Explanatory paper on Microplastics and Interleavants in the flat glass sector

Explanatory paper on Microplastics and Interleavants in the flat glass sector
Photo source
Glass for Europe

Date: 26 February 2024

Glass for Europe issues this explanatory paper to bring clarity to all actors in the flat glass value chain about the use of interleaving polymer powders in the flat glass sector.

The European Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 of 25 September 2023 ‘restricting synthetic polymer microparticles on their own or intentionally added to mixtures’ entered into force in October 2023. Its purpose is to ban the placing on the market of mixtures containing synthetic polymer microplastics. The ban from placing on the market does not apply to products ‘for use at industrial sites’ and for certain specific applications.

Observing a lot of confusing communication around this EC regulation, Glass for Europe issues this explanatory paper to bring clarity to all actors in the flat glass value chain about the use of interleaving polymer powders in the flat glass sector. Glass for Europe recalls the following:

  • In the flat glass sector, interleavants are used exclusively at industrial sites therefore the placing on the market and the sector’s use of interleavant polymer powders is permitted by the EC Regulation.
  • As part of the EC Regulation, a set of obligations are created falling upon suppliers and users of these interleavants. Flat glass manufacturers members of Glass for Europe are already working with both upstream suppliers and downstream users to ensure full conformity.

Glass for Europe and its members are committed to sustainable practices, including a substitution of microplastic interleavant technology once a substitute has been technically approved and is ready for wide-scale implementation.

Check out our position paper here.

600450 Explanatory paper on Microplastics and Interleavants in the flat glass sector glassonweb.com

Others also read

Folienwerk Wolfen GmbH is set to unveil its latest safety glass innovations at GPD 2025 in Tampere, Finland.
In recent months, Glass for Europe has engaged with key EU policymakers to address the housing crisis, focusing on affordability, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
Pujol Group brings its latest glass innovations to Glass-Tech Poland, June 3–5, at booth B3 42B.
The delivery of the line to the company’s new facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is planned for the end of this year.
Glass for Europe joined the CLEPA delegation at the 77th session of the UN Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) in Geneva to contribute to discussions on headform testing on vehicles under UN Regulation 127.
On Tuesday 13 May, Glass Alliance Europe organised a policy event to explore ways in which the Clean Industrial Deal could better support the decarbonisation and competitiveness of the glass industry.

Add new comment

From industry

Pol. Ind. Penapurreira Parcela C4-B,
15320 As Pontes de García Rodríguez A Coruña
Spain

52 Corniche El-Nil, AL-SHARIFAIN Tower 10th Floor,
Maadi,
Cairo Governorate
11728
Egypt

Ottergemsesteenweg 707-Zuid
9000 Ghent
Belgium

İçmeler Mah. D-100 Karayolu Cad. No:44A,
34947 Tuzla,/İstanbul
Turkey

Via per Monastier, 4
31056 Vallio di Roncade TV
Italy