Cosmetics companies urged to 'clean up act' on plastic pollution from microbeads

Between 16 to 86 tonnes of microbeads are estimated to be washed into the sea in the UK each year Credit: PA

As much as 86 tonnes of 'microbreads' - the tiny bits of plastic used in exfoliating scrubs - are washed into the environment in the UK each year, research has warned.

Microbeads are a form of microplastic, and a parliamentary research paper looking at the issue warns that microplastics have been found in more than a third, or 36.5%, of the fish in the English Channel.

They have also been found in mussels, tiny organisms known as zooplankton, oysters, seals and whales.

According to the research paper, between 16 and 86 tonnes of microbeads are estimated to be washed into the sea in the UK each year.

The main sources of microplastics are:

  • synthetic fibres from textiles

  • microbeads

  • pieces of plastic which become microplastics as they disintegrate

Microbreads are a form of microplastic and are often used in exfoliating scrubs Credit: PA

Mary Creagh, the chairwoman of the Environmental Audit Committee, said they would consider calling for a ban on microbeads if cosmetics companies did not take action to phase out the plastic pollution.