Navigating microplastics restrictions in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and textiles
Microplastics are solid polymer particles smaller than 5mm, used in industries such as coatings, adhesives, sealants, and textiles. A study estimates that around 3 million tonnes of primary microplastics are released into the global environment each year. Growing environmental concerns have led to increased regulatory measures worldwide.
Regulatory restrictions
In Europe, REACH regulations impose restrictions on synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs), with further measures on secondary microplastics currently under discussion. In the Americas, the USA addresses microplastics through the Microbead-Free Waters Act and the Clean Water Act, while Canada monitors them under the Environmental Protection Act. Meanwhile, in Asia-Pacific various countries are implementing country-level initiatives to combat plastic pollution.
Key materials:
Before a coatings film is formed, primary microplastics in coatings can be:
- Polymeric binders
- Polymeric additives
After the coatings film is formed, secondary microplastics can be created through:
- Wear & tear
- Demolition
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