Follow the supply chain storyboard below to see how Eurofins | Chem-MAP engages businesses to encourage responsible chemical management in the production of consumer goods.
Consumers are growing increasingly aware of the use of chemicals in the manufacture of retailed goods and the effects of harmful chemicals on factory workers and the environment. Consumer awareness has largely been driven through NGO campaigns, which aim to reduce the use of chemicals in the fashion industry.
Therefore, consumers are increasingly desiring more sustainably manufactured goods from brands and retailers who can verify the use of safer chemicals in production.
Chem-MAP is a system that will give consumers assurance that footwear, apparel, and accessories made from Textile, leather and synthetic materials are manufactured using responsible chemistry.
Eurofins | BLC created Eurofins | Chem-MAP to encourage chemical companies, manufacturers, brands, and retailers to develop responsible chemical management systems for their supply chains.
Eurofins | Chem-MAP is a ZDHC approved verification system that analyses and authenticates supplied chemical formulations for textiles, leather and synthetic materials according to the ZDHC MRSL: A tool developed by ZDHC to achieve the objective of eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals in manufacturing.
Eurofins | Chem-MAP consists of three programmes that engage and meet the needs of chemical suppliers, manufacturers, brands and retailers as well as MRSL Testing for chemical companies and manufacturers.
To successfully prevent harmful chemicals from entering the supply chain, responsible chemical management begins with chemical companies.
Eurofins | Chem-MAP provides certification of chemical companies through completion of the Chemical Manufacturers Programme as well as the opportunity to gain ZDHC MRSL V2.0 Conformance Version 2, Level 1, 2 &3.
The Chemical Manufacturers Programme consists of three modules:
Chemical formulations that have been verified through Chem-MAP can be listed on the ZDHC Gateway; an online portal that manufacturers can access to purchase approved chemicals for use in the manufacture of consumer goods.
Chemical companies and manufacturers of materials can verify the content of supplied chemical formulations through MRSL Testing.
MRSL Testing is carried out to either the leading industry standard, the ZDHC MRSL, or to a customer-specified MRSL; a standard that can be set by individual brands, retailers and manufacturers.
Forming a key element of Eurofins | Chem-MAP, MRSL Testing is present in the Chem-MAP Programme for chemical companies, but can also be carried out separately by manufacturers.
ZDHC compliant chemicals can be listed on the ZDHC Gateway.
Eurofins | Chem-MAP equips manufacturers of textiles, leather, synthetic materials and products with the Approved Manufacturer of Materials status through completion of the Manufacturers and Materials Programme.
The Programme comprises of two modules:
Manufacturers of textile, leather and synthetic materials can use Chem-MAP certified chemicals in their products, protecting workers who come into contact with these chemicals, as well as the environment from any hazardous discharge of chemicals.
Becoming an Approved Manufacturer of Materials signifies the manufacturer’s commitment to ZDHC objectives. This then enables brands and retailers to purchase items that have been produced by Approved Manufacturers of Materials from Certified Chemical Companies.
Eurofins | Chem-MAP supports brands and retailers of textile, leather and synthetic materials goods through the Brands and Retailer Programme. Engaging in this programme highlights the brands and retailers’ commitment to ZDHC objectives for implementing responsible chemical management in the supply chain. The programme consists of two modules:
Brands and retailers who participate in the Programme achieve a Chem-MAP score, starting from Chem-MAP Engaged and progressing to Chem-MAP Advanced. The use of Chem-MAP verified chemicals helps brands and retailers demonstrate chemical compliance within their supply chain and enables greater confidence in the safety of the related product. This commitment to responsible chemical management can be communicated to consumers and stakeholders by displaying Chem-MAP scores and having the brand and retailer logo displayed on the Chem-MAP website.