Microbeads ban comes into force to protect seas

Au k-wide ban on the manufacture of cosmetics and care products containing tiny pieces of plastic known as “microbeads” has come into force.

The move is aimed at protecting the marine environment from one source of plastic pollution, as microbeads are washed down the drain and can then 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 face scrubs, toothpastes and shower gels.

It will be followed by a ban on the sale of products containing microbeads later in the year, the government said.

Environment minister Therese Coffey said: “The world’s seas and oceans are some of our most valuable natural assets and I am determined we act now to tackle the plastic that devastates our precious marine life.

“Microbeads are entirely unnecessary when there are so many natural alternatives available, and I am delighted that from today cosmetics manufacturers will no longer be able to add this harmful plastic to their rinse-off products.

“Now we have reached this important milestone, we will explore how we can build on our world-leading ban and tackle other forms of plastic waste.”