This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament
Petition Extend the ban on plastic microbeads and other microplastics
To reduce plastic pollution and encourage businesses to produce greener products I would like the Government to extend the ban on the use of plastic microbeads to include leave-on cosmetic products, and also ban the use of microplastic emulsifiers.
More details
Extending the current ban on the amount of microplastics used in our products should have many benefits: It should reduce the amount of virgin plastic being produced, reduce plastic pollution in our oceans and other ecosystems, reduce the adverse health effects microplastics can have on humans and animals, and incentivise research into plastic free/ bioplastic alternatives. Reducing dependence on plastics and protecting marine ecosystems could also help the UK reach its net zero carbon targets.
This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months
Related activity
MPs call for ban on all plastic waste exports
MPs on the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee have called for a ban on the export of all plastic waste from the UK by 2027 to reduce the country's contribution to global plastic waste pollution.
Read a summary of the Committee's report on plastic waste
Report on ending the impact of plastic waste
Earlier this month, the Committee published a report on the impact of plastic waste and ways of reducing it. In their report, MPs called on the Government to restrict the amount of plastic that can be exported from the UK. They also called on the Government to step up the enforcement of existing rules to prevent criminal gangs illegally exporting and dumping UK-produced waste.
The report follows a series of evidence sessions earlier this year, where the Committee questions representatives from charities, environmental campaigners and commercial trade experts. At these sessions the Committee explored:
- whether the Government’s current ambitions to reduce plastic waste were enough
- how alternatives to plastic consumption can be identified and supported
- how England's current plastic exports impact other countries.
Find out more about the Committee's inquiry into plastic waste and read oral evidence from the Committee's inquiry.
What is the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee?
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is a cross-party group of backbench MPs that scrutinises the administration, spending and policy of the Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
- Find out more about the Committee
- Follow the Committee on Twitter for updates on its work. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is a select committee. Find out how select committees work.
Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament
Sign up to the Your UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference.