| Title | REACH in a circular economy: The obstacles for plastics recyclers and regulators |
|---|---|
| ID_Doc | 28331 |
| Authors | de Römph, TJ; Van Calster, G |
| Title | REACH in a circular economy: The obstacles for plastics recyclers and regulators |
| Year | 2018 |
| Published | Review Of European Comparative & International Environmental Law, 27.0, 3 |
| Abstract | The European Union (EU) Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) applies to chemical substances on their own, in mixtures or in articles. Manufacturers using either virgin or recycled substances have to comply with these rules, which do not explicitly distinguish between the two sources. This contribution considers REACH in the circular economy, with a particular focus on its role in the circularity of plastics through recycling. We show that the lack of information about the specific composition of the plastic waste arriving at the recycling facility greatly affects the ability of recyclers to comply with REACH. Over and above several other obstacles plastics recyclers encounter, this creates legal uncertainty about the use of recycled plastics and uncertainty about their market outlet. The recycling industry can in effect either choose to carry on in a regulatory vacuum or to continue the old, linear as opposed to circular scenario. On the face of it, this hardly supports the circular economy philosophy. We reflect how EU regulators may reconcile the objectives of creating a low-risk life cycle of plastics (REACH) with the creation of a cycle with enough throughputs of plastics (Waste Framework Directive). We also propose practical solutions. |
Similar Articles
| ID | Score | Article |
|---|---|---|
13355
|
De Tandt, E; Demuytere, C; Van Asbroeck, E; Moerman, H; Mys, N; Vyncke, G; Delva, L; Vermeulen, A; Ragaert, P; De Meester, S; Ragaert, K A recycler's perspective on the implications of REACH and food contact material (FCM) regulations for the mechanical recycling of FCM plastics(2021) | |
| 23253
|
Ragaert, K; Ragot, C; Van Geem, KM; Kersten, S; Shiran, Y; De Meester, S Clarifying European terminology in plastics recycling(2023) | |
| 536
|
Foschi, E; Bonoli, A The Commitment of Packaging Industry in the Framework of the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy(2019)Administrative Sciences, 9, 1 | |
| 4917
|
Soroka, A; Robinson, M; Gosling, J; Hoggins, L; Hall, J; Naim, MM Circular Economy Models in the Construction Sector: A Plastics Recycling Use Case(2023) | |
| 1386
|
Sánchez, DFD Progress In The Circular Economy: New Legislation On Waste And Plastics(2020) | |
| 3054
|
Kubiczek, J; Derej, W; Hadasik, B; Matuszewska, A Chemical recycling of plastic waste as a mean to implement the circular economy model in the European Union(2023) | |
| 3165
|
Shamsuyeva, M; Endres, HJ Plastics in the context of the circular economy and sustainable plastics recycling: Comprehensive review on research development, standardization and market(2021) | |
| 4615
|
Venkatachalam, V; Pohler, M; Spierling, S; Nickel, L; Barner, L; Endres, HJ Design for Recycling Strategies Based on the Life Cycle Assessment and End of Life Options of Plastics in a Circular Economy(2022)Macromolecular Chemistry And Physics, 223, 13 | |
| 21237
|
Baran, B Resource (in)efficiency in the EU: a case of plastic waste(2022)Ekonomia I Prawo-Economics And Law, 21.0, 1 | |
| 5136
|
Hennebert, P; Navazas, A; Katrakis, E A Risk-Based Approach For Waste Management In The Modern Circular Economy: Propositions From The Eu Recycling Industries(2024) |