Europe closes siege on microplastics – 10/18/2023 – Environment

From the depths of the ocean to the peaks of mountains, from our food and drink to our blood and feces; There are rare places where microplastics have not yet been detected. The UN estimates that there is more of the substance in the seas than there are stars in the galaxy.

Once microplastic is in the environment, in the air, water, soil, it does not biodegrade and cannot be extinguished. This means that it remains in the environment for centuries, and, in addition to posing a threat to nature, it ends up entering the food chain and the human body.

Microplastics are used as abrasive particles in toothpastes or exfoliants, or as binders that change the consistency of liquids, for example.

There are also microplastics that result from the breakage of larger plastic items, such as straws and water bottles.

Currently, it is estimated that 42 thousand tons of these small pieces of plastic (less than five millimeters in diameter) are released annually in the European Union. However, its effects on human health remain unknown.

“This is why it is so important to stop the flow of this substance into the environment”, says Johanna Bernsel, spokeswoman for the European Commission.

To deal with the problem, the bloc banned the sale of both microplastics themselves and products to which they were intentionally added.

On Sunday, a separate ban on some products containing microplastics, such as glitter and other cosmetics, came into force. The move led to an increase in sales in Germany before the ban.

What products will be impacted by the ban?

The new rule covers all synthetic polymer particles smaller than five millimeters that are organic, insoluble and resistant to degradation, and will impact a wide range of products: cosmetics, detergents, body glitters, fertilizers, plant protection products, toys, medicines, medical devices and artificial sports surfaces.

Construction materials that contain microplastics, but do not release them into the environment, and products used in industrial facilities will not be affected. However, manufacturers will have to report their estimated microplastic emissions annually and will have to provide instructions on how to use and dispose of products to prevent microplastics from escaping into the environment.

Furthermore, the ban is not restricted to products manufactured in the EU, but also to imported ones.

“In this sense, it will also promote innovation in European industry”, points out Bernsel

Adaptation time

For cosmetics containing microbeads – small plastic beads used for exfoliation – and loose glitter made from plastic, the ban has already come into effect. But for other cosmetics, there will be a transition period of between four and 12 years, depending on the complexity of the product and the availability of suitable alternatives.

For infill material used in sports courts, there will be an eight-year period for court owners to switch to other alternatives, also allowing the majority of existing courts to reach the end of their useful life, when they would have to be replaced anyway. .

The search for substitutes

Marc Kreutzbruck, head of the plastics engineering institute at the University of Stuttgart, points out that replacing plastic can, in many cases, be harmful to climate goals. The material is effective in reducing energy expenditure:

“Unfortunately, plastics are materials that can be molded at very low temperatures,” he reveals.

“Regardless of the material, ceramic, metal, glass or any other: they all require significantly more energy to be transformed into products.”

The researcher states that recycling and sustainability are the way forward.

“We need to achieve 100% recycling. Plastic is not disposable; it is a valuable material that needs to be collected and recycled. This mentality must be incorporated by people”, he highlights.

Another solution is the use of biodegradable plastics, which decompose quickly in the environment. However, the alternative currently has a practically insignificant market share. Furthermore, Kreutzbruck added that biodegradable plastic cannot be used for all products, especially complex ones such as food packaging.

Bernsel points out that joint efforts are needed from those who decide public policies, industry, and the scientific community. The spokesperson is optimistic that the new restrictions will provide incentives to do so.

“We believe that the future of the chemical industry is to emphasize sustainability and sustainable alternatives. So this is an opportunity for the European industry to be at the forefront, this is how we will maintain our competitive advantages,” she emphasizes.

What impact will the ban have?

Under the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the EU has committed to reducing microplastic waste by 30% by 2030. The ban that has just been approved is a first step towards this goal.

The ban is expected to prevent around half a million tonnes of microplastics from being released into the environment, but Kreutzbruck says more needs to be done.

“It is important to understand that, compared to the total volume of plastic in the environment, microplastics in cosmetics represent less than 1%. Therefore, although it is good that these measures are being taken, they only scratch the surface of the problem”, says the researcher.

Measures that go further could help the EU combat microplastics that are unintentionally released into the atmosphere, for example when tires or clothes are washed.

Bernel hopes the new regulation can inspire other regions around the world to take similar action.

“Setting an example on environmental issues has proven to be very successful in other areas in the past,” says Bernel.