SEAC adopts its opinion on proposal to ban microplastics in products

Article summary

The Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) has adopted its opinion on a proposal to ban microplastics in products like cosmetics, detergents and fertilisers. The proposal does not aim to introduce a blanket ban on the use of microplastics in products, but the use of such products would need to be reported to the European Chemicals Agency (EHCA) to ensure that 'residual releases are monitored and could be controlled in the future.' Suppliers would also be obligated to give instructions on how residual releases can be minimised. The proposal and restrictions would stop the release of 500,000 tonnes of microplastics into the environment around 20 years. The adoption of SEAC’s opinion follows an earlier opinion by the Committee for Risk Assessment in June 2020. Both Committees concluded that 'an EU-wide restriction under the EU’s chemicals legislation REACH is the most appropriate means to address the risks of billions of small, solid plastic particles polluting our environment.' Following...