Compliance with restricted chemical requirements is now an essential part of material manufacturing and product supply. Achieving a stable and conforming product requires responsible chemical management at all stages. In addition, value chains are increasingly concerned about the upstream chemical inputs into materials, and how they impact people and the environment. As such, businesses are now investigating the requirements and...
Read More13/02/2019
Compliance with restricted chemical requirements is now an essential part of material manufacturing and product supply. Achieving a stable and conforming product requires responsible chemical management at all stages. In addition, value chains are increasingly concerned about the upstream chemical inputs into materials, and how they impact people and the environment. As such, businesses are …
Continue reading “Chemical Management System: Defining the Buzzword”
Read More 13/02/2019
RAPEX is the EU rapid alert system for all dangerous consumer products, excluding food, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. It allows for the rapid exchange of information between Member States and the Commission of measures taken to prevent or restrict the marketing or use of products posing a serious risk to the health and safety of …
Continue reading “RAPEX Report: January 2019”
Read More 13/02/2019
What is the Chemical Management Module The Leather Working Group (LWG) introduced the Chemical Management Module (CMM) as a standalone voluntary addition to the Environmental Audit Protocol in April 2017. The development of the CMM was driven by the desire of LWG members to improve chemical handling in the leather industry, along with the …
Continue reading “LWG Chemical Management Module Integrating with the Environmental Audit”
Read More 13/02/2019
The list of chemicals which undergo MRSL testing against the ZDHC MRSL equates to over 140 separate CAS number chemicals. These can be placed into groups of chemicals which can be seen on our MRSL Testing page. A brief description of the hazards and regulations of some of these chemicals can be seen below and …
Continue reading “MRSL Chemicals – Part One”
Read More 13/02/2019
The Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management (AFIRM)’s Steering Committee has recently selected five laboratory representatives to serve a two-year term on AFIRM’s Laboratory Technical Advisory Committee (LabTAC), including Chem-MAP Technical Manager Georgina Mawer. The role of the LabTAC is to support the vision and mission of the AFIRM group in advancing the global …
Continue reading “Chem-MAP’s Georgina Mawer selected for AFIRM 2019 LabTAC”
Read More 13/02/2019
The increasing importance of sustainability is a key focus at the next congress of the IULTCS with restricted chemicals and other topics relating to corporate responsibility high on the agenda. The event will be held in Dresden, Germany between 25-28 June, 2019 and will attract delegates spanning the globe and from the entire leather value …
Continue reading “Restricted Chemicals and other CSR Topics To Be Discussed at the IULTCS Congress”
Read More 13/02/2019
Global chemical supplier LANXESS has recently enhanced its Chem-MAP certification programme by achieving ZDHC Level 3 status at its plant in China. This outcome further cements LANXESS’ commitment to responsible chemistry and their ongoing support of the ZDHC Gateway. The achievement of ZDHC Level 3, coupled with an extensive MRSL testing programme, is a …
Continue reading “LANXESS Achieve ZDHC Level 3 Status at Changzhou Site”
Read More 13/02/2019
Emily will be focused on Marketing for Chem-MAP including e-shots, website content and printed materials such as flyers. Emily will also play a key role in contributing towards the creation of engaging news pieces and social media posts. Emily studied Marketing at The University of Northampton and has worked in various industries writing print and digital copy …
Continue reading “Meet Emily: Our New Marketing Executive at Chem-MAP”
Read More 24/01/2019
Responsible chemical management is a growing area of importance for supply chains. Stakeholder groups such as Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) are highlighting the benefits of effective chemical management and upstream supplier management. In a manufacturing environment, the management of chemicals is key to meeting the requirements of downstream brand and retailer customers. It …
Continue reading “The Value of a Chemical Inventory Log (CIL)”
Read More 19/12/2018
The ZDHC Gateway Chemical Module is an advanced search database that enables ZDHC engaged participants to demonstrate responsible chemical management within their supply chains. The use of the Gateway enables value chain affiliates in the leather, textile and synthetic sectors to verify whether chemicals manufactured and used within the production of their products are compliant …
Continue reading “ZDHC Gateway Chemical Module”
Read More 19/12/2018
