Mansveld tackles microplastics in cosmetics and care products

There should be a European ban on microplastics in cosmetics products  and products such as bubble bath or toothpaste. State Secretary Mansveld (Infrastructure and the Environment) announced this in a letter on waste management to the House of Representatives. Mansveld also wants consumers to be informed about these small, poorly biodegradable pieces of plastic in cosmetics and care products. Furthermore, the State Secretary wants the cosmetics industry to continue looking for alternatives to the use of microplastics. With these measures, Mansveld wants to tackle this source of environmental pollution.

To ensure that microplastics no longer end up in surface water via waste water, State Secretary Mansveld, together with Minister Schippers (Health, Welfare and Sport), wants to advocate for a European ban on microplastics in care products. Mansveld: “A large proportion of these types of products on the Dutch market come from foreign producers. In that case, a European ban is also the most effective measure. However, I do not want to wait for that. In the meantime, I want to do something for the Dutch consumer. They need to know whether that tube of toothpaste or that bottle of bubble bath contains microplastics.” In consultation with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and social partners, Mansveld wants to look at how consumers can be informed about microplastics in cosmetics and care products.

Mansveld: “I also want to give consumers a sustainable option by asking the cosmetics industry to use alternatives to microplastics. The industry is already on the right track.” A large proportion of Dutch cosmetics companies are currently re-evaluating the use of microplastics in their products and investigating whether they can be replaced by other materials. The industry expects that in one and a half years, 80% of its members will use materials other than microplastics.

Microplastics are very small pieces of plastic that can be found in, among other things, scrubs, toothpaste and shower products. Through waste water, these pieces end up in surface water and the sea, where they absorb toxins. Because microplastics are poorly biodegradable, they are a source of pollution. Fish or other sea creatures can eat the pieces. Microplastics are one of the sources of plastic soup. The approach to microplastics is therefore a spearhead within the cabinet's maritime strategy for the North Sea to tackle the plastic soup.

Source: Government Press Release