feminine hygiene products, diapers and other absorbent products who wants to buy ‘Ecolabel’ of the European Union To increase the gap with ordinary products that do not have this environmental certification, they now need to further reduce the amount of chemicals they contain.
European Commission set more stringent criteria To reduce the presence of toxic substances in absorbent hygiene products aiming to achieve the EU Ecolabel. These new criteria include banning a broad list of certain chemicals.
This includes pads, tampons and menstrual cups, as well as baby diapers and other products bearing this label. They should have fewer toxins than they have so farThis will make the difference with products that do not bear such a distinction even more obvious.
Miriam Thiemann, responsible for sustainable consumption at the European Environment Office (EEB), an organization involved in the review of the EU eco-labelling standard for absorbent hygiene products, comments positively that “they have incorporated many improvements”. “For example, the list of excluded and restricted hazardous substances has increased significantly.”
In fact, the new criteria reveal, for example: neither the final product nor any of its components They may contain substances that may be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction, endocrine disrupting substances, or substances that are persistent, toxic and bioaccumulative in humans or the environment.
You may not be there either. none were classified as extremely concerning (SVHC), neither in the products nor their ingredients, has been approved by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Approximately 300 toxic compounds have been included in this official substance list so far.
The final product or any of its components may not contain substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction.
Some specific substances to avoid are also mentioned; for example, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMIT), acrylamide in superabsorbent polymers, alkylphenol ethoxylates and other alkylphenol derivatives, some antibacterial substances (e.g. nanosilver and triclosan), formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, nitromuscs and organotin compounds used as catalysts in the production of polycyclic musks, silicone, parabens or phthalates.
Restriction of odors and foreign substances
Another article of the new regulation is; restrictions on the use of fragrances, lotions, inks and paints whether they are in contact with the skin, adhesives and the content of residual monomers in superabsorbent polymers.
Finally, reference is also made to impurities prohibited above specified concentrations in the final product, substances such as formaldehyde, dioxins, furans, PCBs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols such as bisphenol A or nonylphenol, phthalates, pesticides, organotin compounds, among other things. or heavy metals.
Regarding these issues, in January 2022 A total of 28 European environmental health organizations sent an open letter to the European Commission We call for EU-wide restrictive measures regarding the presence of various toxic substances in disposable diapers, in accordance with the REACH Chemicals Regulation.
Ecolabel requirements have been strengthened not only in terms of toxic substances, but also in terms of other environmental criteria for the entire life cycle of these products, From sustainable raw material sourcing to waste reduction, including packaging or pollutant emissions.
The European ecolabel is a sustainability certification for non-food products and services, including cosmetics, paper products, detergents, textiles, furniture, electronics and tourist accommodation.
Satisfaction with Spain
Carlos de Prada, responsible for Toxic-Free Home, an initiative that collaborates with the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) to spread the word about the problem of chemical pollution, celebrates this new EU decision, as it covers products “in contact with the skin”. “Mucous membranes and those used for a long time,” he said.
According to De Prada, “Exposure to toxic substances in this way should not be underestimated. Not only because direct contact can cause local effects such as irritation or allergy, but also These contaminants can be absorbed, reach the bloodstream and thus be distributed throughout the body. “To some extent, it increases the likelihood of different health problems associated with these substances.”
“These pollutants can be absorbed, reach the bloodstream and thus be distributed throughout the body.”
According to the person responsible for the Toxic-Free Home, “it is always good to offer consumers alternatives that reduce their exposure to toxic substances and therefore allow them to choose products that are healthier. Especially if they are products that are used frequently, as is the case.”
However, he warns that until the implementation of these new criteria takes place, a transition period will be created during which products with the Ecolabel awarded on the basis of the previous, slightly less demanding standard will continue to be on the market.
For more information: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/circular-economy-new-eu-ecolabel-criteria-absorbent-hygiene-products-and-reusable-menstrual-cups-2023-09-14_en
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