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. The new regulations should prevent up to half a million tons of microplastics from entering the environment.
It’s not just cosmetic products and art rates that are affected
The ban concerns plastic particles that are smaller than five millimeters, insoluble and difficult to break down. In the future, detergents, fertilizers and pesticides, toys and pharmaceutical products may no longer contain microplastics. Products used in industrial locations are excluded.
The new rules address a serious environmental and public health problem, said EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius. The European Chemicals Agency ECHA had recommended such a ban because microplastics from certain products were released into the environment in an uncontrolled manner. The EU countries and parliament have already agreed on this.
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.
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Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
