UK Govt microbeads stance positive but still not a ban

As environmental groups campaigning against plastic pollution in our oceans, we’re very encouraged by the recent Government acknowledgment that banning microbeads is the correct approach, rather than relying on voluntary phase-outs by industry.

However, while it’s welcome news that our Government will be lobbying the EU for a Europewide ban, it still has not committed to a UK ban nor has it outlined exactly what a ban would cover.

In order for a ban to be meaningful, it needs to cover all solid microplastics in consumer products that may end up being washed down our drains and into the oceans.

Nevertheless, this latest announcement by the Government is a great step forward and, with over 300,000 people already backing our campaign to #BanTheBead, we’re getting closer week by week.