9-Jan-2018: UK bans plastic microbead

A UK-wide prohibition on the use of plastic microbeads in the manufacture of some cosmetic and personal care products has come into effect. These tiny pieces of plastic are added to rinse-off products such as face scrubs, toothpastes and shower gels.

Growing concern over the impact of these tiny plastic beads on marine life has convinced the government to act. A full ban on the sale of products containing microbeads will come into force in July.

The small spherical beads, designed to help with exfoliation and then be washed down the drain, often slip through waste-water treatment plants and end up in the seas. They do not degrade over time and can transport toxic chemicals into marine organisms.

Between 0.01% and 4.1% of marine microplastic pollution comes from cosmetic product sources. In the UK it's estimated that some 680 tonnes of microbeads are used in cosmetic products every year.

UK cosmetic manufacturers have been working since 2015 on a voluntary plan to remove the beads. Boots phased out microbeads in their products in 2015, as did Unilever, while Colgate-Palmolive removed them in 2014.

A range of natural alternatives are already being used in cosmetics particularly for exfoliation. Beads made from the oil that comes from the jojoba plant are fully biodegradable. Other natural products such as salt, coffee and whole oats, and more exotic ones such as rosehip seeds are all suitable and don't damage the marine environment in the same way as plastic. Last year, researchers have developed biodegradable beads made from cellulose.

12-Jan-2017: NGT orders test of cosmetics containing microbeads

The National Green Tribunal has directed the Centre to test cosmetic products containing microbeads after a plea sought a ban on their use on the ground they are extremely dangerous for aquatic life and environment.

Microbeads are tiny plastic substances measuring less than five millimetres that act as exfoliators (agents which remove dead cells) on skin and teeth when used in soap, toothpaste and other products. Many brands manufacturing beauty products use microbeads.

A Bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim said it is the duty of the government to ensure that no “dangerous” product is allowed to be manufactured or sold to public and directed the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to analyse the products in laboratory and submit a report in four weeks.

The unregulated production and usage of plastic in microbeads in various cosmetic products and their excessive usage by the end user is leading to water pollution across the globe.