Cosmetics Europe Talks Microplastic: ECHA Frustrations, ‘Value Judgments’ And International Trade Uncertainty

07 Mar 2021

The European Chemicals Agency's microplastic restriction proposal received committee backing in 2020 without changes sought by the cosmetics industry, which faces €15bn in projected costs and scarce alternatives at present. It may come down to EU Member States to decide whether the ECHA restriction proposal is proportionate in balancing environmental goals and socio-economic impacts.

More than 23,000 makeup, lip and nail formulations would need to be reformulated within six years unless the European Union changes course with its current microplastic ban proposal.

In a 2 March interview, Cosmetics Europe director-general John Chave said the trade association surveyed almost 80% of the European...