Action against microplastics in cosmetic products

Consumers unconsciously flush billions of tiny pieces of plastic down the shower drain. This is because many personal care products contain plastic, particularly in 'scrubs' and 'peelings'.

These particles end up in the (marine) environment, which is harmful to marine life.

The North Sea Foundation (Stichting De Noordzee) has carried out an inventory into the occurrence of plastic particles in personal care products, the so-called 'microplastics'. Various studies show that the small plastic particles flow through water treatment plants and end up in the sea. The small plastic particles that end up in the sea are mistaken for food by animals. For example, they resemble plankton, which is eaten by fish and shellfish, among others. Plastic has the property of binding to or even absorbing toxic substances. This has a negative effect on marine life.

"The use of tiny pieces of plastic in these products places an unnecessary burden on the environment. Moreover, plenty of alternatives are available," says Jeroen Dagevos, waste project manager at the North Sea Foundation.

"Alternatives to plastic particles in scrub products include coarsely ground oatmeal, coconut, aniseed or the ground shell of nuts and bamboo."