Europe’s parliament backs microplastics ban

The European Parliament has overwhelmingly backed calls to adopt a ban by 2020 on microplastics that are added to cosmetics, personal care products, detergents and cleaning products. MEPs voted in mid-September by 597 votes to 15 in favour of the Parliament's Environment Committee (Envi) recommendation that the European Commission adopt a ban. The Commission is also proposing a ban on certain single-use plastics, such as cutlery, plates and balloon sticks, and recommending that goods packaging companies contribute towards the cost of cleaning up discarded plastics.