Microplastics Reporting: What Companies Need to Prepare for Now

Microplastics regulation in the EU is moving rapidly from policy ambition to concrete reporting and compliance obligations. For many companies, microplastics reporting is no longer a future concern, it is an emerging requirement that demands preparation now.

With new restrictions, reporting frameworks, and data expectations taking shape, organisations that intentionally add microplastics to products must understand how these obligations apply to their portfolios and supply chains.

What Are “Intentionally Added Microplastics”?

Under EU chemicals legislation, microplastics generally refer to solid polymer-containing particles smaller than 5 mm that are intentionally added to products to achieve a specific function, such as abrasion, texture, durability, or controlled release.

These particles are found across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Detergents and cleaning products
• Cosmetics and personal care products
• Coatings, paints, and inks
• Fertilisers and agricultural products
• Industrial and professional-use mixtures

The breadth of applications means that many companies may be impacted without realising it.

The Regulatory Landscape Is Evolving

The EU has adopted restrictions aimed at reducing emissions of intentionally added microplastics to the environment. While some uses are banned outright, others are subject to derogations that allow continued use, provided specific reporting and labelling obligations are met.

One of the most significant implications for companies is the requirement to report annually on estimated emissions of microplastics to the environment. These reports are expected to be submitted via IUCLID, aligning microplastics reporting with existing REACH data infrastructure.

Who Needs to Report?

Reporting obligations can apply to:

• Manufacturers and importers of substances and mixtures containing intentionally added microplastics
• Downstream users placing products on the EU market under their own name
• Companies benefiting from derogations under the microplastics restriction

Importantly, the obligation does not only apply to consumer products. Professional and industrial uses are also in scope.

What Information Will Be Required?

Although detailed guidance continues to develop, companies should expect to prepare information such as:

• Identification of polymers meeting the microplastics definition
• Product and use descriptions
• Estimated quantities of microplastics placed on the market
• Estimated releases to the environment during use and at end-of-life
• Justification for applicable derogations

Generating this data often requires close collaboration across regulatory, R&D, procurement, and sustainability teams, as well as engagement with suppliers.

Why Preparation Matters Now

Many organisations underestimate the time and effort required to:

• Identify affected products and polymers
• Confirm whether particles meet the regulatory definition
• Build defensible emission estimates
• Align internal data with IUCLID reporting formats

Waiting until reporting deadlines approach increases the risk of incomplete data, inconsistent assumptions, and non-compliance. Early preparation allows companies to:

• Integrate microplastics reporting into existing REACH and product stewardship processes
• Engage suppliers proactively to close data gaps
• Develop realistic, documented emission estimates
• Reduce last-minute compliance pressure

Practical First Steps for Companies

Companies can begin preparing now by:

1. Screening product portfolios for intentionally added polymer particles
2. Mapping supply chains to understand where microplastics may be introduced
3. Assessing derogation eligibility and associated conditions
4. Establishing internal data ownership for reporting inputs
5. Planning IUCLID reporting workflows aligned with existing compliance systems

Turning Compliance into Strategic Advantage

While microplastics reporting introduces new obligations, it also presents an opportunity. Companies that understand their material flows and emissions are better positioned to:

• Support sustainability claims with credible data
• Respond confidently to customer and regulator questions
• Anticipate future restrictions and reformulation pressures

As with many regulatory developments, those who prepare early are best placed to manage risk, and maintain market access.