To achieve the mission of sustainable living, reducing the impact of products on the environment is one of EVOLCARE’s important actions. EVOLCARE has participated in the “Bye Bye Microbeads” Charter organized by the Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong (EPD) to voluntarily eliminate microbeads in products and become a Platinum Class Partner, recognizing our efforts in environmental protection and sustainability.
What are microbeads?
Microbeads are solid plastic particles with a size of less than 5mm; they are often added in rinse-off personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) for providing functions such as scrubbing, exfoliating, or cleansing. As microbeads are regarded as the only source of ocean microplastics that are “intentionally added”, EPD launched the Voluntary Scheme for Phasing Out Microbeads in PCCPs in September 2021, including cooperation with the trade in implementing the “Bye Bye Microbeads” Charter to reduce microbeads emission and potential impact at source.
What is the impact of microbeads on the environment?
After use, microbeads in rinse-off PCCPs are drained into sewerage systems. Most of the microbeads will remain in the sludge during the sewage treatment processes and will be delivered to the waste-to-energy facility (T‧PARK) for incineration, whereas the rest will be discharged together with treated effluent into the marine environment. Similar in size to plankton, microbeads may enter the food chain if mistakenly consumed by marine organisms. Chemical substances may also adhere to and accumulate on the surface of microbeads, thereby posing potential risks to the marine ecosystem and even human health.
EVOLCARE promise
In addition to eliminating microbeads and working with the government to reduce environmental impact from the source, EVOLCARE has always adhered to the concept of environmental protection, and our products are also in line with the concept of “eco-friendly”. Free from oil and microbeads, Skin Revive Scrub contains natural enzymes, extracts and acids, to gently exfoliate, repair, and protect the skin at the same time. All EVOLCARE products contain no petrolatum/mineral oil/paraffin, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), phthalate, paraben, lanolin, methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), alcohol, chemical sunscreen, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents.
Our honest relationship with you and the ecosystem is our priority. Just like you, we believe in giving back. That is why we have established The EVOLCARE Foundation, which partners with established non-profit organizations that align with our values and cause. The EVOLCARE Foundation is funded by EVOLCARE itself through your purchases. We are partnering with the Marine Research Foundation of Malaysia, where HK$2 per product purchased will be donated directly to understand conservation of the marine ecosystems and functions.
EVOLCARE continues to join power with initiatives to help us along the way in making our products’ ingredients and packaging more sustainable, day by day.
Find out more here:
Marine Research Foundation: https://www.mrf-asia.org/
“Bye Bye Microbeads” charter: https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/clean_shorelines/byebyemicrobeads/en/
