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Exploring the Essential Use Concept for Primary Microplastics Regulation in the EU
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Researchers explored how the "essential use" concept could be applied to regulate primary microplastics intentionally added to products in the EU. They analyzed different product categories to determine where microplastic use might be considered essential versus where viable alternatives already exist. The study provides a framework for policymakers to systematically phase out unnecessary microplastic uses while allowing them only in applications where no adequate substitutes are available.
With the increasing prevalence of plastic pollution, including microplastics (MPs, particles <5 mm), the pursuit of safer and more sustainable alternatives gains increasing traction. While a substantial portion of MPs in the environment arises from the degradation of plastic litter and the wear of polymer-containing materials (secondary MPs), deliberate incorporation of MPs in certain products (primary MPs) also represents a considerable source, and targeted measures can be implemented to minimize human exposure and environmental releases. Improved policies for managing macroplastic waste help mitigate secondary MPs, but addressing primary MPs requires distinct strategies. Globally, various approaches, such as bans or restrictions on primary MPs, have been proposed, including the recent EU regulation under REACH, which groups intentionally added MPs together based on their diverse uses and properties. However, applying the Essential Use Concept (EUC) provides a more refined regulatory approach; balancing environmental health, technical feasibility, and innovation. This perspective explores the potential, challenges, and limitations of implementing the EUC for primary MPs. By examining four use cases─controlled-release medicines, agricultural seed coatings, personal care products, and artificial turf infill─we highlight how the EUC can prioritize essential and beneficial applications while phasing out nonessential uses.
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Researchers analyzed how the essential-use concept could be implemented in chemical legislation by examining existing cases under the Stockholm Convention and the EU REACH Regulation, including the restriction on intentionally added microplastics. The study suggests that current regulatory frameworks already consider elements of essential-use decision-making and that no drastic changes to data requirements would be necessary to apply this concept.
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This paper reviews the European Union's regulatory approach to primary microplastics — plastics intentionally produced at small sizes for use in products like cosmetics and industrial applications. Researchers analyse the effectiveness of proposed restrictions and identify gaps that could limit their environmental impact.
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This legal review examines EU-level regulation of primary microplastics, comparing existing national measures in several EU member states — particularly regarding microbeads — with the proposed amendment to the REACH Regulation. The author finds significant variation in national approaches and discusses how the harmonisation regulation would change the management of primary microplastics across the EU.
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This study summarized recent groundbreaking microplastic research and emerging regulations, charting the path from scientific discovery to policy action and providing recommendations to overcome remaining regulatory barriers.
Restricting microplastics in the European Union: Process and criteria under REACH
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Researchers analyzed the European Union's regulatory process for restricting intentionally added microplastics under the REACH chemical regulation, finding that the procedure requires extensive socio-economic justification alongside environmental and health risk assessments. The study notes that the precautionary principle plays a limited role, meaning that the less data available on a microplastic's harm, the harder it is to restrict it.
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