Mikroperlen

Mikroperlen, also known as microbeads, are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size. They are manufactured from various polymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Historically, they have been widely used in personal care products such as facial cleansers, body washes, and toothpaste, primarily as exfoliating agents. Their smooth, uniform shape was intended to provide a gentle scrubbing action on the skin.

However, concerns regarding their environmental impact have led to significant attention and regulatory action. Due to their small size, microbeads are not effectively filtered by wastewater treatment plants and can therefore enter rivers, lakes, and oceans. Once in aquatic environments, they can be ingested by marine life, potentially causing physical harm and accumulating in the food chain. Their persistence in the environment means they can contribute to plastic pollution for extended periods.

In response to these environmental concerns, many countries and regions have implemented bans or restrictions on the manufacture and sale of products containing microbeads. This has prompted manufacturers to reformulate their products, replacing microbeads with natural exfoliating alternatives like sugar, salt, ground fruit pits, or other biodegradable materials. The phase-out of microbeads represents a significant step towards reducing microplastic pollution from consumer goods.