AMSTERDAM – The Eco Passport standard of Oeko-Tex has achieved the highest level of certification in the ZDHC Conformance programme. ZDHC MRSL Conformance Level 3 indicates that Eco Passport certified chemical substances meet the ZDHC’s guidelines for safer textile chemistries that are also verified as being responsibly manufactured.
The ZDHC’s MRSL covers chemical substances that are limited or banned from intentional use in the production of apparel and footwear materials and trim in order to protect workers, consumers, and the environment.
“Since Eco Passport was announced as an indicator of ZDHC MRSL conformance in September 2017, several formulators added their Eco Passport certified chemical products to the ZDHC Gateway – Chemical Module. We are delighted to also recognise them as an indicator of ZDHC MRSL Level 3 conformance,” said Scott Echols, ZDHC programme director.
“Oeko-Tex has worked with the apparel and footwear industry for the past twenty-five years to eliminate harmful substances from the global supply chain. Eco Passport is an important part of that work and proactively targets undesirable chemicals before they enter the supply chain,” says John Frazier, senior technical director for Oeko-Tex in North America.
“Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex designed to address the specific challenges chemical manufacturers face in their efforts to comply with sustainability initiatives while still protecting the confidentiality of their formulations. Recognition as a Level 3 indicator permits Eco Passport certified suppliers to adhere to the strictest ZDHC requirements while safeguarding their intellectual property.”
Eco Passport analyses a broad set of chemicals including colorants, scouring agents, adhesives, inks, pigments, and auxiliaries in a confidential, three-step process that confirms that the formulations and individual ingredients (CAS level chemicals) meet specific criteria for sustainability, safety, and regulatory compliance. Chemical formulations are checked against the comprehensive Oeko-Tex list of substances of concern and then verified by laboratory evaluation to ensure that they do not contain unsafe contaminants.”
Sustainable production is verified with on-site visits of the manufacturer’s occupational safety methods, water and air protection mechanisms, and quality control practices in line with STeP by OEKO-TEX® guidelines for sustainable production facilities.