Statement by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO Personal Care Products Council In Response to Bipartisan Approval of the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015
“The unanimous approval today of the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee is a positive step forward that sets the stage for achieving a unified, national approach to the phase-out of solid plastic microbeads in personal care products.
“The bipartisan nature of the bill reflects the broad spectrum of stakeholders brought together by Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) to drive consensus on the best plan of action. The cosmetics and personal care industry is proud to be part of that process and we are prepared to fully phase out solid plastic microbeads in personal cleansing products by July 1, 2017.
“This important legislation would create a pragmatic phase-out process by establishing a national policy aimed at the proliferation of conflicting state and local restrictions that threaten to cause unnecessary disruption for businesses and consumers alike.
“Plastic microbeads are used in cosmetic and personal care cleansing products because of their safe and effective exfoliating properties. Research from around the world, including studies by independent scientists and NGOs, reveal that microbeads from all types of industrial uses are tiny contributors to marine plastic debris – and personal care products would at most contribute just a small fraction of that. At the same time, our member companies take very seriously their role as environmental stewards. As a result, companies voluntarily committed to replace solid plastic microbeads in favor of other viable alternatives. We look forward to further progress on this legislation.”