What will be the impact of the EU's microplastic ban?
On October 17, the European Union began to partially ban the sale of products containing microplastics, including cosmetics, toothpaste, fertilizers, etc. So what impact will this ban have on consumers and industry?
Microplastics are everywhere on the seafloor, on mountaintops, in food, drinking water, and even in our blood. A United Nations report shows that there are more microplastics on Earth than there are stars in the Milky Way.
Microplastics can be widely spread through air, water or soil, and once they enter the natural environment, they cannot be removed. Because they cannot be degraded naturally, they can pose a threat to plants and animals for hundreds of years and enter the food chain. As for the specific impact of plastic microparticles on our health, there is currently no sufficient research.
Currently, it is estimated that up to 42,000 tons of microplastics enter nature in the EU every year, and these substances are intentionally added to related products. Johanna Bernsel, press officer of the European Commission, said: “It is for this reason that preventing microplastics from entering the environment has become a top priority.”
The European Commission has taken a series of measures in accordance with the REACH regulations that control hazardous chemicals, and will ban the sale of microplastics and products with intentionally added microplastics in the EU.
Which products are affected by the microplastic ban? The EU ban defines microplastics as “organic, insoluble, non-degradable synthetic polymer particles less than five millimeters in size”. Microplastics are found in many products, including cosmetics, detergents, fluorescent powders, pesticides, fertilizers, toys, pharmaceuticals and artificial surfacing for sports venues. In toothpaste or facial cleanser, microplastic particles often act as abrasives or are used as binders to affect the consistency of the liquid.
Not affected by the new ban are construction materials that contain microplastics but do not release them, and products used in industrial equipment. However, manufacturers must report estimated emissions of microplastics annually and provide instructions on how to use and dispose of the products in order to prevent the release of microplastics.
The ban applies to products produced within the EU, as well as products containing microplastics imported from abroad. Bernsel said the ban is also an incentive for the innovation capabilities of European industry.
What will be the impact of a microplastics ban?
Under the so-called "Zero Pollution" action plan, the European Union has pledged to reduce the amount of microplastic waste by 30% by 2030. The EU’s newly issued ban on microplastics is only the first step to achieve this goal.
It is generally believed that this ban will reduce the release of microplastics into nature by 500,000 tons per year. But Krautsbrook called for more action. He said: "It is important to understand that microplastics in cosmetics only account for about one percent of all plastic products. In other words, the measures taken now are certainly a good thing, but they are the tip of the iceberg."
Next, the EU may also introduce measures to prohibit the inadvertent release of microplastics into nature, such as the microplastic waste generated when car tires rub against the ground and when washing clothes.
