3.2.3 Banned azo dyes

The EU 2002/61/EC "Azo Dyes Prohibition Directive in Factory" and 2003/3/EC "On the Prohibition of the Use and Sale of Blue Pigment Directive" were implemented in EU member states on September 11, 2003. Member states such as Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy and other countries have also formulated relevant regulations to prohibit the sale of many types of products and packaging containing harmful azo dyes on the market. At the same time, customers in some countries, organizations and regions such as Switzerland export textiles, clothing, and shoes to China. Product packaging (mainly corrugated boxes, shoe boxes, cloth bags) requires that azo dyes be banned and tested (referred to as AZO testing).

According to the directive, azo dyes that can release banned aromatic amines in concentrations exceeding 30 parts per million shall not be used in textiles or leather products and packaging that are in direct contact with the human body for a long time. The directive lists items and packaging that can be in direct contact with the human body for a long time, including a variety of products, such as: clothing, shoes and hats, bedding, towels, watch straps, luggage, wallets, cloth or leather toys, and for consumption The yarn or fabric used by the user. From June 30, 2003, EU member states will ban the sale of leather products, textiles and packaging containing blue pigment on the market.

In addition, before January 1, 2005, textiles made with recycled fibers are not subject to the directive if the aromatic amines released are residual dyes from recycled fibers and the concentration is below 70%. Although the list of prohibited products currently does not include carpets, the European Union is studying whether to include carpets and other products and other amines under human supervision.

3.3 Basic requirements based on environmental protection-restrictions on the use of packaging materials

Taking into account the requirements of environmental protection and sustainable development, the European Union has put forward a series of basic requirements on packaging and packaging waste based on the theory of circular economy. When it comes to the packaging of each product, it should be analyzed against the specific clauses of the directive, and on the basis of full understanding, necessary technical measures should be taken.

3.3.1 Prohibition or restriction of the use of certain original packaging materials

The EU mainly prohibits or restricts the use of certain original packaging materials, such as wood, straw, bamboo chips, wicker, hemp and packaging products based on this, such as: wooden boxes, straw bags, bamboo baskets, wicker baskets, Sacks and cloth bags, etc. In terms of packaging accessories, the main materials that are prohibited or restricted are paper scraps and wood wool used as fillers, and pads and supports for fixing. The above-mentioned packaging materials and auxiliary materials are generally required to be disinfected, dewormed, or other necessary sanitary treatments.

3.3.2 Restrict the use of thermosetting plastic packaging materials and foamed plastic cushions

The EU restricts the use of thermoset plastic packaging materials that are not easily recycled.

Foamed plastic cushions are regarded as products that cannot be recycled commercially because their collection, classification, and transportation costs are higher than the value of recycling (resources or energy). According to Article 15 of Directive 94/62/EC, such products are subject to tax (mandatory recycling) and therefore become "unpopular with consumers" products and gradually withdraw from the market. Cushioning pads made of plant fibers; cushioning packaging made of honeycomb cardboard or corrugated cardboard (after folding); cushioning packaging in which the product is directly fixed on a paper pallet with plastic shrink film or strapping materials are currently commonly used technologies.

Note 1: Commercial recycling means that in the field of circulation, since the wastes themselves all meet the following conditions, recycling can be achieved without any mandatory intervention:

① There are reliable, continuous and stable recycling channels;

② Have feasible reprocessing technologies, processes and methods;

③ There are practical uses and markets;

④ There are clear economic benefits.

The above four are indispensable and necessary conditions, and the foamed plastic cushion obviously cannot meet the condition ④.