Standards on Microplastics
Standards on microplastics: European and International standards covering the very important issue of microplastics - The Crucial Roles of CEN and ISO Standards in Regulating Microplastics Usage
Standards on microplastics: European and International standards covering the very important issue of microplastics - The Crucial Roles of CEN and ISO Standards in Regulating Microplastics Usage
Plastics - Environmental aspects - State of knowledge and methodologies (ISO/TR 21960:2020)
60.60 Standard published
Plastics - Environmental aspects - General guidelines for their inclusion in standards (ISO 17422:2018)
60.60 Standard published
Principles for the analysis of microplastics present in the environment (ISO 24187:2023)
60.60 Standard published
Textiles and textile products - Microplastics from textile sources - Part 1: Determination of material loss from fabrics during washing (ISO 4484-1:2023)
60.60 Standard published
Textiles and textile products - Microplastics from textile sources - Part 3: Measurement of collected material mass released from textile end products by domestic washing method (ISO 4484-3:2023)
60.60 Standard published
Water quality - Analysis of microplastic in water - Part 2: Vibrational spectroscopy methods for waters with low content of suspended solids including drinking water (ISO/DIS 16094-2:2023)
40.60 Close of voting
Assess the feasibility of measurement methods for microplastics in the effluent water of household washing machines
00.00 Proposal for new project received
Principles for the analysis of microplastics present in the environment
60.60 Standard published
Textiles and textile products — Microplastics from textile sources — Part 2: Qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics
60.60 Standard published
Textiles and textile products — Microplastics from textile sources — Part 3: Measurement of collected material mass released from textile end products by domestic washing method
60.60 Standard published
Textiles and textile products — Microplastics from textile sources — Part 1: Determination of material loss from fabrics during washing
60.60 Standard published
Water quality — Sampling — Part 27: Guidance on sampling for microplastics in water
50.20 Proof sent to secretariat or FDIS ballot initiated: 8 weeks
Water quality — Analysis of microplastic in water — Part 1: General and sampling for waters with low content of suspended solids including drinking water
30.98 Project deleted
Water quality — Analysis of microplastic in water — Part 2: Vibrational spectroscopy methods for waters with low content of suspended solids including drinking water
40.99 Full report circulated: DIS approved for registration as FDIS
Water quality — Analysis of microplastic in water — Part 3: Thermo-analytical methods for waters with low content of suspended solids including drinking water
40.60 Close of voting
Water quality — Analysis of microplastic in water — Part 4: Sample preparation for monitoring of microplastics for waters with low content of suspended solids including drinking water
00.00 Proposal for new project received
Plastics - A method for extraction of microplastics from compost samples
20.60 Close of comment period
The emergence of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) standards has substantially changed the global plastic and textile industries. Besides, it has brought benefits to consumers and citizens too. These standards are fundamental in providing technical regulations, harmonized methods, and precise testing procedures, especially concerning microplastics.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are predominantly used in numerous consumer products, boasting features like abrasion resistance, durability, and lightweight. Yet, their environmental harms are profound, causing them to be a subject of strict regulation via standards like ISO and CEN.
Precision to ISO and CEN standards offers a global competitive advantage for manufacturers. These standards serve as a blueprint for producing items that fulfil the highest quality measures, ensuring microplastics adhere to the environmental and safety thresholds. Standards guide companies on acceptable testing, marking and labelling guidelines, reducing the chance of producing non-compliant products.
Importantly, these standards ensure uniformity in technical specifications, creating a level playing field in international trade by eliminating technical barriers among countries. They instil company reputation and consumer confidence by proving that their products and manufacturing processes are validated by standardized tests and follow mandated regulations.
From the consumer and citizen perspective, the ISO and CEN standards on microplastics are equally significant. They provide quality assurances and maintain safety, health, and environmental standards — essential when considering a purchase. They also contribute to the well-being of societies, as a product compliant with ISO and CEN standards guarantees minimal environmental footprint related to microplastic pollution.
In conclusion, ISO and CEN standards form critical aspects of the modern plastics and textile industries, underlining best practice guidelines and ensuring their strict adherence. Companies and consumers share the benefits of a well-structured, standardized, and harmonized environment created by these standards, rendering them invaluable today.
Keywords: ISO Standards, CEN Standards, EN standards, Microplastic, Microplastics, Plastics Industry, Textile Industry, Consumer Products, Technical Regulations, Harmonized Methods, Testing Procedures, Environmental Footprint, Quality Assurance, Interoperability, Global Competitive Advantage, Product Compliance.