Page 160 - CW E-Magazine (24-10-2023)

News from Abroad

REGULATION

EU adopts new rules to curb microplastics

intentionally added to products

The European Commission (EC) tics in the environment, the commission
has adopted new rules to prohibit the noted. The ban will apply immedia-
sale of microplastics and of a range of tely, within 20 days of the September
products containing microplastics, in a 25, 2023 adoption, to cosmetics con-
move expected to prevent the release to taining microbeads (small plastic beads
the environment of about half a million used for exfoliation) and to loose glitter
tonnes of the pollutant. The ban will made of plastic, but some other cosme-
affect products to which microplastics tic products will be allowed a transitional
are added intentionally, including some soluble, and resist (bio) degradation, period of four to 12 years.
cosmetic products, detergents, ferti- according to a press note from the EC.
lisers, and artificial sports pitches. As for material for sport surfaces,
The total cost for all stakeholders, the ban applies after eight years to give
Once in the environment, microplas- industry, sports clubs, and municipali- pitch owners and managers the time to
tics cannot biodegrade or be removed. ties has been estimated at up to €19-bn switch to alternatives and allow exist-
They accumulate in animals and fish, over the next 20 years, but the European ing sport pitches to reach their end of
and are consequently consumed as food Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has life.
by humans, the European Commission determined they are proportionate to
noted. the expected environmental benefits. Products that contain microplastics,
but do not release them or their release
“This restriction concerns very The ban covers cosmetics where can be minimised, are excluded from
small particles, but it is a big step microplastics are used for multiple the ban. However, manufacturers will
towards reducing human-made pollu- purposes, such as exfoliation (micro- have to report the estimated microplas-
tion,” said Mr. VirginijusSinkevičius, beads) or obtaining a specific texture, tics emissions and provide instructions
Commissioner for Environment, Oceans fragrance or colour, as well as detergents, for the use and disposal of the product
and Fisheries. fabric softeners, glitter, fertilisers, plant to prevent microplastics emissions.
protection products, toys, medicines, They include construction materials,
The definition of microplastics used and medical devices. It will also apply products used at industrial sites, and
in the restriction covers all synthetic to the granular infill material used on products already regulated by other EU
polymer particles measuring less than artificial sport surfaces, which is the legislation, such as medicinal products,
five millimetres that are organic, in- largest source of intentional microplas- food, and feed.

Solvay to cut soda ash production at Spanish facility

Belgian chemicals firm, Solvay, has grade sodium bicarbonate customers.
revealed plans to reduce the produc- The export customers it currently
tion capacity of its soda ash plant in supplies will be served through Solvay’s
Torrelavega, Spain by 300-ktpa to 600- ongoing expansion in Green River,
ktpa, effective January 2024. Wyoming (USA), thereby leveraging
this competitive asset. “The
The company said the decision is Torrelavega site will also continue
based on the assessment of its global to focus on its energy transition plan
assets by considering current market to provide its local customers with a
dynamics and its energy transition reduce denvironmental footprint and
roadmap. The Spanish site will now competitive sodium carbonate and
focus primarily on serving the needs bicarbonate products,” the company
of regional soda ash and premium informed.

160 Chemical Weekly October 24, 2023

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