Synthetic Polymer Microparticels

Information

Microplastic Restriction
REACH Annex XVII, entry 78

PLEXIGLAS®/ PLEXIMID®/CYROLITE® Molding Compounds – all grades and solid DEGALAN® - all grades

The above mentioned products are synthetic polymers in form of granulates or beads.

According to the definition below all above mentioned products fulfil the criteria as microplastics:

0,1µm to 5mm diameter as an upper size limit for SPM - synthetic polymer microparticles (following the micro-litter definition)

On 17th October 2023 the Microplastic Restriction enters into force.
Our products are exempted from the restriction according to one or more of the following exemption criteria under §4A and §5B:

• Synthetic polymer microparticles for use in industrial sites
• Synthetic polymer microparticles, which are incorporated into a solid matrix
• Synthetic polymer microparticles, which are permanently modified during intended end use in such a way that the polymer no longer falls within the scope of this entry.

In 2027 will start the reporting requirements for emissions occurring during the previous year. Other Manufacturers and industrial downstream users of SPMs used as feedstock in plastic manufacturing at industrial sites have to report by 31th, May to ECHA via REACH-IT.

Data for the microplastic reporting, like generic information on identity of the polymers will be communicated in the Safety Data Sheets.

Currently while we are working on the technical implementation, you can use the following description aligned with plastic associations for PLEXIGLAS®/ PLEXIMID®/CYROLITE® Molding Compounds and solid DEGALAN® according to the HS Code 3906:

Identity: Acrylic polymers
Concentration of SPM: 100 wt-%

Instruction for use and disposal (IFUD)

To prevent the release of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) into the environment, please follow the instructions for use and disposal of PLEXIGLAS®/ PLEXIMID®/CYROLITE® Molding Compounds and solid DEGALAN® provided herewith.

Remove any spilled pellets from the top of the car/ truck before leaving the containment area - residual pellets will fall to the ground as cars are moved outside the plant.

In general it is recommended to follow guidelines of Operation Clean Sweep in regard to proper storage, transport and processing of pellets. Guidelines are available for download at https://ocscertification.eu/the-solution/toolbox

Storage and Transport:
Inspect pellet packaging before offloading, keep storage silos, tanks and containers in good condition, to help avoid holes, cracks or leaks. Forklift operators must be trained and skilled in damage prevention as well as proper clean-up. Consider outfitting all forklifts with a Clean-Up Kit. Tape leaks or replace leaking bags. DO NOT SWEEP pellets into the water.

Processing:
Do not permit loose pellets to accumulate on the ground or floors. Ensure that employees have ready access to brooms, dustpans or vacuum cleaners to remove spilled pellets.

Disposal:
Ensure pellets are properly disposed of to avoid contaminating the environment. Contaminated packaging should ideally be emptied; it can then be recycled after having been decontaminated. Uncontaminated packaging may be recycled. Packaging that cannot be cleaned must be disposed of like the substance.

Review all local, state and federal regulations concerning health and pollution for appropriate disposal procedures. The waste key number must be determined as per the European Waste Types List (decision on EU Waste Types List 2000/532/EC) in cooperation with the disposal firm / producing firm / official authority.

September 2026