Restriction of microplastics intentionally added to products
Restriction of microplastics intentionally added to products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 restricting synthetic polymer microparticles on their own or intentionally added to mixtures – better known as “the microplastics restriction” entered into force on the 17th of October 2023 under the REACH Regulation. Microplastics are particles of synthetic polymers that are smaller than 5 mm, extremely persistent and ubiquitous which are intentionally added to products or unintentionally released through wear and tear. Over 42, 000 tonnes of intentionally added microplastics are released every year.
Synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs) shall not be placed on the market on their own or where present to confer a sought-after characteristic, in mixtures in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.01% by weight. Only microparticles added intentionally to mixtures (products) are in scope, unintentional presence e.g., in food, feed, compost are outside of scope.
Capsule suspension of active ingredients are a point of concern. When the capsule suspension is applied the active ingredient gets slowly released from the polymeric shell, which then remains in the treated soil. These polymer shells are considered microplastics. 500 tonnes of synthetic polymers are used every year for encapsulation of biocides and plant protection products and are released into the soil (100% release rate). There is a ban on the placing on the market of products containing SPMs after the 17th of October 2031, with a transitional period in order for products to transition to alternative (biodegradable) materials and to obtain regulatory approval. There is an obligation to report estimated microplastics emissions to ECHA yearly by the 31st of May 2026 (for pellets) and by the 31st of May 2027 (for other SPM/products, including biocides). The proposed measures will encourage the replacing of polymeric shells with more environmentally friendly alternatives.
If you need advice or assistance with the registration and regulation of plant protection products, biocides or chemicals in the EU and UK, please do not hesitate to contact the experts at Kerona info@kerona.ie