The EU’s new Regulation introduces operational controls for plastic pellet handling, prompting Afera to assess what it means for the European adhesive tape industry.
Implementation phase
The EU’s pellet loss Regulation is moving into its implementation phase, bringing new compliance considerations for manufacturers handling polymer-containing materials. At its latest Regulatory Affairs Working Group (RAWG) Meetings, Afera began assessing what the Regulation could mean for the European adhesive tape industry and how Members can prepare for its practical application. Members can access the full briefing in Afera’s Members-only section.
Although the Regulation was developed to reduce microplastic pollution, its scope extends across sectors handling plastic pellets. For the adhesive tape value chain, this raises important questions around the manufacture of tape backings, films and adhesive systems, particularly where polymer-containing materials form part of production processes.
During its 18 March RAWG Meeting, Afera introduced the new Regulation following discussions with industry stakeholders. The file remained on the agenda in June, where Members agreed that practical guidance would be needed to support interpretation of the legislation and its application to adhesive tape manufacturing. As the June Meeting concluded before this agenda item could be discussed, the topic will return at a forthcoming follow-up Meeting.
Broad scope
The Working Group also reviewed the Regulation’s broad scope and the operational obligations it introduces for sites handling plastic pellets. As implementation progresses, understanding how these requirements apply across the adhesive tape value chain will become increasingly important for manufacturers and suppliers.
The complete Members-only brief examines the Regulation in detail, including its potential relevance to tape manufacturing, the principal compliance requirements, discussion within the RAWG and the practical guidance Afera is preparing for Members.
Further information
- Member brief: Pellet loss regulation reaches the adhesive tape value chain (Members only)
- Afera Regulatory Information (Members only)
- Afera Regulatory Affairs