Silicones industry remains committed to implementing necessary measures of restriction and demonstrating safety of D4 and D5

Brussels, 18 March 2016 – Following the United Kingdom’s proposal to restrict the use of cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and cyclopentasiloxane (D5) (or general cyclomethicone) in wash-off personal care products, the silicones industry reinforces its commitment to demonstrate their safety and to continue to collaborate with all its partners to ensure the successful implementation of the restriction proposal .

“ While it is well known that there are different interpretations of bioaccumulation science, we are committed to working with our value chain and regulatory authorities on the development of risk management measures that minimise relevant environmental releases and facilitate innovation , jobs creation and economic growth ”, commented Dr. Pierre Germain, Secretary General of CES – Silicones Europe.

“ According to the ECHA Committees, the proposed restriction on wash – off personal care products by the United Kingdom represent satargeted, efficient and EU – harmonised approach to reducing emissions in the aquatic environment ” said Dr. Germain. “ The restriction will have a significant impact on silicones and cosmetics producers alike however ; we remain committed t o implementing the necessary measures of the restriction decision and monitoring its success .”

Current REACH criteria for PBT1 and vPvB2 assessment were developed for carbon-based chemistry decades ago. As a result, they do not take into account the fact that D4 and D5 do not behave as conventional PBTs or vPvBs, as demonstrated by the latest scientific information of these substances and their behaviour in the environment. For the silicones industry to remain competitive globally, it is essential that regulatory authorities apply the EU principles of better regulation on proportionate, predictable and evidence-based legislation.

Additionally, environmental monitoring data collected by the global silicones industry and governmental regulatory agencies continue to demonstrate that D4 and D5 are not found at levels that pose a risk to health or the environment. Over four decades of scientific research have been dedicated to assess the safety of these materials relative to workers, consumers, the environment and manufacturing processes. The results of this continuous research and testing demonstrate that D4 and D5 are safe in their intended uses.

Environment Canada, having reviewed the environmental data available for D4, has not imposed any product concentration restrictions on the use of D4 in any application. In addition, a comprehensive, risk-based assessment of the data conducted by an independent, group of leading scientific experts selected by the Canadian Government concluded that D5 does not pose a risk to the environment. The safety of D4 and D5 in personal care products has also been established by independent expert panels, including the European Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety in 2010, the United States Cosmetics Review Panel, and Health Canada.

D4 and D5 are the building blocks of innovative silicone products that are vital in a wealth of sectors and applications. Without silicone materials, critical environmental technologies such as energy-efficient lighting and solar panels could not be developed.

About cyclosiloxanes D4 and D5: D4 and D5 are cyclosiloxanes, basic members of the broad family of silicone materials. D4 and D5 are two cyclosiloxanes in commercial production and their use has been proven safe for human health and the environment.

About CES – Silicones Europe: We are a non-profit trade organisation representing all major producers of silicones, silanes and siloxanes in Europe. CES is a sector group of the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), which is both the forum and voice of the European chemicals industry. We provide health, safety and environmental information on silicones and are dedicated to the principles of Responsible Care. For more information, visit www.silicones.eu and follow us on Twitter @siliconesEU

Contact: CES Manager, Evelyne Frauman // Email: efr@cefic.be // www.silicones.eu // @SiliconesEU

1 Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxic
2 very Persistent, very Bioaccumulative

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Silicones industry remains committed to implementing necessary measures of restriction and demonstrating safety of D4 and D5
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