Microbead ban should include all products washed down the drain, say campaigners

A proposed government ban on the tiny plastic beads that pollute the ocean should be extended to include items such as make-up, sunscreen and cleaning products

Plans to ban tiny pieces of plastic that pollute the ocean should be extended to more products that people commonly wash down the drain, campaigners have urged.

The government has proposed banning the sale and manufacture of products containing plastics known as microbeads that they classify as "rinse-off" items, such as shower gel, face scrubs and toothpaste.