On March 23, 2018, the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) published a new report on microplastics in cosmetic products and other chemical products. The report concluded that there is a need for further restrictions of microplastics in these products and that action should be taken at EU level.
In February 2018, the Swedish government decided to ban microplastics in cosmetic products that are rinsed off or spat out (e.g. body wash and toothpaste), entering into force on July 1, 2018. The Swedish government asked KEMI to determine whether the national microplastics ban should be extended to other cosmetic and chemical products. KEMI stated that “the work being done at EU level has the potential to result in clear and uniform rules to help protect the environment from emissions of microplastics.” The agency will therefore “take an active part in preparing proposals for EU regulation.”
On January 16, 2018, the European Commission published its EU strategy for plastics in a circular economy (FPF reported). One of the aims is to restrict the intentional use of microplastics in products. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently collecting evidence on microplastics to prepare a restriction proposal (FPF reported).
Read more
KEMI (March 23, 2018). “New report: Further restrictions are needed on microplastics in products.”
Chemical Watch (March 29, 2018). “Sweden advocates developing microplastic restrictions at EU level.”
Reference
KEMI (2018). “Mikroplast i kosmetiska produkter och andra kemiska produkter Rapport från ett regeringsuppdrag.” (pdf; in Swedish with English summary)
