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
Document Outline