Microplastics REACH Restriction

What is the Microplastics REACH Restriction?

The Microplastics REACH Restriction, adopted by the European Commission in April 2023 and entering into force six months later, targets intentionally added microplastics—solid polymer particles that are smaller than 5 mm and resistant to degradation—in various products, including adhesive tapes. It aims to curb pervasive microplastic pollution in the environment, aligning with the E.U.’s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan commitments to fight plastic pollution, protecting environmental and public health. Most common adhesive tapes using continuous polymer coatings are unaffected, but specialty tapes containing intentionally added polymer micro-particles or beads could be directly impacted.

Adhesive tapes typically consist of continuous coatings or adhesive layers applied to film, paper or textile backings. Adhesive tapes that contain microplastic components (e.g. certain polymeric additives or plastic microbeads intentionally incorporated into products to fulfil a particular function, such as controlled release, encapsulation, viscosity adjustment, or friction reduction) could fall under this regulatory restriction. Microplastics can be present in acrylic-based adhesives containing synthetic polymers, in release liners with silicone coatings that include microplastic additives, and in backing films made from microplastic-rich formulations, such as some PVC or PET-based tapes. The restriction does not outright ban these materials but requires compliance through substitutions, reformulations and increased reporting. It significantly affects industries that manufacture or use synthetic polymer particles. For the adhesive tape industry, this regulation has several important implications, particularly for tapes containing microplastics in their adhesives, coatings or backing materials.

Status of legislative process

By 17 October 2027, products containing intentionally added microplastics must comply with the new regulation. In the midst of the transition period leading up to the 2027 compliance deadline, manufacturers must therefore closely review their product compositions and ensure compliance before this date. Companies should be actively assessing their product formulations to identify any intentionally added microplastics and developing strategies to reformulate or substitute these components to meet the forthcoming requirements.

Timeline of measures and actions

  • 17 October 2027: The critical date for adhesive tapes, as products containing intentionally added microplastics must comply with the new regulation
  • Afera’s RA-WG Microplastics REACH Restriction taskforce is currently preparing a guidance document on this regulation with what is available for adhesive and what the consequences are for adhesive tapes. Afera may collaborate with FINAT (self-adhesive labels) on this guidance.

References

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