RAPEX is the EU rapid alert system for all dangerous consumer products, with the exception of food, pharmaceutical and medical devices. It allows for the rapid exchange of information between Member States and the Commission of measures taken to prevent or restrict the marketing or use of products posing a serious risk to the health …
Continue reading “RAPEX Report: November 2018”
Read More 18/12/2018
The word sustainable can be interpreted in many ways, especially in the case of sustainable fashion. Some consumers see sustainability as pollution free and limited chemical used in production, where the focus is on environmental impact. Whereas, others relate sustainability to social compliance with fair rights for workers and emphasis on good labour practice. …
Continue reading “Sustainable Fashion”
Read More 18/12/2018
Peter Gregory, Chem-MAP’s Lead Auditor was invited to present the Chem-MAP programme to the TEGEWA leather chemicals group in October 2018. TEGEWA, established in Germany is an association of manufacturers of chemicals, representing the textile, paper, leather auxiliaries and colourants, surfactants, complexing agents, antimicrobial agents, polymeric flocculants, cosmetic raw materials, pharmaceutical excipients and allied …
Continue reading “Chem-MAP Team Invited to Present to the TEGEWA Group”
Read More 18/12/2018
The concept of commodity contamination is coming to light due to the potential of hazardous chemical contaminants being present in leather, textile and synthetic wastewaters. Wastewaters are potentially contaminated with hazardous substances such as APEO’s phthalates, chlorobenzene, toluene and other restricted chemicals. The textile industry may be overlooking the problem of chemical contaminants because …
Continue reading “To Tackle Commodity Contamination”
Read More 17/12/2018
ZDHC is a multi-stakeholder group consisting of brands, retailers, value chain affiliates and contributors, whose ambition is to eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals within the production of textiles, footwear and apparel (www.roadmaptozero.com). Annually, the organisation holds a week of meetings targeting different stakeholders within the organisation as well as their Friends event. The annual …
Continue reading “ZDHC Contributor Meeting – Amsterdam”
Read More 17/12/2018
Eurofins | BLC and International Leather Maker held their annual Leather and Sustainability in Retail Conference in Westminster London on 15th November 2018. The event saw a range of delegates spanning the breadth of the leather industry, come together to discuss topical sustainability themes. Speakers discussed an array of topics and sparked both contentious …
Continue reading “Leather Sustainability in Retail Conference – Post Conference Overview”
Read More 17/12/2018
Why is Chemical Management Important? To achieve a stable and conforming product the responsible management of chemicals is a critical element of sustainable business practice. Compliance with brand restricted chemical requirements is now an essential part of material manufacturing and product supply. In addition, brands and retailers are increasingly concerned about the upstream chemical inputs …
Continue reading “What Chem-MAP Can Offer Your Brand”
Read More 17/12/2018
Peter Gregory is an experienced Lead Auditor and Consultant specialising in the field of sustainable chemical management. Born and educated in the UK, with an MSc in Polymer Science and a wide knowledge of chemistry and formulations, Peter has greater than 45 years’ experience working for chemical manufacturers globally. Chemical Management Experience Peter is the …
Continue reading “Peter Gregory – Lead Chem-MAP Auditor, expert in Chemical Management”
Read More 17/12/2018
Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings from the Chem-MAP Team. During the holiday season our testing laboratory will be open on selected days – please see below the schedule from 24th December 2018: Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) – Open 9am – 5pm Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) – Closed Wednesday 26th December (Boxing …
Continue reading “Christmas Opening Hours at Eurofins | BLC this 2018/2019 Holiday Season”
Read More 06/12/2018
Introducing Chem-CHAT, a new informative bulletin from the Chem-MAP team. Supporting the objectives of the Chem-MAP programme, Chem-CHAT will provide a regular update of chemical related stories and services to support better understanding of the challenges relating to improved chemical management within the entire supply chain. Chem-CHAT has a focus on leather, textile and synthetic materials, the …
Continue reading “Introducing Chem-CHAT: A New Chemical News Bulletin”
Read More 29/11/2018
‘Fast fashion’ is a modern-day term used to describe how fashion retailers move design quickly to capture current fashion trends. Historically designers presented new collections during spring and autumn. In an attempt to stay ‘on trend’, some retailers are updating their product ranges with much high frequency, even weekly. Marketing promotions such as limited time …
Continue reading “Did you know?”
