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, 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 new substances marked EC*include but are not limited to the following:
Communication and awareness
The MRSL V4.0 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 V4.0 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 EC* listed substancesin their production line to stay ZDHC MRSL conformant.
Brands should work out time-bound goals and milestones for completing the phase out.
- 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 processes using EC* listed substances in their production and start using safer alternatives.
- Where necessary, find alternative suppliers and vendors who offer materials/formulators from ZDHC MRSL conformant alternatives or production processes.
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