The Challenge

The ZDHC MRSL is a list of chemical substances banned from intentional use in facilities that process textile materials and trim parts in the apparel and footwear industry. The intent of the MRSL is to manage input chemicals and remove hazardous substances from the manufacturing process before they get into supply chains.

The Greenpeace MRSL is a broad list of chemicals that Greenpeace has classified as hazardous.

Cattermole Consulting Inc. was hired by ZDHC to identify the differences between the Greenpeace and ZDHC manufacturing restricted substance lists (MRSL’s).

The Approach

Cattermole Consulting Inc. developed and used the following methodology to produce the gap analysis.

• Compared both MRSL documents to determine overall differences such as the presence of limit values, functional use and chemical classification.

• Created a list that contained chemicals on the Greenpeace MRSL but not the ZDHC MRSL.

• Conducted a search of each chemical to determine functional use, chemical classification and relevance to the textile industry.

Results

The results of the gap analysis are being used in different ways.

• By ZDHC to guide the MRSL implementation, conformance, maintenance and update strategies.

• By individual members of ZDHC as they engage with Greenpeace and build their own chemical management program.

About ZDHC

ZDHC represents 21 leading brands committed to working together to drive industry-wide change in the apparel and footwear supply chains.

The vision of ZDHC is the widespread implementation of sustainable chemistry and best practices in the textile and footwear industries to protect consumers, workers and the environment.

A common audit protocol, a research list of hazardous chemicals, a framework to assess and prioritize hazardous chemicals and a common ZDHC MRSL are tools and processes currently developed by ZDHC members.

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