„Microplastic-free"
§ 5 Abs. 1 UWG i.V.m. EU-VO 2023/2055 REACH Anhang XVII Eintrag 78
What does it mean?
'Microplastic-free' is a permissible claim provided it is entirely correct and can be substantiated by suitable evidence. EU Regulation 2023/2055 (REACH) restricts the use of intentionally added microplastics in products from 17 October 2027. If synthetic polymers are used in the formulation, this must be transparently disclosed. Otherwise, the claim 'microplastic-free' may be assessed as misleading under § 5 UWG. Evidence by independent laboratory analytics in accordance with ISO 16128 is recommended to document conformity with the REACH Regulation.
Typical phrasings
- 'Microplastic-free toothpaste'
- 'No added microplastics'
- 'Formulation without synthetic polymers'
Required evidence
- ISO 16128 natural content analytics
- INCI list without added polymers (≥ 5 µm)
- COSMOS Natural or Organic certification
Rechtsgrundlage (Originalwortlaut)
Anhang I Nr. 4a UCPD (i.d.F. EmpCo) — generische Umweltaussage ohne anerkannte Nachweise
Quelle: Richtlinie (EU) 2024/825 (EmpCo) — verbindlich ist ausschließlich die im Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union veröffentlichte Fassung.
DEDeutsch (amtlich, DE-Fassung Amtsblatt)aufklappenzuklappen
„Treffen einer allgemeinen Umweltaussage, wobei der Gewerbetreibende die anerkannte hervorragende Umweltleistung, auf die sich die Aussage bezieht, nicht nachweisen kann."ENEnglish (Official Journal, EN version)aufklappenzuklappen
„Making a generic environmental claim for which the trader is not able to demonstrate recognised excellent environmental performance relevant to the claim."FRFrançais (Journal officiel, version FR)aufklappenzuklappen
„Présenter une allégation environnementale générique au sujet de laquelle le professionnel n'est pas en mesure de démontrer l'excellente performance environnementale reconnue en rapport avec l'allégation."NLNederlands (Publicatieblad, NL versie)aufklappenzuklappen
„Het maken van een generieke milieuclaim zonder dat de handelaar erkende voortreffelijke milieuprestaties kan aantonen die relevant zijn voor de claim."Does your website use „Microplastic-free"?
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Free CheckEmpcora is a pure checking and documentation service and provides general information only on the legal situation based on the EmpCo Directive (EU 2024/825) and the unfair-competition / consumer-protection law transposing it in your jurisdiction including references. This is not individual legal advice and includes neither the rewriting nor the drafting of texts. No liability or warranty is assumed for the correctness, completeness or up-to-dateness of the analysis, nor for any legal consequences. The legal assessment of an individual case rests with an admitted law firm or lawyer.