New study finds toxic phthalates in many vinyl floors.

A study released  by the NGO Healthy Stuff finds toxic phthalates present in many vinyl floors. These floor materials are sold by major retailers including Lumbar Liquidators, Lowels and Home Depot. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that may cause low testosterone, birth defects and cancer. They are used to soften vinyl plastic and can be found in many consumer products.

NGO “Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families” recently launched a campaign called Mind the Store. They are asking retailers to phase out of 100 toxic chemicals found in many consumer products. Through tireless, behind the scenes negotiations, some retailers are beginning to implement chemicals management strategies that address toxic chemicals in consumer products.

The Home Depot

The world’s largest home improvement retailer with revenue of $79 billion in 2014, has committed to phase out of ortho-phthalates in all virgin vinyl flooring by the end of 2015. This commitment has placed them far ahead of their competitors.

Ashley Furniture

The world’s largest furniture retailer and manufacturer with over 500 retail stores, has committed to ban Brominated Flame Retardants from the foam and fabric in its furniture. These chemicals have been linked to cancer and learning disabilities in children. Unfortunately, Ashley Furniture has not provided a timeline to meet the commitment yet. Other furniture retailers addressing the use of these chemicals include Crate and Barrel, William Sonoma and Scandinavian Designs.

WalMart

WalMart, with 2012 annual sales of $444 billion, has prioritized 10 chemicals of concern, but has not disclosed what they are. It published a Sustainable Chemistry Policy that took effect in January 2015, which requires suppliers to fully disclose to WalMart the chemicals found in certain consumer product sectors including: Health and Beauty Aids, Household Chemicals and Cosmetics and Skincare. The policy requires that by 2018, priority chemicals will be disclosed on product packaging.

What does this mean?

The sheer magnitude of these retailers, and their direct marketing to consumers, should and can drive the much-needed supply and demand for safer alternatives to chemicals of concern. We still have a long way to go, but the fact that many are introducing chemical management policies above and beyond regulatory compliance requirements is moving the needle in the right direction.

Impact to your business

Questions to Consider:

• Does your company sell products to these major retailers?
• Do you know what chemicals are in the products your company makes and sells?

For help with any issue associated with chemicals, contact Amanda Cattermole at (415) 412 8406 or Amanda@cattermoleconsulting.com. We can help you develop powerful solutions to protect your company and brand reputation that result in safer products manufactured in cleaner supply chains.

Tips and Insights contains information to help you make informed chemicals management decisions. Each post highlights a particular topic and includes questions for you to consider .