The ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) is a list of chemical substances banned from intentional use in the processing of textile materials, leather, rubber, foam, adhesives and trims used in textiles, apparel, and footwear industry. Whilst a Restricted Substances List (RSL) gives restrictions for chemicals found in final finished products (such as garments, shoes, or accessories).

Chemical formulations covered by restrictions in the ZDHC MRSL include, but are not limited to, cleaners, adhesives, paints, inks, detergents, dyes, colourants, auxiliaries, coatings and finishing agents used during raw material production, wet processing, process machinery maintenance, wastewater treatment, sanitation, and pest control. ZDHC MRSL limits apply to substances in commercially available formulations, not those from earlier stages of chemical synthesis.

Yes, the ZDHC MRSL is applicable for all processes applied to textiles, leather and synthetics, which require the use of chemical products. Chemicals used in leather tanneries are in scope and included in the ZDHC MRSL. On the online version of ZDHC MRSL, the leather chapter can be selected, to see all chemicals that apply to leather tanneries.

A commodity chemical is a single substance or a chemical compound whose chemical structure is well-known, and their use is to create conditions for a process (such as acid, alkaline, oxidising, reducing, or solubilising conditions). They are produced in high volumes with low prices and do not have a brand name but are known by their common chemical names (for example acetic acid). The chemical structure and purity of two commodity chemicals produced by different manufacturers can be the same and can be interchangeable. They are generally sold on technical specifications (such as purity) and are not designed for a unique/special property or effect nor require any scientific research in their development. Usually, commodity chemicals either get reacted in the process (for example sodium hydroxide or sodium hydrosulphite) or remain in the effluent after the process (for example common salt or Glauber’s salt used in reactive dyeing of cotton)

Commodity chemicals, such as acids, alkalis, or salts, fall within the scope of the ZDHC MRSL. They can be checked for MRSL risks against the ZDHC MRSL.

Chemical products covered by restrictions in the ZDHC MRSL include, but are not limited to; cleaners, adhesives, paints, inks, detergents, dyes, colourants, auxiliaries, coatings, and finishing agents used during raw material production, wet processing, process machinery maintenance, wastewater treatment, sanitation, and pest control.

ZDHC MRSL limits apply to substances in commercially available chemical products, not those from earlier stages of chemical synthesis

Chemical products covered by restrictions in the ZDHC MRSL include, but are not limited to; cleaners, adhesives, paints, inks, detergents, dyes, colourants, auxiliaries, coatings, and finishing agents used during raw material production, wet processing, process machinery maintenance, wastewater treatment, sanitation, and pest control.

ZDHC MRSL limits apply to substances in commercially available products, not those from earlier stages of chemical synthesis.

A 2018 industry expert report commissioned by ZDHC on the production of Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres concluded that restricting chemicals via the ZDHC MRSL approach would not work. The restrictions would halt most MMCF production processes. We would achieve the most impact by collaboratively setting guidance around good chemical management and limits for wastewater, sludge, air emissions, and chemical recovery during fibre production while calling for continued further research into processes for the production of MMCF, using alternative and less hazardous substances.

Here, you can find more information on ZDHC MMCF Guidelines.