Cadmium is a substance that is commonly used in pigment / paints and as a stabiliser in products.  The European Commission has recently issued guidance document No'3 on the application of Directive 91/338/EEC.

Directive 91/338/EEC is Environmental legislation and applies to all finished products manufactured from plastic materials for example, PVC, polystyrene, paints etc...coloured using cadmium.

These products may not be placed into the market place if their cadmium content (expressed as Cd metal) exceeds 0.01% by mass of the plastic material.

Other examples of products that this directive applies to include:

- Packaging materials (bags, bottles, lids and containers)

- Toys, office and school supplies

- Furniture and fittings

- Articles of apparel and clothing accessories

- Impregnated, coated, covered or laminated textile fabrics, including plasticized prints and faux leather.

However please be aware that the directive does not apply to products coloured for safety reasons.

For further information - contact us