S. Korea bans microbeads for toothpaste and detergents from 2021

By Lim Chang-won Posted : November 26, 2019, 18:05 Updated : November 26, 2019, 18:05

[Gettyimages Bank]

SEOUL -- Microbeads will not be available for toothpaste and detergents from 2021 in South Korea in line with a global trend to regulate plastic particles that can cause water pollution and pose an environmental hazard for aquatic animals.

Microbeads, which are manufactured solid plastic particles of less than one millimeter in their largest dimension, are added as an exfoliating agent to cosmetics and personal care products, such as soap, facial scrub and toothpaste. Many cosmetic companies are phasing out microbeads from their production lines.

The Ministry of Environment said on Tuesday that microbeads were designated as a banned substance in rinse-off products. Fabric softener scent capsules were excluded because they do not have a substitute. After a preparation period, the ministry will work out regulations on fabric softener.

The majority of cleaning products are detergents, which may be in many forms and come in a range of variants to meet consumers' needs on cleaning, skincare, fabric care and fragrances. Everyday detergent products are laundry and fabric softeners, all-purpose cleaners and mixtures.



 
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