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Microplastics are everywhere: The tiny plastic particles pose a major problem for our environment and have now been detected even in the most remote places on Earth. Plastic is now also floating in our blood. As a rule, microplastics are mainly created from plastic waste that is becoming smaller and smaller. But microplastics are even deliberately added to some products – or the product is made from microplastics.

The EU wants to put an end to this. At the end of September, the European Commission announced that it would gradually ban the sale of microplastics. The ban will apply from October 15 – very soon – for certain products. This has consequences for glitter products, among other things.

Some on social media now fear that makeup will soon become boring – and there will be no more highlighters or glitter to buy. Some users even show how they empty entire shelves at the drugstore to quickly stock up on products. There is also concern in nail salons that glitter nails are becoming a thing of the past. But what is actually behind the glitter ban and what does that look like in Switzerland? Watson provides the overview.

What is affected by the ban?

All products that contain plastic particles or that are released during use should be banned, which are smaller than five millimeters, insoluble or difficult to break down. This also applies, for example, to peelings to which small plastic granules – so-called microbeads – are added. Microplastics can also be found in, for example, some toothpastes, shower gels or medicines.

In addition, detergents, toys, plant and fertilizers and the granules found on many sports fields are also subject to the ban.

Which glitters are prohibited?

Initially, only loose plastic glitter is affectedsuch as those popular at festivals or fairs or those used in nail salons. However, there are still other products available, such as pressed powders such as eye shadows or highlighters, as well as glitter glue. The German representation of the European Commission made this clear on X. All clear to anyone who likes to buy their cosmetics at cheaper prices in neighboring countries.

When will glitter be banned?

The new rule applies from October 15 to loose glitter in all EU countries, but also to cosmetics with microbeads. They can then no longer be sold – so the remaining stocks also disappear from the shelves.

A transition period applies to other products. For example, granules will not be banned at sports facilities until eight years from now, “to give the owners and operators of sports fields time to switch to alternatives.”

How are things in Switzerland?

Such a ban currently does not exist in Switzerland. Upon request, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) announced that it would examine the new EU regulations: “If the examination of the regulations shows that there is a need for adjustments to the Swiss chemicals law, the FOEN will propose appropriate adjustments. The deadlines set by the EU are taken into account.”

Is there eco-glitter as an alternative?

The past few years have been Cellulose based glitter are becoming increasingly popular. They are biodegradable – and therefore not covered by the ban.

Certified natural cosmetics are also free from microplastics and other petroleum-based plastics.

If you want to check whether a product contains microplastics, look for the following: Many plastics contain the ingredient ‘poly’ in the name. Examples are polyamides, polyacrylates, polyethylene or polypropylene. But be careful: the list of different names is long. And whether the plastic is in the form of microplastics or in another form, for example as silicone in shampoo, does not even need to be mentioned.

Why is glitter made from microplastics banned?

Microplastics are said to add color or scent to cosmetic products and serve as an abrasive or peeling agent. But it is so small that it can easily accumulate in the environment – because when glitters, peels or shower gels are washed off with water, the particles cannot be filtered out in sewage treatment plants.

Once in the environment, it can be eaten by animals such as fish and enter our food chain. That is why we humans also ingest small plastic particles with our food – about five grams per week, which is roughly equivalent to a credit card, as researchers commissioned by the WWF discovered in 2019.

In April, Austrian scientists discovered for the first time that microplastics can even reach the brain from the blood. However, the health consequences have not yet been sufficiently investigated. However, doctors assume that the small plastic particles increase the risk of inflammation or certain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. In addition, the plastics themselves may contain harmful substances, such as plasticizers or stabilizers.

With the new ban on microplastics, the EU wants to prevent approximately half a million tons of plastic from ending up in the environment. (anb)