United Nations’ agency calls for ban on plastic microbeads use in personal care products

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is urging manufacturers to phase out microplastics from cosmetics and personal care products as these ingredients pose a threat to marine life and environment because of their inability to decompose in wastewater treatment systems.

Several manufacturers are using tiny plastic beads in deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lipstick, hair colouring, shaving cream, sunscreen, insect repellent, anti-wrinkle creams and moisturizers, by replacing natural alternatives.

According to UNEP report, microbeads and other plastic ingredients are present in different products at different percentages, ranging from less than 1% to more than 90%.

Figures released by Cosmetics Europe show that close to 4360t of microplastic beads were used in 2012 across all European Union countries, including Norway and Switzerland.

Countries including Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium and Sweden have called to ban microplastics use in personal care products.

The US state of Illinois is the first to make a law that will require ban on the manufacture and sale of products containing microbeads.

UNEP developed an app, Beat the Microbead, to help customers to check whether personal care products contain microbeads by scanning a product’s barcode.

---

Image: The plastic materials used in personal care and cosmetics product pose a threat to marine life and environment. Photo: courtesy of UN News Centre.