Amazon announces new policy to restrict toxic chemicals

On October 5, Amazon issued its first-ever public safer chemicals policy. The policy includes restrictions on dozens of toxic phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde releasers, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), triclosan, and toluene in its private brand baby, household cleaning, personal care, and beauty products in the United States. Consumers are increasingly clamoring for products free of these chemicals of concern. The company states that “Amazon encourages manufacturers to phase out potentially hazardous chemistries and adopt green chemistry alternatives.”