UK ban on microbeads takes effect to save oceans from plastics

London

THE United Kingdom's ban on making products with microbeads - tiny plastic particles in everything from cosmetics to shampoo and toothpaste - took effect on Tuesday in an effort to protect marine life.

"I am delighted that from today cosmetics manufacturers will no longer be able to add this harmful plastic to their rinse-off products," said Environment Minister Therese Coffey. "The world's seas and oceans are some of our most valuable natural assets. I am determined we act now to tackle the plastic that devastates our precious marine life."