Mikroplastikbeads

Mikroplastikbeads, also known as microbeads, are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size. They are primarily used as exfoliants in personal care products such as facial scrubs, body washes, and toothpaste. These beads are manufactured from various types of plastic, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Their small size makes them effective at scrubbing away dead skin cells and other impurities.

The widespread use of microbeads in consumer products has led to significant environmental concerns. Due to their small size, microbeads are not effectively filtered by wastewater treatment plants and are consequently released into rivers, lakes, and oceans. Once in aquatic environments, they can be ingested by marine organisms, potentially causing harm to their digestive systems and introducing toxins into the food chain. The persistence of plastic means these beads do not biodegrade and can accumulate in the environment over long 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. These legislative actions aim to reduce the amount of plastic pollution entering waterways. As a result, many manufacturers have reformulated their products to use alternative exfoliating agents, such as natural materials like sugar, salt, or ground seeds, or biodegradable synthetic alternatives. The shift away from microbeads reflects a growing awareness of microplastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems.