Unilever to phase out ‘microplastics,’ a common ingredient in cosmetic cleansers
AMSTERDAM – Unilever, the maker of Vaseline, Axe deodorants and Dove soaps, among other…
Here at Maclean's, we appreciate the written word. And we appreciate you, the reader. We are always looking for ways to create a better user experience for you and wanted to try out a new functionality that provides you with a reading experience in which the words and fonts take centre stage. We believe you'll appreciate the clean, white layout as you read our feature articles. But we don't want to force it on you and it's completely optional. Click "View in Clean Reading Mode" on any article if you want to try it out. Once there, you can click "Go back to regular view" at the top or bottom of the article to return to the regular layout.
AMSTERDAM – Unilever, the maker of Vaseline, Axe deodorants and Dove soaps, among other cosmetic and hygiene products, says it will phase out the use of microplastics by 2015.
Many soaps, skin scrubs and shower gels contain microplastics, which are tiny polyethelene beads. Scientists and environmental groups are concerned that they contribute to polluting oceans.
The company said Thursday that it has “decided to phase out the use of plastic micro beads as a ‘scrub’ material in all of our personal care products” by 2015.
Unilever is one of the world’s largest consumer product companies, competing with Nestle SA and Procter & Gamble Co.
