From the article:
European Union microplastic rules are working. They have changed how companies make and use plastics across dozens of industries. The regulations aim to eliminate microplastics that pollute oceans, soil, and even the human body. The EU microplastic ban regulations started in 2023 through a law called REACH. These rules will remove microplastics from face scrubs, laundry detergent, paints, cosmetics, agricultural products, and many other items by 2035. Companies must now find alternatives that break down naturally instead of lasting hundreds of years in the environment. The regulations define microplastics as tiny pieces of synthetic polymer that don’t break down. This clear definition helps companies know exactly what they need to replace. Industries are responding by creating biodegradable materials that decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and natural matter within months instead of centuries. Market research firm IDTechEx studied these changes in their report Microplastics 2025: Regulations, Technologies, and Alternatives. Their analysis shows how EU microplastic ban regulations are speeding up the development of earth-friendly plastic alternatives throughout Europe and beyond.
