Loblaws to stop making products with microbeads by 2018 (Video)

Life Brand and President’s Choice household and beauty products will no longer be made using triclosan, phthalates, or microbeads.

Loblaw Companies Ltd. made the announcement on Thursday, saying they are working towards removing the ingredients from their products over the next three years.

From your bathroom, the beads are washed away down the drain, but they can slip through water treatment systems and make their way into lakes and oceans, and copy the look of fish eggs, which may be consumed by another fish in the food chain.

The company has also pledged to stop formulating products with triclosan, which is commonly found in antibacterial soaps, body washes toothpastes and some cosmetic products.

Phthalates, which are a group of chemicals used to scent soaps, shampoos, hair sprays and nail polishes, as well as make plastics more flexible, are also being phased out.

“Emerging science and public opinion suggest a measured move away from some specific ingredients is prudent. Working with our scientific advisors, we identified ingredients that may have a negative impact on the environment, or on our customers, and are working to remove them. Micro beads create a life cycle issue for our organization. We sell skin care with micro beads. We sell fish. And, in an odd twist, our beauty products may ultimately impact our commitment to sustainable seafood.” – Galen G. Weston, Executive Chairman and President, Loblaw.

In response to the announcement, Tim Gray, the Executive Director of Environmental Defence put out a statement, praising the move,while calling for changes to be made to labeling laws.

“In addition to companies taking action, we also need clear labeling laws. Canadians have the right to know what’s in the products they buy, so they can choose safer options for their families. It’s time for the Ontario government to act on its election commitment to consider adopting mandatory labeling on any consumer products containing carcinogens. We also need to ask why the federal government is not moving to ban toxic chemicals to protect all Canadians. Since it declared triclosan toxic in 2012, Canadians have been waiting for a final decision on whether the federal government will ban the chemical.”

“Both triclosan and phthalates are known for their harmful impacts to human health and the environment. Triclosan is an endocrine disruptor (hormone-disrupting chemical), harmful to wildlife, and has been linked to antibiotic resistant bacteria. Phthalates are also known endocrine disruptors, and have been linked to asthma, infertility, risk factors for diabetes, and one phthalate has been linked to cancer. Plastic microbeads, found in personal care products, are polluting waterways across the country. These tiny bits of plastic absorb toxic chemicals from the environment, and when eaten by fish, those chemicals can gain access to the food chain.”

Agencies/Canadajournal