On December 28, 2015, President Barack Obama signed into law the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation bans the sale and manufacture of products containing plastic microbeads, which are commonly found in personal care products, soaps, scrubs and toothpaste. The scientific research led by 5 Gyres Institute highlighted the accumulation of millions of microbeads in waterways, endangering marine life which mistakenly feeds on the colorful plastic spheres.
Prior to the federal ban, a number of states had passed microbead bans including California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana and New Jersey. The Microbead-Free Waters Act bans manufacturing of products containing plastic microbeads effective July 1st, 2017, ahead of the state-level bans.
Cosmetic companies worldwide seeking microbead replacements have a number of good options. Composition Materials Co., Inc. has been a leading supplier of all-natural, biodegradable and sustainable cosmetic ingredients for over 30 years. These natural microbead alternatives include ground Walnut Shell, Apricot Shell, Almond and Tagua natural white exfoliant.
For more information about natural ingredients for soaps, scrubs and personal care formulations, contact us at 800-262-7763.