EU to restrict rubber flame retardant levels in waste

Brussels -  Flame retardants found in some rubber products, such as conveyor belts, hoses, cables and seals are among the materials targeted by new EU regulations to limit levels of persistent organic pollutants in waste.

The short-chain chlorinated paraffin (SCCP) additives have been set a limit value of 1500mg/kg under a provisional deal agreed by the European Council and EU Parliament.

SCCPs are among a group of persistent organic pollutants which, while generally no longer used in new products, can still be found in consumer-product waste, the Council stated 21 June.

“In order to reach a circular economy, where waste will be increasingly used as a secondary raw material, limiting the presence of persistent organic pollutants in waste is crucial,” the EU body explained.

The limit value being imposed on SCCPs in rubber waste is to be reviewed after five years after the entry into force of the regulation.

The provisional agreement will next be submitted for endorsement by the ‘Committee of permanent representatives’ before the start of formal adoption procedures.