According to the Spanish “Pioneer” newspaper, the European Commission issued the latest plastic ban at the end of last month, which came into effect on October 15th. This ban prohibits the sale of cosmetics (such as nail polish and eye shadow with glitter powder), detergents, toys and medicines that contain microplastics and are released during use throughout the EU. This restriction uses microplastics’s broad definition, covering all organic, insoluble and degradation-resistant synthetic polymer particles smaller than 5mm.
So which products are specifically affected? According to this article, it includes granular filler materials; Cosmetics that use microplastics for various purposes, such as exfoliating particles; Detergent; Softening agent; Fertilizer; Plant quarantine products; Toys; Drugs; Medical equipment, etc. However, there are exceptions, such as being used in industrial places or not releasing microplastics’s goods during use, which can be exempted from the sales ban. But manufacturers must prove the rationality of their use, including how to use them or prevent them from causing pollution.
The ban will reduce the release of nearly 500,000 tons of microplastics into the environment, with the goal of minimizing the intentional emission of microplastics products and reducing pollution in microplastics by 30% by 2030. It is estimated that about 8 million pieces of plastic waste enter the ocean every year, most of which are harmful substances, but they are almost invisible to the naked eye.
Post time: Oct-18-2023