More information on DMFa, please have a look at this article
What actions can I take as a brand?
Brands need to be committed to the implementation of the latest version of the ZDHC MRSL. As part of this commitment, the ZDHC MRSL needs to be part of the brand’s policies, strategies and standard operating procedures (SOP). As such, the brand’s supply chain should be required to fully implement the ZDHC MRSL and only use chemical products listed on the ZDHC Gateway. Brands need to monitor their suppliers' implementation progress and take measures to ensure the full implementation of the ZDHC MRSL.
When new substances, like DMFa, are added to the ZDHC MRSL, brands are recommended to run a risk assessment on their product portfolio and supply chains and ensure to update all suppliers accordingly. Actions that brands may consider due to the listing of DMFa include but are not limited to the following:
Communication and awareness
-
The MRSL V3.1 should be shared internally within your organisation with the relevant stakeholders in charge of supplier engagement.
-
Brief product developers that DMFa-based production and respective materials need to be phased out
-
Vendors and suppliers of your organisation should be made aware of the updated MRSL V3.1 that they are expected to follow, where the use of DMFa solvent being non-conformant from 1st November 2023 onwards is mentioned.
Discuss sourcing smarter with your suppliers
-
Brands need to identify relevant products and related supply chains in their portfolio and establish a baseline for further steps to be taken.
-
Brands should work with their key suppliers and vendors to determine how best to phase out DMFa in their production line to stay ZDHC MRSL conformant.
-
Brands should work out time-bound goals and milestones for completing the phase out.
-
Please note: Requiring suppliers to use best practice control technologies, such as closed-loop recycling and air handling systems, and proper PPE is only a transition approach and not ZDHC MRSL conformant.
-
Convince current suppliers and vendors to move away from DMFa-based PU production and start using alternatives.
-
Where necessary, find alternative suppliers and vendors who offer materials from DMFa-free production.
Connect with ZDHC and don’t miss the opportunity to
-
Connect directly with the material manufacturers and formulators.
-
Find out about the industry’s common challenges and progress in finding solutions.
-
Be part of a movement and benefit from peer-to-peer learning.