Norway claims that the EU Commission is considering plastic filters in washing machines

Washing machines.Photo: Sara Johannessen / SCANPIX NB! Modellklarert

The EU Commission must assess technical solutions to prevent microplastic emissions from washing machines, according to Norway.

 

The necessity is stated in a letter Norwegian authorities have sent together with Sweden,France, Finland, Iceland and Luxembourg in connection with the EU commission assessing requirements for washing machines under the so-called eco-directive.

“We know that washing of synthetic clothes and other textiles is a significant source of dispersion of microplastic in nature. We need to do something about this and this is a good opportunity to assess the requirements for filters in washing machines,” said climate and environmental minister, Ola Elvestuen of Venstre (V).

Ecodesign requirements include, among other things, minimum energy efficiency requirements for products to be sold in the EU. Some other environmental requirements are also laid down in the directive.

‘’In the letter, therefore, we asked the EU Commission to commit themselves to thorough consideration of this before the next revision of the requirements for washing machines.This can be an important measure to reduce the spread of micro-plastic from land-based sources,”said Elvestuen.

 

© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today