The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is proposing a 20-year plan aimed at preventing 500,000 tons of microplastics being released into the environment during the period. However, the proposal meets cold reception from the European plastic industry. The program is estimated to cost €10.8 billion-€19.1 billion ($13.1 billion-$23.1 billion) over the 20-year implementation, depending on how far the restrictions would go.
For the industry, the cost would come from researching alternative materials and reformulating products with similar functions. The industry is also expected to bear administrative expenses related to compliance when national governments enforce these stringent rules. European chemical makers have often complained about high regulatory costs that make them less competitive against American and Chinese rivals.
Cefic, Europe’s plastic trade group, said the restrictions would be “very difficult” to implement due to the broadened definition of microplastics and unavailable methods to identify microplastics. It also noted that the program would impact many downstream value chains, including agriculture, construction, cosmetics, textiles, sports, and medical equipment. Cefic said technical challenges in detecting microplastics need to be overcome first to make the plant “pragmatic, effective, and enforceable.”
Microplastics are widely used in cosmetics, fertilizers, or detergents. Paints and inks may also contain microplastics. But ECHA deems its high use in specific products as highly dangerous. The proposal will be officially submitted to the European Commission at the start of 2021. It will require approval from the European Council, the European Parliament, and the EU’s 27 national governments.
