The ZDHC MRSL gives restrictions for the chemical products used during manufacturing whilst a "RSL" gives restrictions for chemical residue found in final products (such as garments, shoes, or accessories).
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
Yes, the ZDHC MRSL is applicable for all processes that are 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. In the online version of MRSL, the Leather chapter can be selected, to see all chemicals that apply to leather tanneries. ZDHC MRSL is also applicable to chemicals and processes applied to textiles, leather and synthetics.
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. here.
Commodity chemicals are single substances or chemical compounds whose chemical structure is well-known, and their use is to create conditions for a process (such as acid, alkaline, oxidizing, reducing, solubilizing conditions). They are produced in high volumes with low price 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 impurity levels against the ZDHC MRSL.Commodity chemicals fall within the scope of the ZDHC MRSL. They can be checked for impurity levels against the ZDHC MRSL.
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.
An 2018 industry expert report commissioned by ZDHC concluded that restricting chemicals via the ZDHC MRSL approach would not work. The restrictions would halt most MMCF production processes. We would achieve most impact by collaboratively setting guidance around good chemical management and limits for wastewater, sludge, and air emissions during fibre production. At the same time ZDHC can continue researching MMCF production processes using less hazardous chemicals. Here, you can find more information on ZDHC MMCF Guidelines.