MOSCOW (MRC) -- MEPs have passed a non-binding Resolution demanding that the European Commission does not authorise the recycling of plastics containing the phthalate plasticiser DEHP, as per EP announcement on its site.
The Resolution, passed in the European Parliament, says the substance poses a toxic threat to exposed workers and could render their male foetuses sterile.
DEHP is used to soften PVC items such as footwear and floor coverings. The plasticiser is included in the REACH authorisation list (Annex XVII) and all non-authorised uses, or those uses for which authorisation applications have not be submitted, had to be phased out by 21 February this year. But some uses have been authorised, and many more are in the pipeline awaiting final decisions.
The Resolution says it is unacceptable to allow potential cases of male infertility so that PVC recyclers and downstream users can save costs "to compete with low-quality imports".
DEHP is banned under REACH. However, the Commission is proposing to authorise the recycling of old plastics containing it into new PVC products. The European Parliament resolution was agreed by 603 votes to 86, with five abstentions. EU member states still have to approve its draft decision.
The European trade body for plasticiser producers, ECPI, said it was disappointed by the vote. The organisation's general manager Stephane Content said that ECPI respects the right of the Parliament to "oversee an implementing measure, but it is essential to underline that the Commission has been strictly adhering to its mandate under REACH.
Mr Content pointed to favourable recommendations from Echa’s Risk Assessment (Rac) and Socio-economic Analysis Committees (Seac), and added: "PVC can be recycled without loss of performance and with risk control for human health and the environment.
Parliament's vote follows a decision by its Environment Committee (CW 12 November 2015). It heard that DEHP has been known to adversely affect the endocrine system of mammals. The substance, the committee said, "may cause irreversible developmental programming effects, leading to severe effects on development and reproduction".
MRC