Statement by The Personal Care Products Council On The Council of State Governments’ Acceptance of the Illinois Microbeads Law


“The Personal Care Products Council (the Council) applauds the Council of State Governments (CSG) Committee on Suggested State Legislation (SSL) for accepting Illinois Senate Bill 2727into their annual Suggested State Legislation volume.  Senate Bill 2727 requires a phase out, and ultimately, a ban on the manufacture and sale of plastic microbeads used in personal care products by December 2017.

“Suggested State Legislation is a compilation of state statutes on topics of current interest and importance.  SSL Committee members represent all regions of the country and follow structured criteria in evaluating proposals; generally only 20 to 30 percent of proposals receive approval.  CSG is the only organization serving all three branches of state government offering regional, national and international opportunities to collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.

“The Illinois legislation, sponsored by Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Representative Jaime Andrade, Jr. (D- Chicago), passed the legislature on a bi-partisan basis with unanimous votes in both the House and Senate and was signed into law earlier this year by Governor Pat Quinn.  Various stakeholders, including state and local government officials, the Illinois Environmental Council, the Alliance for The Great Lakes and the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois, worked together to find a meaningful and appropriate solution to the issue of plastic microbeads in the aquatic environment.

“Plastic microbeads are used in cosmetic and personal care products because of their safe and effective exfoliating properties.  However, many personal care products companies have voluntarily committed to discontinue formulating with plastic microbeads in cleansing products in favor of other viable alternatives despite the uncertainty associated with the science.  

“The nation’s personal care products companies are pleased to support efforts that demonstrate their longstanding commitment to the global stewardship of their products.  We urge policy makers to work with all sectors of the business community as they seek to eliminate plastic waste in our waterways and to identify effective and realistic solutions that consider the existing and emerging science as it becomes available.  

“Our industry remains firmly committed to producing products that are safe for consumers, their families, and the environment.”