, in mixtures in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.01% by weight

The requirements within the regulations are being made effective in phases, starting on October 17, 2023. For a summary of the regulation’s requirements, effective dates and exemptions, see SafeGuardS 126.23.

However, some products are problematic and so the EU has published its current thinking on its website. One such product is glitter, considered a high-risk product type, and the current thinking is summarized in SafeGuardS 137.23.

SGS solution

We provide comprehensive testing services to help businesses ensure compliance with the provisions in REACH.

Testing solutions include:

Biodegradability testing – Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 Annex XVII Appendix 15, OECD Guideline 301B
Determination of polymer solubility test – Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 Annex XVII Appendix 16, OECD Guideline 120
Material composite identification testing – in-house method

Using the latest test methodologies, we can also determine if a material is rapidly degradable and identify carbon-containing polymers and material composition.

We have a deep understanding of the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste and offer effective solutions to help the global community address growing concerns around sustainability. Our specialists support companies in ensuring plastic products meet stringent quality and regulatory requirements and provide expertise in minimizing environmental impact.

Our solutions optimize resource efficiency, demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and enable differentiation in competitive markets while contributing towards the development of a circular economy for plastics.

Find out more about our REACH solutions.