European Chemicals Agency favouring microplastics industry opinion over scientific evidence of environmental damage

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has been favouring industry during its initial gathering of evidence on microplastics, prompting environmental organisations to remind ECHA not to overlook or underestimate the risks for health and the environment when preparing the proposal to restrict the use of this pollutant.

In this letter, ClientEarth, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), the International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec), Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF International) and Greenpeace, with the support of the Rethink Plastic Alliance, have raised concerns that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has lacked objectivity, by offering a particularly attentive ear to companies adding microplastics to their products.