The government have recently announced plans to ban microbeads found in cosmetics and personal care products. These tiny pieces of plastic, commonly referred to as microbeads, once washed down the drain often make it into the marine environment which build up and are swallowed by marine life. The government is starting to collect evidence on other products containing microbeads such as household and industrial cleaning products. The legislation on microbeads in cosmetic and personal care products is proposed to be changed in 2017. Environmental groups, industry and other relevant parties are soon to be consulted by government to establish how and when the UK ban could be introduced.
More details about the microbeads ban can be found here.
