The European Commission has issued a ban on the intentional addition of microplastics such as the granules on artificial grass and loose glitter in cosmetic products. The ban should apply to all products that release microplastics when used, the committee announced on Monday.
In the future, detergents, fertilizers and pesticides, toys and pharmaceutical products may no longer contain microplastics. Products used in industrial locations are excluded.
The ban applies to particles smaller than 5 mm
The new regulations should prevent up to half a million tons of microplastics from entering the environment. The ban concerns plastic particles that are smaller than five millimeters, insoluble and difficult to break down.
The new rules address a serious environmental and public health problem, said EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius. The EU chemicals agency ECHA had recommended such a ban because microplastics from certain products were released uncontrollably into the environment. The EU countries and parliament have already agreed on this.
The ban applies from mid-October
The regulations will come into effect on October 15. The first products such as cosmetics with loose glitter or microbeads may no longer be sold with immediate effect. For other products there is a transition period during which companies must switch to microplastic-free production.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