Read More 21/11/2018
Effluent describes the wastewater that flows from a treatment plant, sewer or industrial outfall. The treatment of effluent is vital before it is discharged into oceans, rivers and streams to prevent damage to the environment, animals and to human health. It is the responsibility of manufacturers to treat their effluent correctly. A considerable amount …
Continue reading “Highlighting the Importance of Effluent Treatment”
Read More 21/11/2018
The term Microplastics is defined as plastics that are smaller than 5 millimetres, which due to their size can be released into water bodies through insufficient filtration systems at effluent treatment plants. They are known by most to be added to care or cleaning products such as: toothpaste and scrubs. However, what is unknown is …
Continue reading “What are Microplastics?”
Read More 21/11/2018
There is a growing interest within brands and retailers to respond to questions relating to vegan products. Whilst it is easy to determine if the main materials used in a product are vegan (ie not of animal origin), it is difficult to be certain that the chemical formulations used in the manufacture of the products …
Continue reading “Do you know if the chemicals used in your products are vegan?”
Read More 21/11/2018
Global chemical supplier LANXESS is engaged with the Chem-MAP programme with the goal of achieving ZDHC Conformance Level 3 for all Gateway listed chemicals through the c-MAP route. To be part of ZDHC Conformance Level 3 the organisation must undergo three modules: Module 1: c-MAP MRSL Testing Module 2: c-MAP Chemical Management Audit Module 3: …
Continue reading “LANXESS achieve Level 3 status at Leverkusen site”
Read More 21/11/2018
The c-MAP Programme within Chem-MAP enables Chemical Manufacturers to become certified to ZDHC Conformance levels: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Chem-MAP is a ZDHC Accepted Certification Standard and was one of the first verification systems to offer Level 3 MRSL conformance, the highest level of ZDHC conformity. Chemical manufacturers that engage with …
Continue reading “ZDHC Level 3 Conformity”
Read More 12/11/2018
New limits for 33 textiles chemicals under REACH On 10th October 2018, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 1513/2018 that modifies Annex XVII to REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 by including a new entry (Entry 72). These new requirements shall be applicable from 1 November 2020. Brands, retailers and manufacturers of textiles and textile …
Read More 12/11/2018
The release of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) was a major milestone for the textile, synthetics and leather industries. A holistic, responsible approach to chemical management has become an absolute requirement for any brand or retailer and, while looking to prove they have a sustainable product offering, they …
Continue reading “Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL): FAQ’s”
Read More 12/11/2018
MRSL and RSL are terms used regarding managing restricted substances during the manufacturing process and finished products. Both are often used as chemical checklists to support product safety and chemical management activities for your business. However, there is often some misunderstanding and confusion between MRSL and RSL and when to use a RSL or MRSL. …
Continue reading “MRSL and RSL – What is the Difference?”
Read More 12/11/2018
m-MAP is a specially designed programme within Chem-MAP to support manufacturers of materials with implementing responsible chemical management in their supply chains. The m-MAP Programme is divided into two key modules: Module 1 – Chem-MAP Approved Technician (CAT) Module 2 – Chem-MAP Approved Manufacturer (CAM) Module 1 of m-MAP consists of …
Continue reading “m-MAP Training Coming Soon”
Read More 12/11/2018
RAPEX is the EU rapid alert system for all dangerous consumer products, with the exception of food, pharmaceutical and medical devices. It allows for the rapid exchange of information between Member States and the Commission of measures taken to prevent or restrict the marketing or use of products posing a serious risk to the health …
Continue reading “RAPEX Report 2017 – Will we see an improvement this year?”
Read More 09/11/2018
What is Chem-MAP? Chem-MAP is a ZDHC approved MRSL verification system, supporting sustainable supply chain chemical management. Developed by Eurofins | BLC in partnership with Vert-Tex, Chem-MAP prevents harmful chemicals from entering the leather, textile and synthetic materials supply chain, protecting workers, consumers, and the environment. Chemical companies, materials manufacturers, brands and retailers can achieve …
Continue reading “Chem-MAP Open Day Coming in 2019!”
