On January 17, 2018, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) informed that it has started preparing restriction proposals for oxo-degradable plastics and for intentionally added microplastics in consumer and professional use products. The European Commission (EC) mandated ECHA with this work to support its plastics strategy that was adopted on January 16, 2018 (FPF reported).
Microplastic particles pose potential risks to the environment and human health, ECHA explained. Both intentionally added microplastics and oxo-degradable plastics contribute to environmental microplastic pollution. ECHA will launch calls for evidence in spring 2018, where “stakeholders will be invited to provide relevant information” to assist with ECHA’s risk and socio-economic assessments.
Read more
ECHA (January 17, 2018). “ECHA to consider restrictions on the use of oxo-plastics and microplastics.”
Luke Buxton (January 17, 2018). “EU prepares comprehensive microplastics restriction.” Chemical Watch
