This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request '‘Reinventing Plastics Closing the Circle’ event'.






Ref. Ares(2017)3679003 - 20/07/2017
Ref. Ares(2018)680644 - 05/02/2018
To: 
HANDLEY Peter (SG)
Cc: 
VECCHIO Veronica (SG); DE DOMINICIS Ariane (SG); TESAROVA Adela (SG) 
Subject: 
Microplastics in cosmetics/detergents: Meeting with Cosmetics Europe and 
AISE 14 July 
 
 
Participants: P. Handley, V. Vecchio (SG), John Chave, Director-General of Cosmetics Europ
pe 
and  Susanne Zänker, Director-General of AISE 
 
Mr Chave and Ms Zänker presented the view of their industry with regards to the issue of 
microplastics intentionally added in cosmetics and detergents. 
They pointed out that cosmetics and detergent only represent a small share of microplastics 
emissions into the environment, yet they understand the a need to address the issue. They 
presented the voluntary commitments already in place and expresssed a preferrence for EU level 
regulatory intervention compared to national ones. Commenting on the possible regulatory 
pathways, they believe restrictions via REACH would be preferable, although they are aware of 
concerns from other parts of the industry about the creation of precedents with regards to 
polymers. They also expressed some concern with regards the scope of a possible restrictions, 
calling for a lower size threshold  to specifically target micro beads. The explained that for the 
latter substitutes are available, while an open ended definition (e.g. covering all plastic particle 
below 5mm) would entail the discontinuation of som
me products where plastic particles are used 
in very small quantities for specific functionality reason. They regretted that a broad definition 
had  been used lately by the Commission in the ecolabel criteria for detergents.  
 
SG took note of the position expressed and informed about  the expected timing for adoption of 
the Plastics Strategy. 
 
VERONICA VECCHIO 
Policy Officer– Climate and Environment 
 
European Commission 
Secretariat-General  
D.3 – Resource Efficiency 
BERL - 06/278 
B - 1049 Brussels  
Tel: +32 2 296 53 69  
Email: xxxxxxxx.xxxxxxx@xx.xxxxxx.xx 
 
This e-mail message does not constitute a formal communication and does not necessarily 
represent the official position of the European Commission. 
 
From: John Chave [mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xx]  
Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2017 10:116 AM 
To: HANDLEY Peter (SG) 
Cc: Zänker Susanne - AISE 
Subject: Microplastics in cosmetics/detergents - Request for a Meeting 
 





















Dear Peter, 
 
It was nice to meet you last night at the P&G dinner. 
 
I am just following up on the possibiliity of a meeting to discuss possible 
regulatory developments relating to microplastics affecting the cosmetics aand 
detergents  sectors - my colleague Susanne Zänker from AISE is in copy. 
 
I am aware that you will be departing on holiday towards the end of the month. I 
have to travel next week on Tuesday, Wednesdayy and Thursday, but both 
Susanne and I our available on Mondday and Friday (after 11.00) if that would 
suit. 
 
Anyway, I look forward to hearing from you. 
 
All the very best 
 
John 
John Chave 
Director-General 
 
Cosmetics Europe - The Personal Care Association 
Avenue Herrmann-Debroux 40 | B-1160 Brussels
Tel. +32 2 227 66 13 | Fax: +32 2 227  66 27 
xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xx | www.cosmeticseurope.eu 
  
 
 

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