Wales to ban plastic microbeads in personal care products

The Welsh Government is set to impose a ban on the supply and manufacture of personal care products that contain plastic microbeads.

The government will make the final decision in a vote at the Senedd National Assembly.

Products to be affected by the ban in the rinse-off personal care products category will include hand cleansers, face scrubs, toothpastes, shower gels and cosmetics.

According to the government, plastic microbeads cannot be filtered in sewage treatment systems as they are too small and will cause harm to marine life after entering the marine environment.

Wales Environment Minister Hannah Blythyn said: “Microbeads in rinse-off products are unnecessary and harmful to sea life. A ban will reduce pollutants from entering our seas and is an important step to safeguard our marine environment.

“This ban is part of a range of measures here in Wales to reduce waste, tackle plastic pollution and increase recycling.

“2018 is Wales’ Year Of The Sea and we’re taking action to tackle plastic pollution, including signing up to the UN Clean Seas pledge earlier this month.”

The government is also developing water refill points at key communities along the Wales Coast Path, which will help further reduce the amount of plastic entering the seas.

The government submitted the Environmental Protection Microbeads Wales Regulations 2018 to the Senedd last month.

If agreed, the ban will come into effect starting 30 June this year.