Two notes:

Defra, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland have launched a consultation today. We are seeking views on the UK’s proposed ban on the manufacture and sale of cosmetics and personal care products containing microbeads which may harm the marine environment. The consultation also seeks to gather evidence on the extent of the environmental impacts of further sources of potential marine plastic pollution, to inform future UK actions to protect the marine environment. The consultation closes on 28^th February 2017. The consultation and details of how to respond can be found here:

https://consult.defra.gov.uk/marine/microbead-ban-proposals

Julia Hunt, Marine Litter Policy Team, Defra, marinelitter@defra.gsi.gov.uk 

Scottish Government renews its commitment to ban.

Holyrood’s environment minister said plastic microbeads – typically used in cosmetics and cleaning products – will be banned in Scotland.

Roseanna Cunningham confirmed that legislation would be brought in to end their use. Some cosmetic firms have already made promises to phase out the environmentally harmful microbeads. In September, the UK government announced that it would ban the tiny particles by 2017. They are most commonly found in toothpaste, exfoliating body scrubs and other household products. Environmentalists fear they are building up in oceans and potentially entering the food chain. Ms Cunningham, said: “Here in Scotland we have already been undertaking research on this issue, raising awareness amongst consumers, and encouraging the use of alternatives. That’s why I am pleased to confirm Scotland will introduce legislation regulating the use of microbeads.”

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