New Zealand / Politics

Govt moves towards banning microbeads

22:47 pm on 4 December 2017

The new government is following through on its predecessor's plan to ban microbeads in cleaning and personal care products.

An extreme closeup of microbeads. Photo: MPCA Photos

Cabinet approved the regulations today and acknowledged the work of the National-led government, which initiated the plan.

Environment Minister David Parker said it got wide support during public consultation earlier this year.

The changes align with similar moves in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Australia.

The small plastic beads are washed into the sea, where they do not biodegrade and marine species mistake them for food.