Industry body recommends European companies drop use of microplastics

We are pleased to report that a major industry association, “Cosmetics Europe” is now recommending that its 4,000 members phase out the use of microplastics in wash-off cosmetic and personal care products.

We are pleased to report that a major industry association, “Cosmetics Europe” is now recommending that its 4,000 members phase out the use of microplastics in wash-off cosmetic and personal care products. We’ve made great strides to reduce microplastics in products sold on UK shop shelves. Now, with partners at Fauna & Flora International and Seas at Risk, we’re getting the message out across Europe. The full advice can be viewed on the Cosmetics Europe website. Dr Laura Foster, Head of Pollution at MCS says: “Cosmetics Europe’s recommendation is not broad and ambitious enough, but it demonstrates a clear willingness to work towards reducing the amount of plastic litter in the marine environment. It represents a logical step, emphasising the widely available alternatives first, towards an all-encompassing discontinuation of unsustainable solid microplastics in personal care and cosmetic products. Ø MCS and Fauna and Flora International have been working constructively and successfully with UK and overseas cosmetics manufacturers and retailers (many of which are members of Cosmetics Europe) for a number of years to encourage them to phase out microplastic ingredients. We are pleased to see more proactive involvement by Cosmetics Europe, and would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the association to strengthen and better implement its recommendation to level the playing field for all manufacturers of personal care and cosmetic products. Read about our #Scrubitout campaign For more information about commitments made by cosmetics manufacturers and retailers to date, visit www.beatthemicrobead.org/en/industry

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