BSEF, calls on European Commission to remove unwarranted ban on halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) in Ecodesign, E-Display Regulation

Today, the European Commission published its new eco-design requirements for electronic displays – Directive 2009/125/EC. These requirements include an unprecedented ban on halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) in enclosures and stands of displays coming within the scope of the regulation.

It is unjustified and disproportionate and not coherent with EU legislation on chemicals as it targets a whole class of flame retardants, including several brominated flame retardants, and bans them even though they are correctly registered and not subject to any regulatory restriction.

“Clearly, the Commission has made a mistake and it needs to correct it”, he added.

The main rationale for including a ban on the use of HFRs in enclosures and stands of electronic displays was that they hinder recycling of WEEE plastics. BSEF refutes this completely. “The facts on the ground within the recycling industry do not support this”, noted Dr Bradley. “Yes, BFR-containing plastics do have to be separated and treated separately under the EU WEEE Directive, but this is being well managed by innovative plastics and polymer recyclers”, he said.

BSEF and its member companies fully support the European Commission efforts to improve product design for material and energy efficiency that can help meet the challenges of climate change and the circular economy. However, BSEF believes this ban has no benefit whatsoever with respect to either objective.

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