SAN FRANCISCO – [15.07.08] Levi Strauss has put five new
chemicals on its phase-out list as part of a continued effort to improve its
commitment to environmental sustainability through its manufacturing supply
chain.
The five substances which have been
put on the list as part of Levi’s two yearly Restricted Substances List (RSL)
update include PVC – often found in screen printing systems. The giant
jeanswear company is now encouraging suppliers to use water-based (PVC-free)
printing systems instead and also intends to phase out the use of phthalate
plasticisers. Phthalates give flexibility to PVC prints on t-shirts and other
garments. Phthalate use is already prohibited for children products, but Levi’s
is now also encouraging its suppliers to use phthalate-free chemicals for adult
products.
Other chemicals on the new phase-out
list include alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs), which are often found in
detergent, soap or chemical mixtures as surfactant and in wetting agents for
scouring (see Ecotextile News, April 2008, p. 35). The company will in future
prohibit the use of D4 siloxane which may be found in residual traces in
certain silicone softeners along with a chemical called Bisphenol-A which is
not likely to be used in the production of textiles but may be found in resins.
“Levi Strauss &Co seeks to reduce the impact of our and
our suppliers’ business processes on the environment, and the phase-out list is
an important step in realizing this commitment,” said Sean Cady, LS&CO.
Director of Environment, Health and Safety. “The RSL is a critical element of
LS&CO.’s responsible sourcing program,” Cady continued. “It helps us ensure
product quality, protect the health and safety of our consumers and further our
environmental objectives.”
Levi Strauss updates its RSL every two years to reflect
developments in production methods, legal requirements, scientific
understanding and the company’s sustainability priorities.
This chemical phase-out list applies
to chemicals used in the manufacture of Levi Strauss products and raw
materials. While it says suppliers are encouraged to find alternatives to these
five substances it acknowledges “certain challenges may prevent an immediate
cessation of use,” adding that it will, “continue to support efforts to
identify alternatives to these phase-out chemicals with the goal of prohibiting
their use at a future time.” Copyright © 2008 Mowbray Communications Ltd
Comments