News
Cosmetics Europe calls for much needed phase out of microplastics; NGOs see scope for further action
A number of conservation NGOs have cautiously welcomed a call by major industry association Cosmetics Europe to its 4,000 members to phase out the use of solid microplastic ingredients in wash-off cosmetic and personal care products.
Following the announcement, Fauna & Flora International, Marine Conservation Society, and Seas at Risk – three NGOs that are working to tackle the problem of microplastic pollution – shared their thoughts on Cosmetics Europe’s recommendations:
While acknowledging its shortcomings, Dan Steadman, Marine Plastics Project Manager at Fauna & Flora International (FFI), welcomed the statement, saying: “Despite limitations regarding the types of microplastics and products considered, we hope that this public recommendation will be an important first step towards the removal of all types of solid microplastic ingredients from all personal care and cosmetic products.”
Laura Foster, Head of Pollution at Marine Conservation Society (MCS), added: “Cosmetics Europe’s recommendation is not broad and ambitious enough but it demonstrates a clear willingness to work towards reducing the amount of plastic litter in the marine environment. It represents a logical step, emphasising the widely available alternatives first, towards an all-encompassing discontinuation of unsustainable solid microplastics in personal care and cosmetic products.”
All three organisations believe that the announcement indicates Cosmetics Europe’s willingness to collaborate with the European authorities and international association partners, helping to pave the way for further discussions and progress in tackling this avoidable source of microplastic pollution.
Emma Priestland, Marine Litter Policy Officer of Seas At Risk, explained that more remains to be done: “Plastic has no place in personal care products, and this is a great first step to tackling this source of pollution, but voluntary agreements with a limited scope are not enough. For the next step, it is vital that we secure European-wide legislation to ensure that all plastic is removed from products that go down the sink and into the ocean.”
A global movement
FFI and MCS have been working constructively and successfully with UK and overseas cosmetics manufacturers and retailers (many of which are members of Cosmetics Europe) for a number of years to encourage them to phase out microplastic ingredients. As such, both organisations say they are pleased to see more proactive involvement by Cosmetics Europe, and would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the association to strengthen and better implement its recommendation in order to level the playing field for all manufacturers of personal care and cosmetic products.
Among the companies that have already pledged to phase out microplastics, there are some that have gone one step further by using broader, more inclusive definitions of microplastic ingredients (without loopholes for unspecified marine biodegradability standards), a wider range of products, and more ambitious timelines within their commitments. These companies can act as industry leaders, demonstrating best practice that the whole industry can learn from.
As well as helping to develop best practice across its membership, Cosmetics Europe is also working to achieve global alignment on the issue. This is very encouraging, especially in light of other positive statements made by trade associations in the US and Canada, and by CIDESCO, the international standard setter for beauty and spa therapy, which has also issued an appeal asking its members to discontinue the use of products containing microplastics.
Poseidon Diving Systems, a global leader in innovative diving equipment, has announced a significant change in its distribution model for the recreational diving market in the United Kingdom. Effective March 3rd, 2025, distribution will be managed by Liquid Sports, headquartered in the UK.
This strategic shift underscores Poseidon’s commitment to strengthening its dealer network, improving service levels, and ensuring greater availability of Poseidon products across the UK. By working directly with Liquid Sports, Poseidon aims to enhance efficiency and provide better support for retailers and diving professionals.
Liquid Sports – A New Era of Distribution
Liquid Sports is now the sole authorized distributor of Poseidon™ brand sport and technical diving products in the United Kingdom. Led by Managing Director Alastair Ansell, the team at Liquid Sports brings extensive experience in dive industry sales, modern logistics, and superior B2B customer support. They are currently stocking up their warehouse which will ensure that most orders can be fulfilled immediately from inventory based in the UK. Streamlined logistics and operational efficiencies will also introduce attractive new pricing for retailers and consumers alike.
Key Information for Dealers:
- For all orders: For any questions regarding outstanding orders, please contact alastair@liquidsports.co.uk.
- Future Orders: From the 3rd of March, please contact alastair@liquidsports.co.uk.
