The EU revises the limits of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for filling materials

Recently, the European Commission issued the (EU) 2021/1199 Directive in its official gazette. This Directive amends the content of Article 50 PAHs in Annex XVII of the EU "Regulations on Registration, Evaluation, Licensing and Restriction of Chemicals" (REACH). Added 5 clauses concerning the control of plastic/rubber particles and coverings. Among them, the European Commission will reduce the concentration limit of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in particles and coverings used as filling materials for artificial turf or playgrounds from the current 100mg/kg to 20mg/kg, which is expected to be implemented on August 10, 2022 .

The European Tire and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA) expressed support for this initiative. Fazilet Cinaralp, Secretary-General of ETRMA, said: “This policy is unlikely to affect the use of waste tires in rubber fillings in sports fields. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are mostly present in the form of impurities in waste tires, with an average content of only 12ppm, rarely reaching 20ppm. This This provision will enhance mutual trust in the market and help increase the transparency of the use of rubber granules as filling materials."