THE WHAT? The European Union has drafted a regulation that, if formally adopted, will require cosmetics manufacturers to cover some 80 percent of the cost required to tackle the pollution caused by microplastics.

THE DETAILS According to a report published by The Guardian, the rules will require governments to monitor sewage for microplastics, PFAS and other micropollutants. The remaining 20 percent would be paid for by each country’s government so that the affordability of products will not be overly affected.

THE WHY? The EU’s ‘polluter pays’ principle, as the new law has been dubbed is aimed at protecting public health by ensuring a clean water supply.