On 25 September 2023, the European Commission decided to gradually ban the sale of products containing "synthetic polymer microparticles" (microplastics), whether present independently or incorporated into certain products.

This new obligation, which affects a wide range of products, from detergents to make-up (lipstick, nail varnish) and synthetic sports pitches, aims to reduce the release into the environment of around half a million tonnes of microplastics, intentionally added to products.

The ban comes into force on 17 October 2023, but certain companies have been given time to find alternatives.

➡️ To find out more about this ban, go to the dedicated sheet : Prohibition of the sale of products containing microplastics.