Read More 09/11/2018
Chris Jacklin has spent over 30 years in the worldwide leather industry. He was born and educated in the UK. Chris is a certified Lead auditor-CQI & IRCA Certified ISO 14001 :2015 Lead Auditor (Environmental Management Systems). With extensive experience in speciality chemical fields (primarily leather chemicals), Chris has a wealth of knowledge under his …
Continue reading “Chris Jacklin – Chem-MAP Auditor”
Read More 08/11/2018
Technical Director – Victoria Addy Victoria is responsible for the operational aspects of Eurofins | BLC’s technical business, including research, innovation, and testing services. Technical Manager – Georgina Mawer Georgina is responsible for the chemical and regulatory compliance activities at Eurofins | BLC. …
Continue reading “Introducing The Chem-MAP Team”
Read More 08/11/2018
As Compliance Lead at Eurofins | BLC, Georgina works with brands, retailers and manufacturers in the management of restricted chemicals and hazardous substances within their supply chains. Georgina supports global brands with chemical compliance, due diligence programmes, EU and International legislation and chemical troubleshooting. In addition, Georgina is the Technical Manager for Eurofins | BLC …
Read More 02/11/2018
Tattoo Ink Chemicals and European Regulations Tattoos are becoming increasingly common across Europe. Currently 12% of Europeans and 24% of United States’ citizens have tattoos or permanent make-up (PMU). The inks used are mixtures of chemicals that are inserted into the body and may stay there for life. Because of their nature long-term exposure to …
Read More 09/10/2018
How does Chem-MAP provide chemical management solutions for the entire supply chain? If you subscribe to Ecotextile News, you may see an article answering this question in the October/November printed magazine and/or on the Ecotextile News website today. This article introduces Chem-MAP as a chemical management solution for the entire supply chain through the …
Continue reading “Chem-MAP Chemical Management Solutions Featured in Ecotextile News”
Read More 03/09/2018
Chemical Formulation Verification Chem-MAP provides businesses with a ZDHC approved system for chemical formulation verification to the ZDHC MRSL. This not only benefits chemical companies who can retail verified chemical formulations through the ZDHC Gateway; Chem-MAP also supports the downstream supply chain as well as protecting consumers and the environment. Chemical formulation verification allows chemical …
Continue reading “Commercial Benefits of Chemical Formulation Verification via Chem-MAP”
Read More 30/08/2018
In addition to the two Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) previously confirmed to be included in the Candidate List update for June/July 2018 (TMA and DCHP). The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has confirmed the addition of a further 8 chemicals previously under review, bringing the list to a total of 191 chemicals. 10 …
Read More 11/07/2018
Responsible chemical management is fast becoming an absolute requirement for any brand or retailer as part of a sustainable product offering. This is invariably placing pressure on upstream manufacturers to provide products that are produced in the absence of hazardous chemistry. This means an additional effort around chemical management for the entire upstream supply chain …
Continue reading “Responsible Chemical Management in Manufacturing”
Read More 28/06/2018
Environmental pollution through poor chemical management is a hot topic in the manufacturing sector, in particular for the leathergoods, footwear and apparel industries. NGOs have made environmental pollution of waterways through untreated or contaminated effluent from factories, a feature of targeted campaigns aimed at the consumers of brands and retailers. A key reason for contaminated …
Read More 22/06/2018
If your business manufactures or supplies toys, then you need to be aware of the changes in the limit of extractable chromium VI in EN71-3. In May 2018, the European Commission published a Commission Directive (EU) 2018/725 amending the limit for extractable chromium VI in category III under the European Toy Safety Directive (BS EN …
Continue reading “EN71-3: Lead and Chromium VI Limits to be Revised”
Read More 18/06/2018
BLC are excited to announce a new addition to our Marketing team, Alarna Sparrey. Alarna has joined BLC as a Graduate Marketing Executive and will be supporting all BLC marketing channels both online and offline. A significant portion of Alarna’s time will be writing and distributing new material across webpages and social media platforms in …
Continue reading “BLC Welcomes Alarna Sparrey to the Marketing Team”
Read More 14/06/2018
The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has announced its intention to add Trimellitic Anhydride (TMA) and dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) as new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Candidate List in June/July 2018. In addition to the confirmed two chemicals there are another eight potential SVHC’s. If you manufacture or import articles into the European …
Continue reading “Two New Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) added to ECHA Candidate List”
Read More 11/06/2018
