1 RSLs – Why? Compliance Expectations Sridhar Thiagarajan Levi Strauss & Co.

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RSLs – Why?

Compliance Expectations

Sridhar Thiagarajan

Levi Strauss & Co.

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RSLs – Why?

• Regulatory burden growing

• Green consumerism rising

• Brands with RSL increasing

• Leverage resources through partnerships

• Ownership of chemical product safety at all levels is a must

• Factory self-governance of chemical product safety is required

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Chemical Use

• From cotton plantation to finished garment, 14,000 potential chemicals

• Chemicals used on garments may have direct skin contact

• Chemicals may pollute air, land, or water

• Managing Risk is Important!

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What is an RSL? Why?

Chemical substances either:

• Prohibited from use

• Limited in the product

• Restricted in manufacturing

• Legislation

• NGO

• Consumer / worker protection

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Public Magazine Story

Poisonous Cord

In the blue cord of a child’s sweater, the quantities of aromatic amines were so high that it could not be sold.

• Found: 408 ppm benzidine• Law: 30 ppm

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Consumer Protection

Types of consumer reactions:

• Skin irritation

• Sensitization

• Cancer

• Respiratory irritation

Dyes, Resins, Solvents

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To Act Responsibly…

You must know:

• Why failures occur?

• How failures occur?

• What is inside the chemical?

• Who has the information?

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End of Life

What you put in is coming out!

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At Factory, We Expect…

• Communication

• Record of chemicals used

• Production control

• Necessary information regarding chemicals used

• Responsible person (chemist)

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Chemical Companies

The must know what their products contain…

But, you need to ask!

If they don’t know, don’t use them!

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Chemical Information

Know what you are using:

Pre-treatment

Dyeing / Printing

Finishing

Wetting agents

Every chemical must be reviewed

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Chemical Information

Require for ALL Chemicals:

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) RSL Compliance Declaration

If Chemical Supplier:

Has no MSDS Won’t sign RSL declaration

Needs to test chemical

They don’t know You can’t be responsible

Don’t use it!

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To Fulfill RSL Expectations

• Understand RSL requirements

• Communicate and ask questions

• Obtain information from chemical suppliers

• Know and control your chemicals

• Test products when required by brand or when in doubt

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Summary

RSLs Help To:

• Comply with the law

• Protect the consumer

• Protect the environment

• Meet NGO concerns

• Protect business

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Thank You!

Sridhar Thiagarajan

Asia Product Safety Manager

Levi Strauss & Co.

+91 (44) 5218.1301

[email protected]