Mecca, Sephora and ASOS selling banned microbeads despite 2022 law
NSW EPA identified a dozen beauty products containing banned microbeads at major chains including Mecca, Sephora and ASOS.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has ordered Mecca, Sephora, ASOS and other retailers to remove skincare products with microbeads. The EPA found a dozen products including scrubs and exfoliators from eight companies.
Microbeads are tiny plastic balls smaller than grains of sand that slip through wastewater systems and end up in the food chain. Once in the environment, they don't break down and are almost impossible to remove.
The EPA banned microbeads from sale in 2022. Retailers face fines up to $550,000 if they don't comply, and $55,000 for every day they ignore the notices.
- 12 products from 8 companies
- Products identified
- 2022
- Ban introduced
- Up to $550,000
- Non-compliance fine
- $55,000 per day ignored
- Daily penalty
Why it mattersProducts you might buy for skincare are harming waterways and entering the food you eat, so checking labels matters.
AustraliaIf you buy beauty products from these stores, check if they contain microbeads and report them to the NSW EPA.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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