Why should “No Data, No Market” apply to polymers?

Polymers are chemical substances formed by many similar chemicals, called monomers. Natural polymers include for example wool or DNA. Well known synthetic polymers include polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is estimated that there are 200,000 different polymers in the EU market.

Despite this wide and growing exposure,  with rising concerns about their impact on health and the environment, there is very scarce information about the hazardous properties of polymers. Contrary to other chemicals, industry has no obligation to report safety data on polymers to authorities.

Today, the European Environment Bureau and the Rethink Plastic alliance have released a short paper making the case for why manufacturers must provide data in line with the “no data, no market” principle, if industry wishes to market polymers in the EU