ECHA favouring microplastics industry opinion over scientific evidence of environmental damage

Brussels – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has been favouring industry during its initial gathering of evidence on microplastics, prompting environmental organisations to remind ECHA not to overlook or underestimate the risks for health and the environment when preparing the proposal to restrict the use of this pollutant.

In a letter sent today, ClientEarth, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), the International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec), Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF International) and Greenpeace, with the support of the Rethink Plastic Alliance, have raised concerns that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has lacked objectivity, by offering a particularly attentive ear to companies adding microplastics to their products

Microplastics from these products, which include cosmetics and personal care products, industrial scrubbers used for cleaning, and paints among others are released into the water and the oceans, causing major pollution.

The letter makes recommendations regarding the microplastics dossier, and future restriction dossiers, including giving proper weight to the evidence showing risks to human health and the environment versus other factors, when drafting restriction proposals.

The letter can be viewed in full here.