Intertek Recognized by ZDHC as Third-Party Testing Certifier of MRSL Chemical Module V2.0 Level 1
17 Jun 2020
Intertek, a Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, announced it is accepted by the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Programme (ZDHC) as a third-party testing certifier of the new version of ZDHC MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List) V2.0 Level 1 Conformance in connection with the ZDHC Gateway—Chemical Module.
In 2011, six textile brands joined to form the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Programme with a mission of positive change in the discharge of hazardous chemicals across the textile and footwear lifecycle. There are now over 150 contributors to the ZDHC program including signature brands and those in the chemical, textile & footwear industries, and service providers. Intertek supports the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines through our vast network of labs which are strategically located throughout Asia and Europe in key supplier/production markets.
Our labs offer wastewater and sludge testing services for apparel and footwear brands, retailers and manufacturers to ensure their supply chains do not contain banned and hazardous substances. We also upload testing data to the ZDHC Wastewater Gateway on behalf of the suppliers.
The ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC MRSL) is a list of chemical substances. These substances are banned from intentional use in facilities processing textile materials, leather, rubber, foam, adhesives and trim parts in textiles, apparel, and footwear. The ZDHC MRSL goes beyond the traditional approaches to chemical restrictions, which only apply to finished products (Product Restricted Substances List - PRSL). This approach helps to protect consumers while minimizing the possible impact of banned hazardous chemicals on production workers, local communities, and the environment.
From chemical agent manufacturers and factories/suppliers to brands, ZDHC MRSL affects every aspect of the supply chain. As a third-party certifier recognized by ZDHC to provide testing solutions implemented in accordance with the MRSL Compliance Guidelines, from March 2020, Intertek can directly verify the validity of uploaded certificates on the ZDHC Chemical Gateway, and assist the supply chain in understanding and implementing the transition of ZDHC MRSL Chemical Module from 1.0 to 2.0.
“Sustainable development is becoming an important issue in the global textile, apparel and fashion industries”, Patrick Lee, Joint CEO of Intertek Greater China, said, “Through our global network, local knowledge and subject-matter expertise, we are ideally positioned to provide Total Sustainability Assurance services. We help enterprises to meaningfully demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while managing risks and becoming more resilience under the new normal.”