The Act to Combat Waste and Circular Economy (AGEC) of February 10, 2020, has been implemented in several aspects since January 2021. It affects (among others) the cosmetics sector and has an impact on numerous levels.
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Is the Cosmetics Sector Affected by the Law Against Waste?
Summary
- AGEC Law, What Is It About?
- The Management and Prevention of Waste Production
- Information for Consumers
- Prohibition of Certain Ingredients
Published February 29, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
3 min read
AGEC Law, What Is It About?
The aim of the AGEC law is to make a rapid and significant ecological transition. It covers saving resources, raw materials, energy, water, the limitation of waste and its reuse, the use of by-products, etc. It includes 130 articles, 29 of which are directly related to the cosmetics sector.
The Management and Prevention of Waste Production
Article 7 of the AGEC Law aimes towards the disappearance of single-use plastic packaging by 2040 and the recycling of 100% of plastic packaging by 2025. Referring to the child care and hygiene sector (thus including cosmetics), the law imposes an obligation to deal with unsold goods by establishing a priority order: Donation, Reuse, and Recycling. In addition, it prohibits the destruction of unsold goods.
Information for Consumers
The AGEC law also aims to better inform each consumer about the cosmetics they purchase.
Manufacturers and importers of cosmetics must indicate whether raw materials are recycled, whether they are compostable, recyclable and reusable, whether they contain substances of concern or hazardous substances.... Consumers must be able to find this information on labels, labeling, or by other appropriate means.
Substances that are classified as SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) by the REACH regulation must be mandatorily disclosed. In addition, manufacturers marketing personal care products with proven or even suspected endocrine disruptors (EDCs) must provide consumers with all information about these compounds in electronic form (website or application). Article 14 also advocates the placement of a "Not Recommended for Pregnant Women" logo on care products containing proven or suspected endocrine disruptors.
Prohibition of Certain Ingredients
The AGEC law bans certain ingredients with the goal of increasing the safety of cosmetics on the market.
As of March 1, 2022, 23 chemical substances classified as CMRs (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic) are banned in cosmetic products. This is the case, for example, with zinc pyrithione and Lilial, which have been classified as too dangerous for human health. Not only is the industry no longer allowed to use these raw materials, but products containing these cosmetic ingredients must also be removed from sale.
In addition, Article 82 prohibits microplastics in products, except plastics that are considered natural or biodegradable.
With regard to packaging, Article 112 prohibits mineral oils and printing inks derived from them. This is because these compounds would interfere with the recycling processes of plastic and cardboard packaging.
Note: For Typology, our blacklist is strict. For precautionary reasons, we have excluded microplastics, mineral oils, silicones, etc. from our formulas since the creation of our brand.
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