A new standard has been published by ISO for the thermal pre-aging process of leather to assess the propensity of chromium VI formation, otherwise known as the chrome VI heat ageing test. How does ISO 10195:2018 affect leather manufacturing? ISO 10195:2018 affects chromium tanned leather and therefore leather manufacturers and producers of leathergoods that …
Continue reading “ISO 10195:2018 for Chromium VI (Chrome 6/Cr6) Heat Ageing in Leather”
Read More 06/06/2018
In March 2018, a draft regulation was circulated by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), proposing an amendment to entry 51 under Annex XVII of REACH, concerning the restriction of phthalates, due to be adopted in the latter half of 2018 for toys and childcare articles. The proposed changes to entry 51 under Annex XVII of …
Continue reading “Phthalates Proposed to be Added to Annex XVII of REACH”
Read More 31/05/2018
BLC have recently purchased two new pieces of state-of-the-art analytical laboratory equipment used in the provision of chemical testing services for Chem-MAP, MRSL testing, RSL testing and analytical testing. The new analytical equipment will enable BLC to further broaden the range of chemicals we can test for and help to maintain our commitment to deliver …
Continue reading “BLC Increases New Analytical Laboratory Equipment”
Read More 16/05/2018
Global chemical supplier LANXESS has recently engaged with the BLC Chem-MAP programme with the goal of achieving ZDHC Conformance Level 3 through the c-MAP route. The ZDHC approved Chem-MAP programme has been developed to certify suppliers of commercial chemical formulations, ensuring that their chemical products are compliant to MRSL specification, as well as being responsibly …
Continue reading “LANXESS Engages in Chem-MAP to Achieve ZDHC Conformance Level 3”
Read More 10/04/2018
MRSL and RSL are terms used in relation to managing restricted substances during the manufacturing process and finished products respectively. Both are often used as chemical checklists to support product safety and chemical management activities. However, there is often some misunderstanding and confusion between what MRSL and RSL are and when to use a RSL …
Continue reading “MRSL and RSL – What is the difference and when to carry out MRSL testing?”
Read More 26/02/2018
Chem-MAP is a new, innovative process for verifying MRSL compliance of supplied chemical formulations to ZDHC conformance level 1 and level 3…
Read More 01/01/2018
Is your business committed to ZDHC objectives and responsible chemistry? Chem-MAP certification tells your customers and consumers that you are…
Read More 01/01/2018
Attend the Sustainability in the Leather Supply Chain Conference in Hong Kong to find out more about the BLC Chem-MAP Programme…
Read More 01/01/2018
Seven new chemicals have been added to the ECHA Candidate List, which now features 181 Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)…
Read More 01/01/2018If your company manufactures leather, textile and synthetic raw materials or finished products, your business can engage in Chem-MAP. Engaging with Chem-MAP provides your business with more than just a badge; Chem-MAP shows your customers and suppliers that your company is committed to responsible chemistry which protects consumers, workers and the environment.
Find a programme that works for your company.
Become Chem-MAP Certified
Chemical companies can become ZDHC Level 1 or Level 3 approved suppliers by engaging with the c-MAP Programme. ‘Certified Chemical Company’ status is awarded upon the successful completion of chemical management audits, supply chain transparency and MRSL testing modules in the c-MAP Programme.
Join the m-MAP Programme as a supplier of materials or products to become an ‘Approved Manufacturer of Materials’. The m-MAP Programme provides your company with a structured award through the completion of online training modules, chemical inventory management and chemical management audits.
Brands and retailers can show consumers their commitment to responsible chemical management through the b-MAP Programme and achieve ‘Associate Brand and Retailer’ status. b-MAP supports ZDHC objectives through education, guidance, policy advice and supply chain management support.
Achieve ZDHC Conformance Level 1 through MRSL testing at Eurofins | BLC’s accredited laboratory to fully validated methods, that incorporate all MRSL listed substances. MRSL testing verifies the chemical composition of formulations to the ZDHC MRSL or customers’ own MRSLs for international chemical compliance.
Watch the Chem-MAP video to see how this new ZDHC approved MRSL verification programme is engaging all organisations in the leather, textile and synthetic materials supply chains to drive the use of responsible chemistry in the manufacture of consumer products.
Chem-MAP is a preventative system that protects businesses, workers, consumers and the environment, and rewards businesses that engage through certification, approved status, training and technical support. Chem-MAP offers three programmes which are specifically designed for chemical companies (c-MAP Programme), manufacturers (m-MAP Programme) and brands and retailers (b-MAP Programme).
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Registered office address: i54 Business Park, Valiant Way, Wolverhampton, WV9 5GB.
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