The law pertaining to the fight against waste and the circular economy (AGEC), enacted on February 10, 2020, began to be implemented on several points since January 2021. It indeed concerns the cosmetic sector (among others) and impacts on multiple levels.
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Does the anti-waste law apply to the cosmetics sector?
Summary
- What is the AGEC Law?
- The management and prevention of waste production
- Informing the consumers
- The prohibition of certain ingredients
Published April 7, 2022,
updated on June 20, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
3 min read
What is the AGEC Law?
The purpose of the AGEC law is to commit to a swift and significant ecological transition. It pertains to the economy of resources, raw materials, energy, water, the reduction of waste and its reuse, the use of co-products... It comprises 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 anticipates the elimination of single-use plastic packaging by 2040 and 100% of plastic packaging to be recycled by 2025. Regarding the childcare and hygiene sector (which includes cosmetic products), the law imposes an obligation to manage unsold items by establishing a priority order in three R's: Reuse (donation), Reutilization, and Recycling. Furthermore, it prohibits the destruction of unsold items.
Informing the consumers.
The AGEC law also aims to better inform each consumer about the cosmetic products they purchase.
Manufacturers and importers of cosmetic products are required to disclose whether the raw materials are recycled, the compostability, recyclability, possibilities for reuse, and the presence of concerning or dangerous substances. Consumers should be able to find this information on labels, markings, or through any other appropriate method.
Substances classified as SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) by the REACH regulation must be mandatorily indicated. Furthermore, industrialists who market skincare products containing proven or even only presumed endocrine disruptors (EDs) must make all information related to these compounds available to consumers in electronic format (web page or application). Article 14 also recommends the addition of a "Not recommended for pregnant women" logo on skincare products containing proven or presumed endocrine disruptors.
The prohibition of certain ingredients.
The AGEC law prohibits certain raw materials with the aim of enhancing the safety of cosmetic products on the market.
Since March 1, 2022, 23 chemical substances classified as CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Toxic) are prohibited in cosmetic products. This includes substances like zinc pyrithione and lilial, which are deemed too dangerous for human health. Not only can manufacturers no longer use these raw materials, but products containing these cosmetic ingredients must also be removed from sale.
Furthermore, Article 82 stipulates the prohibition of microplastics in products, with the exception of those considered natural or biodegradable.
Regarding packaging, Article 112 prohibits the use of mineral oils and derived inks. Indeed, these compounds would disrupt the recycling processes of plastic and cardboard packaging.
Note : At Typology, our blacklist is strict. As a precautionary principle, since the inception of our brand, we have excluded from our formulas microplastics, mineral oils, silicones...
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