Chemicals

The health of our clients, staff and the environment

The great majority of products we sell depend, to some degree, on the use of man-made chemicals in their manufacture. Some products, such as nail polishes, contain chemicals that are released into the environment when clients use them. There is increasing concern about some chemicals’ potential characteristics such as bioaccumulation, persistence and toxicity to people and the environment.

We have an obligation to our clients and staff to be aware of the main concerns associated with the use of chemicals in products and to take appropriate action to reduce exposure. Our aim is to understand and manage the chemical issues in our products by clearly labelling or eliminating chemicals of concern and by including alternative products in our range wherever we can.

It is our policy to:

· Establish an on-going programme to research the environmental and health and safety issues associated with the chemical ingredients used in products.

· Comprehensively identify products containing chemical ingredients which are recognised to be of concern and keep this information up-to-date.

· Work with suppliers to substitute chemical ingredients where there are recognised environmental or health and safety issues, with lower-risk alternatives.

· Offer clients alternative products where the issues surrounding a chemical ingredient are significant and controversial, but unresolved.

· Discontinue products, whether or not alternatives exist, in those circumstances where our research indicates that it is in the interests of clients and staff to take immediate action.

· Ensure that all product labels making claims about chemicals are verifiable.

· Only use materials in the construction, refurbishment and maintenance of our premises that are consistent with the chemical standards we have established for our product ranges.

· Establish with our suppliers what processes have been followed to support the registration of product ingredients where this is required by law, and whether or not these have involved animal testing.

· Not buy products where the finished article has been tested on animals,

· Have easily available COSHH sheets for employees, distribution staff and clients.