towards banning toxic chemicals in toys, furniture and packaging?

In supermarkets, plastics are everywhere and surround many foods. They contain chemical substances which are dangerous for health and the environment. Europe wants to eliminate the most toxic. Among them, the flame retardant materials of electronic devices or mattresses. The European Union wants to propose alternatives for more harmless plastics by 2030. “It gives us time, at the industry level, to prepare for these future restrictions”says Sylvie Lemoine, executive director of the European Chemical Industry Council.

However, the associations remain vigilant. According to them, manufacturers could demand exemptions for certain chemical substances. “We know the influence of private lobbies, or of the chemical industry in Brussels. Indeed, this is the biggest risk relating to this proposal”, comments Elise Vitali, policy officer for chemicals at the European environment office. The appearance of European shopping carts could therefore soon change: a small revolution for the planet as well as for health.