ZDHC Launches New List Of Production Restricted Substances (MRSL)

The ZDHC zero emission roadmap Initiative (ZDHC Roadmap to Zero initiative) released the second edition of the list of production restricted substances (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List, MRSL), which includes other chemicals, previously listed substances, and a list of potential candidates for future potential substances, which is called "the key step in the reduction of toxic chemicals in the industry".

ZDHC MRSL is a list of substances restricted to textiles, garments and footwear factories. It is applicable to the processing of textile materials, leather, rubber, sponges, adhesives and accessories.

The second edition of the list was released in November 27th (2019), but the brand can get a 12 month transitional period.

Scott Echols, head of ZDHC program, said: "the vision of ZDHC MRSL V1.1 is that we will update it with the new available information of chemicals used in the industry. "Over the past few years, we have worked together with many contributors to create a proposed material list, which is reviewed by a group of independent experts. The release of the second edition of ZDHC MRSL is a milestone. This is the first update of the list of production restricted substances, and is decided by an independent MRSL MRSL Advisory Council expert to add it to the list.

"We believe that the updated version of ZDHC MRSL will greatly reduce the use of harmful chemicals in garment and footwear industries. Most importantly, the ZDHC MRSL process ensures on-site dispute over the management of chemicals, which is always open to all stakeholders and provides objective scientific evidence to support the addition of restricted chemicals to the list of ZDHC MRSL. "

The changes to the new version list include:

(1) other chemicals

Many problematic chemicals have been added to the list of restricted substances, including restrictions on new substrates: rubber, sponges and adhesives. Strive to be consistent with the industry and cover more "harmful" substances.

(two) new chapters

Add two new chapters in the 2 edition. This expands the scope of ZDHC MRSL and helps industry prepare for future restricted chemicals.

#1:ZDHC MRSL candidate list

It may be that chemicals meet the criteria set out by ZDHC MRSL, but there are no more safe alternatives available on a large scale. In this case, the ZDHC MRSL candidate list provides support for the industry by providing the visibility of future potential limits and providing important moments for innovation and early preparation.

#2: archived matter

The archived substance is used in previous industries and is no longer in use. These substances were also added to the 2 edition.

Phil Patterson, chairman of the MRSL Advisory Committee, said: "in addition to adding many problematic chemicals to the second edition of the ZDHC MRSL list, MRSL Advisory Committee (MRSL Advisory Council) has developed a clear and transparent process for the objective assessment of chemicals.

"The result is a clear set of standards. The main ZDHC MRSL is related to industry demand, but we have a warning mechanism for future restrictions on chemical substances and ensure that no longer harmful chemical substances are used to achieve a good feedback on human beings and the environment. "