ZDHC Unveils Updated Restricted Substances List

AMSTERDAM-The ZDHC Foundation unveils its newest Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC MRSL). Since the release of the first list, the organization has grown its contributor ranks.

Dubbed ZDHC MRSL V2.0, the list features chemical substances banned from intentional use in facilities processing textile materials, leather, rubber, foam, adhesives, and trim parts in textiles, apparel, and footwear. 

“The ZDHC MRSL V1.1 was released with the vision that it would be updated as new information becomes available on chemical substances used in this industry,” says Scott Echols, program director at ZDHC. “Together with our contributors, a list of proposed substances was created over the past few years. This list was reviewed by a group of independent experts via the MRSL Update Principles and Procedures.”

Echols adds ZDHC MRSL V2.0 is “the first update where experts from the independent MRSL Advisory Council decided (on) additions to the list.”

Of the changes to the new list, ZDHC says it added “many problematic chemical substances,” as well as restrictions on substrates like rubber, foams, and adhesives. The updated release also features a candidate list for chemical substances that meet the criteria for ZDHC MRSL, but “safer alternatives are not yet available at scale.” Additionally, the new collection includes a series of archived hazardous substances no longer in use by the industry.

ZDHC says it projects a 12-month implementation period as the chemical industry adopts the new guide.

For more information, visit https://mrsl.roadmaptozero.com/MRSL2_0.