Detergents and Microplastics Global Regulations You Need To Know.pdf

This article delves into key regulations across the major markets, emerging compliance strategies, and innovative alternatives that are reshaping the cleaning products industry in US, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world.

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Overview
The global regulatory landscape for microplastics and detergents is undergoing
unprecedented transformation. While the cleaning products manufacturers are facing
immense pressures across the globe, it is the European Union that is leading the charge
with a comprehensive framework of restrictions under the REACH REGULATION (EU)
2023/2055. Currently, microplastics represent one of the most dangerous and fat-reaching
environmental challenges. For instance, synthetic textiles alone contribute ~35% of ocean
microplastic pollution.
Stakeholders across the detergents and cleaning products supply chain need to
acknowledge the challenges in order to turn them into opportunities for sustainable
innovation.
This article delves into key regulations across the major markets, emerging compliance
strategies, and innovative alternatives that are reshaping the cleaning products industry in
US, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world.
Global Regulatory Landscape
European Union: Leading the Change
 The EU has established the world's most extensive framework on microplastics
regulation through Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055. It not only restricts
synthetic polymer microparticles that are deliberately added to products but also
addresses their impact across industries that have a direct connection with cleaning
products and detergents.
Key Provisions Affecting Detergents:
 Microplastic Concentration Limit: Products containing intentionally added
microplastics above specified thresholds are prohibited.
 Labeling Requirements: For certain exempt categories, mandatory labeling
indicates the presence of microplastics.
 Reporting Obligations: Manufacturers are required to submit detailed annual
reports on the use, quantities, and emissions of microplastics.
 Transition Periods: Variable timelines for compliance depending on the application:
o Rinse-off cosmetics: October 2027
o Leave-on cosmetics: October 2029
o Make-up, lip, and nail products: October 2035 (with labeling required from
2031)

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o Detergents, fragrances, and other categories have specific timelines
 The EU's REACH Implementation Guide (April 2025) provides crucial guidance for
compliance, though it remains non-binding. Developed by ECHA in collaboration with
member states, it provides detailed instructions for implementing the regulation,
including decision flowcharts and examples of "boundary cases" to help define the
compliance scope.
United States: State-Level Initiatives Leading the Way
Unlike the EU’s extensive approach, the US industry is slowly waking up to a unified federal
policy on microplastics in detergents. Currently, there is a patchwork of state-level initiatives
that regulate home cleaning products, surface care formulations, etc.
 Oregon SB 526 (2023): Requires microfiber filters on all new residential washing
machines sold from January 2030.
 California AB 1628 (proposed): Would mandate filters on new washing machines
by January 2029.
 New Jersey: Two bills in development (S3619 and S3281) would require microfiber
filters by 2030 and propose rebates for early adopters.
 Illinois and Pennsylvania: Similar legislation under consideration with 2030 targets.
Beyond microplastics specifically, numerous states are implementing broader packaging and
PFAS restrictions that indirectly affect detergent formulations:
 Minnesota: Banned intentionally added PFAS in cleaning products effective January
2025.
 Maine: Implementing extended producer responsibility requirements for packaging.
 California: Enacted SB 54 mandating significant reductions in plastic packaging.
Asia-Pacific: Emerging Regulatory Frameworks
 The Asia-Pacific region is trying to catch up with the needs of the hour. While South
Korea and Japan have implemented crucial restrictions on microbeads, a
comprehensive setup regulating microplastics in detergents is still lacking. However,
bigger nations like China and India have reflected an increasing inclination towards
it:
 China: As the world's largest detergent market, China's evolving regulatory approach
will significantly impact global formulation strategies.
 Australia: Following the EU lead with consultations on microplastic restrictions.

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 India: Growing awareness and emerging policies on plastic pollution, with startups
like Beco developing alternative detergent delivery systems.
Innovation and Alternatives: The Route to Compliance
1. Materials Innovation: Biodegradable polymer alternatives represent a promising pathway
for maintaining functionality while reducing environmental persistence:
 Poly(β-amino ester) (PAE): Developed by researchers at MIT, these degradable
microparticles offer an eco-friendly solution to replace non-degradable polyethylene
microbeads, breaking down into sugar and amino acid derivatives
 Polysaccharides and Proteins: Starch, cellulose, and protein-based particles
provide scrubbing functionality without persistence
 Natural Exfoliants: Companies like Lush and The Body Shop have transitioned to
materials like crushed seeds, nuts, and salts for abrasive functions
2. Formulation Strategies: Liquid-free and concentrated formulations reduce plastic
packaging while maintaining cleaning efficacy:
 Detergent Sheets and Strips: Pre-measured, water-soluble sheets eliminate plastic
packaging and reduce shipping weight/volume. Brands like Tru Earth, Sheets
Laundry Club, and HeySunday have pioneered this format, with the global market
projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2030.
 Solid Concentrates: Tablet and bar formats reduce packaging and transportation
impacts.
 Refill Systems: Bulk distribution systems with reusable containers minimize single-
use plastic.
How Can Counsel from Industry Experts Help Navigate this Transition?
Seasoned industry experts who have been helping companies navigate sustainability
pressures and rising regulatory complexities state that these rising tides bring hordes of
opportunities with them. Those working in CPG sustainability consulting and relevant niches
like detergent R&D consulting, detergent market opportunity analysis, and so forth
recommend strategic approaches to regulatory compliance that span regulatory monitoring,
compliance gap analysis, alternatives assessment, performance validation, and supply chain
alignment with emerging regulations.
With both Europe and the US implementing increasingly stringent requirements, cleaning
products manufacturers need to proactively adapt to these changes and take necessary
steps to reinforce their market position and competitive relevance.

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In case you are looking to talk more about it, and specifically on the regulatory landscape
change in the US, join the Cleaning Products US 2025 conference that is bringing together
leaders, regulators, innovators, and all other stakeholders together to address these
challenges. As a specialist in sustainability consulting services, Stellarix is proud to be an
exhibitor and participant in this conversation. To learn more about microplastic compliance
and innovation strategies specific to the US market, talk to Stellarix experts now.

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