EU bans harmful chemicals in soaps and detergents
Certain chemicals and microplastics taken from eco-labelled products
11 July 2017, Brussels – The EU is banning harmful chemicals and microplastics from all Ecolabel hand soaps, as well as all laundry, dishwashing and general purpose detergents.
Detergents can no longer contain chemicals such as triclosan (triclosan), related to antimicrobial resistance; boric acid (boric acid), harmful to sexual reproduction; silver nanoparticles (nanosilver), related to neurological disorders; and phosphates (phosphates) responsible for algae growth causing the death of aquatic life.
All harmful fragrances will also be removed, and plastic packaging will be made recyclable.
The European Commission will draft the amendments in the Official Journal of the European Union tomorrow. Manufacturers of 4,500 household detergents and 300 Ecolabel commercial detergents will have 12-18 months to adjust their products or lose the label, while new label applicants will have to comply immediately with the regulation. The label already excludes from detergents ingredients that cause cancer, modify genes and interfere with reproduction.
The Director General of the BEUC Consumer Association, Monique Goyens, said:
“A lot of harmful chemicals will be removed from eco-labelled detergents as the rules become stricter and better. We know this measure will be popular because official opinion polls say that nearly half the population is concerned about chemicals in products.”
“We are also very happy to see microplastics removed from eco-labelled products. The products will continue to have the same function and will not create a toxic legacy for future generations to clean up.”
Cartoon without copyright by Cartoon Ralph
The Ecolabel (Ecolabel) is voluntary. The rules are regulated by the European institutions to encourage longer lasting, cleaner and safer products. 38,760 products and services carry an eco-label, from baby wipes to paper. The eco-label celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
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Portuguese Version:
EU bans problem chemicals from soaps and detergents
Suspect chemicals and microplastics out for Ecolabel products
11 July 2017, Brussels - The EU is banning chemicals and microplastics from all Ecolabel hand soaps as well as laundry, dishwasher and general purpose detergents.
Detergents will no longer be able to use chemicals such as triclosan, linked to antimicrobial resistance; boric acid, harmful to sexual reproduction; nanosilver, linked to neurological disorders; and phosphates that cause algae growth that kill aquatic life. All harmful fragrances are out too, and plastic packaging is being made recyclable.
The European Commission will write the changes into the Official Journal of the European Union tomorrow. Makers of the 4,500 domestic detergents and 300 commercial detergents with the Ecolabel will have 12-18 months to adjust their products or lose the label, while new applicants will have to comply immediately. The label already clears from detergents ingredients that cause cancer, modify genes and interfere with reproduction.
Director General of the Consumer Association BEUC, Monique Goyens, said:
“A large number of harmful chemicals are coming out of ecolabel detergents as the rules get stricter and better. We know this will be popular, because official polls say that nearly half of the population is worried about chemicals in products.
“We're really happy also to see microplastics being kicked out of these ecolabel products too. Products will work just as well and won't create a toxic legacy for future generations to clean up.”
Copyright-free cartoon by Cartoon Ralph
The Ecolabel is voluntary. Rules are regulated by the European institutions to encourage longer-lasting, cleaner and safer products. 38,760 European products and services have the Ecolabel, from baby clothes to note paper. It celebrates its 25th year this year.
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