EU Microplastics Regulation

Information pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 – REACH Annex XVII Entry 78 (Microplastics)

On September 25, 2023, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 amending REACH Annex XVII. This regulation introduces entry 78 on “synthetic polymer microparticles” (SPM) and entered into force on October 17, 2023.

The restriction applies to the placing on the market of all synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) that are smaller than 5 mm, organic, insoluble, and resistant to degradation. Biodegradable or water-soluble polymers are exempt from this restriction.

After a two-year transition period, the regulations came into force on October 17, 2025.

________________________________________

What does the regulation mean for technical plastic granulates?

The regulation defines “synthetic polymer microparticles” as solid polymers with a size of less than 5 mm that are intentionally added to fulfill a specific function in the product and can potentially enter the environment.

This means that the products we sell (flakes, pellets, or powder) are synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM – colloquially also referred to as microplastics) according to entry 78.

However, they fall under the exemption in paragraph (4a) of entry 78 and are exempt from the marketing ban, as they serve as raw materials for the manufacture of plastic articles in industrial facilities and provided that they are used under controlled conditions and measures are taken to prevent their release into the environment.

________________________________________

Your obligations and our support

Under the regulation, manufacturers and industrial downstream users are required to provide instructions for safe use and disposal to prevent the release of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs) into the environment. This requirement has been in effect since October 17, 2025.

The information we provide on the order confirmation contains the following information:

  • Instructions for safe handling, use, and disposal.

  • Measures to prevent releases into the environment.

  • Requirements for collection and waste disposal.

We strongly recommend that you communicate these instructions to all employees involved in the handling or processing of these materials.

________________________________________

Recommendations for the careful handling of granules

Even though many technical granules are not directly covered by the marketing ban under the new regulation, careful handling measures help to prevent the release of microplastics and promote the sustainable use of materials.Lagerung:

Storage:

  • Store granules and powders in closed containers and rooms.

  • Check packaging for integrity upon receipt.

  • Avoid dust formation, wind drift, and the release of particles into the environment.

Disposal and packaging:

  • Empty packaging completely before disposal.

  • Separate polymer-containing waste from other material flows.

  • Dispose of it in accordance with official regulations to prevent environmental contamination.

________________________________________

Recommended next steps

  • Check your applications for possible impact by the EU Microplastics Regulation.

  • Pay particular attention to products for artificial turf infill or applications where microparticles are used specifically.

  • Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the respective product for details on classification, handling, and safety.

Our team is always available to provide expert advice and further information.