Microbead manufacture ban comes into force

A Uk-wide ban on the manufacture of cosmetics and care products containing tiny pieces of plastic known as “microbeads” comes into force today.

The move is aimed at protecting the marine environment from one source of plastic pollution, as microbeads are washed down the drain and can enter the seas and be swallowed by fish and crustaceans with potentially harmful effects.

Manufacturers will no longer be able to add the tiny plastic pieces to rinse-off toiletries such as toothpastes and shower gels. The move will be followed by a ban on selling products containing microbeads later this year.