In a statement released after the Senate bill last month, the Council states that while micro beads in cosmetics has a good safety profile and is not a significant contributor, it has a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and the safety of the industry’s products.
Use
Plastic micro beads are used in personal care cleansing products because of their exfoliating properties and have been considered safe in the past; however, the PCPC says industry shares a common interest with other stakeholders in protecting the environment, and it takes questions regarding the presence of plastic micro beads in waterways very seriously.
It believes the industry can demonstrate leadership on this issue by publicly announcing plans to phase out the use of these ingredients.
“Our industry remains firmly committed to producing products that are safe for consumers, their families, and the environment,” continues the statement.
“The groups look forward to continuing this important dialogue with policy makers and other groups that share in our commitment to establish a plastic micro beads phase-out plan that is acceptable to the Illinois legislature while minimizing marketplace disruptions for consumers.”
Support
The Illinois Environmental Council, the Alliance for the Great Lakes, the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois and the PCPC, along with a large group of environmental, business and public interest groups announced an agreement to support Illinois Senate Bill 2727.
This bill is sponsored by Senators Heather Steans and Linda Holmes and will require a phase out, and ultimately, a ban in Illinois on the manufacture and sale of plastic micro beads used in personal care products.
The legislation being supported will ultimately phase out personal care cleansing products containing plastic micro beads by December 31, 2017.
The Council urges policy makers who are considering similar legislation in other states to review the work accomplished in Illinois with all sectors of the business community, including personal care product manufacturers, as it has sought to identify effective and realistic solutions.