Quotes from Leadership:
The CEO of Poseidon Diving Systems AB stated: “This new distribution model represents an exciting evolution for Poseidon. By partnering with Liquid Sports, we can ensure a stronger and more responsive presence in the UK market, ultimately benefiting both our dealers and customers. Liquid Sports have a wide range of products in the premium segment where we at Poseidon can fill a gap in their portfolio when it comes to our breathing technology.”
Alastair Ansell, Managing Director of Liquid Sports, added: “We are thrilled to take on the responsibility of representing the Poseidon brand in the United Kingdom. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional service, streamlined logistics, and a superior product experience to our retail partners and diving professionals.”
Poseidon Diving Systems remains in a strong financial position, and its leadership is confident in the success of this transition. The move marks a pivotal step toward expanding the long-term presence of the Poseidon brand in the UK market while delivering enhanced support to its dealer network.
About Poseidon Diving Systems
Founded in 1958, Poseidon Diving Systems has been at the forefront of innovation in the diving industry, pioneering groundbreaking technologies in open-circuit and closed-circuit rebreather systems. Headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, Poseidon continues to set industry standards in performance, safety, and reliability.
Liquid Sports
Alastair Ansel
Email: alastair@liquidsports.co.uk
Phone: +44(0) 7585935522
Website: www.liquidsports.co.uk
Multi-award-winning TV presenter Steve Backshall – headline speaker at the GO Diving Show in March – will be turning his attentions to two diver-favourites, whales and sharks.
An all-action hero, Steve has explored some of the most-remote places on the planet. This, coupled with his unparalleled knowledge of wildlife and the natural world, make him a fascinating guest speaker.
As one of the busiest presenters on television, perhaps best-known for his phenomenally successful Deadly series, Steve will be appearing on the Main Stage in Sydney alongside the likes of diving luminaries Dawn Kernagis, Monty Halls. Andy Torbet, Rannva Joermundsson and Maria Bollerup.
Steve recently travelled across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans filming Whale for Sky TV, a ground-breaking programme tracking our most-iconic, yet-threatened, species. He has also filmed Expedition and Shark for Sky TV and appeared in Our Changing Planet for the UK’s BBC One – an ambitious seven-year series documenting six of the planet’s most threatened ecosystems.
Prior to this, for Lost Land of the Jaguar, he made the first ascent of Mount Upuigma in Venezuela, slept on the vertical cliff face, and found unknown species of animals on the summit. He also abseiled to the bottom of the Kaiteur Falls in Guyana to the soaked wonderland below.
In Lost Land of the Volcano, Steve was the first outsider to enter the Volcano Mount Bosavi – where the team discovered as many as 40 new species, including the largest rat in the world! Steve also took part in a brutal caving expedition opening-up a new passage in Mageni Cave in New Britain.
Other series include Expedition Alaska, where he was almost swallowed by humpback whales and was swept into the guts of a glacier, and The Venom Hunter, where he endured the stings of hundreds of bullet ants (the world’s most-painful stinging invertebrate) in an initiation ceremony.
Other films he has made include Wilderness St Kilda, Extreme Britain – Caves, Springwatch Trackers, Alaska Live, Blue Planet Live and Undiscovered Worlds with Steve Backshall.
A prolific writer, Steve’s most-recent book, Deep Blue, is a blend of memoir, travel, and marine and environmental science that takes us on a tour of the many worlds of aquatic life: from underwater deserts and rainforests to the evolution of ocean heroes like the sea turtle and the great white shark, to the rapidly declining state of white polar seas and coral reefs. Steve will be signing copies of Deep Blue immediately after his talks both days.
As if that wasn’t enough, in 2023, Steve showed immense resilience, determination, drive, and ambition to break a new world record – for the fastest time to paddle the length of the Thames River in the UK.
Steve’s talks on the Main Stage will be:
Learning to speak ‘whale’
We’re entering a golden era of understanding the world of the whale, and a near future when we can not only understand whales, but even talk back…
Sharks – older than trees
Nose-to-nose encounters with everything from tiny tasselled wobbegongs to great whites, tigers, bulls and great hammerheads.
Go Diving Show 2025 takes place at the NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, on the 1st -2nd March.
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