Technical advice

REACH and SVHC

The products we place on the market are by definition "mixtures", which do not have to be registered with the ECHA under Article 2 No. 9 of the REACH Regulation. We are in close contact with our suppliers and ensure that they act in compliance with REACH and have registered their products or their starting materials in good time.

Another component of REACH is the so-called candidate list (SVHC = Substances of Very High Concern). This list contains substances that have been assigned a special interest by the ECHA. The current candidate list can be found on the ECHA website: http://echa.europa.eu. It should be mentioned here that substances listed there may continue to be bought, sold and used until the final assessment.

Information on the relevant SVHC substances can be found in the manufacturer's current safety data sheet (MSDS) under sections 3.2 and 15.1. Please note that manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that the information in their SDS is up-to-date and correct.

According to REACH, an SDS only needs to be updated if relevant properties or hazards of the substance or mixture change.

You can access current safety data sheets via the following links:

Celanese: SDS Search (celanese.com)

LyondellBasell: Product Documents Home Page (lyondellbasell.com)

Elix: ELIX Polymers | ELIX Polymers leading manufacturer of ABS (elix-polymers.com)

Hyosung Chemicals: Download | Customer Support | Hyosung Chemical

For all other products, please contact your responsible customer service contact.

Important Information on the New EU Microplastics Regulation and the Responsible Handling of Plastic Granulates

The new EU Microplastics Regulation (Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055) came into effect on 17 October 2023. It supplements the REACH restriction on intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles and aims to significantly reduce the release of microplastics into the environment.

After a two-year transition period, the first restrictions will apply from 17 October 2025. These rules primarily affect products that contain intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles designed to perform a specific function.

As a distributor of technical plastic granulates, we would like to provide an overview of which products and applications are affected, the relevant deadlines, and recommended measures to ensure compliance with the regulation.

What Does This Mean for Technical Plastic Granulates?

The regulation defines “synthetic polymer microparticles” as solid polymers with a size below 5 mm, which are intentionally added to perform a function within a product and may be released into the environment.

Biodegradable or water-soluble polymers are excluded from this definition.

1. Raw Materials for Plastic Production

• Most of the technical plastic granulates we supply are used as raw materials for manufacturing larger plastic components (e.g. via injection moulding or extrusion).

• These granulates are not considered intentionally added microplastics, as they do not serve a functional purpose as microparticles in the final product.

• They are therefore not directly affected by the REACH restriction, and the transition period ending on 17 October 2025 generally does not apply to these materials.
  
  

2. Granulates Used as Infill for Artificial Turf

• A notable exception concerns granulates used as infill material for artificial sports turf systems.

• These are explicitly covered by the regulation.

• The placing on the market of such granulates will be prohibited from 17 October 2031 onwards.
  
  

3. Special Applications

• Granulates that are intentionally used as microparticles in final products (e.g. fine fillers in coatings, abrasives, or glitter materials) may also fall under the scope of the regulation.

• The applicable transition periods vary depending on the specific application, and an individual assessment is recommended.

Our Commitment

As a reliable partner, we place great emphasis on regulatory compliance, sustainability, and transparent communication:

• Continuous monitoring and evaluation of regulatory developments related to microplastics.

• Close collaboration with suppliers to ensure compliance throughout the supply chain.

• Proactive communication of any potential implications for your products or business.

• Our goal is to provide you with safe, compliant, and future-proof materials for your applications.

Best Practices for the Responsible Handling of Granulates

Even though most technical granulates are not directly affected by the new regulation, good handling practices help to minimise microplastic emissions and support a sustainable approach to material use.

Storage

• Store granulates and powders in closed containers and indoor areas.

• Check packaging integrity upon receipt of goods.

• Prevent dust formation, wind dispersal, and any release of particles into the environment.

  
  

Disposal and Packaging

• Empty packaging completely before disposal.

• Separate polymer-containing waste from other waste streams.

• Dispose of such materials in accordance with local regulatory requirements to avoid environmental release.

  
  

Specific Guidance for Products Classified as Synthetic Polymer Microparticles (SPM)

If you purchase products classified as SPM (e.g. certain infill materials or speciality granulates), the following rules apply:

• These products are covered under Entry 78 of Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH).

• The supplied material consists of 100% microplastic (excluding potential filler content).

• For detailed information on classification, safe handling, and regulatory status, please refer to the latest Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the respective product.

Recommended Next Steps

• Review your applications to determine whether they may be affected by the EU Microplastics Regulation.

• Pay particular attention to products used as infill for artificial turf or those that intentionally contain microparticles.

• Contact our team if you require assistance in assessing or classifying your products.
  
  

We are always available to provide expert advice and up-to-date information regarding this regulation and its implications for your business.

With every new development, the demands on the components increase as well as on the suitability of the engineering plastic. We support you in selecting the best materials based on your requirements and offer you customised solutions for engineering plastics.

With their focus on practical application and a pragmatic approach, our application engineers can resolve any processing and tooling issues, such as warpage or surface defects. Our involvement starts at the project planning stage and ends when your machines are running smoothly and are producing the best results.

Our portfolio includes materials for decorative and functional surfaces, e.g. metal and soft-touch effects. Due to the injection moulding process in only one step, no additional process is necessary. By using our engineering plastics for GIT (gas injection technology) and WIT (water injection technology) applications, you shorten cycle time and increase productivity. Highly reinforced materials for the automotive industry as a possible metal substitute round off our extensive product portfolio.