The textiles and apparel business has never been more challenging, especially when it comes to managing chemicals. It impacts the industry at every level – from factories to retailers sourcing products from hundreds, and sometimes thousands of suppliers. And, in today’s informed and highly regulated markets, the consequences of making a mistake can be unimaginably expensive.

Holistic Chemical Management

TÜV Rheinland is different because we cover all sides of the discussion – from chemicals testing to production process analysis, regulatory compliance, customer and consumer requirements. Designed with the industry’s most recognized standards in mind – the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) Higg Index and the Business Environmental Performance Initiative (BEPI) – TÜV Rheinland’s Chemical Management Audit & Verification Services assesses:

• Chemical and raw materials procurement
• Chemical and raw materials storage
• Chemical usage and production process management
• Quality management of semi-finished and final products
• Pollutant control and disposal
• Chemical management policies and compliance procedures
• Employee training and communication
• Compliance with MRSL & RSL requirement and Positive Chemistry List

We begin by determining whether a Chemical Management Policy is in place and is being followed. Next, we find out if it complies with market regulations and is flexible enough to accommodate customer requirements, which are often much higher. TÜV Rheinland experts verify how the chemicals are stored and used, covering everything from temperatures to mix ratios and dilution directions, which can have harmful side-effects if not followed precisely. Even measuring scoops and buckets are inspected to avoid mixing chemicals and accidentally creating harmful effects.

Our Audit is intense, but it can also be fast, taking as little as two days for factories with 1,000 employees or less, and three days for facilities with more than 1,000. It all adds up to one of the industry’s most comprehensive and effective customer Audit & Verification solutions.

Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) HIGG Index

Many apparel, footwear and textile industry buyers and manufacturers around the world rely on the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) Higg Index – with its seven-point Facility Environmental Module (FEM) – to assess the status of chemical management practices in their supply chain, and guide them on making improvements.TÜV Rheinland’s SAC Higg FEM chemical specialist verifiers validate the factory’s self-assessment scores to help with benchmarking and measuring progress, using the SAC’s own methodology to verify self-assessment scores and issue a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). As a contributing member of the SAC, we are closely involved with public training and assessment activities related to the Higg FEM, empowering businesses to make meaningful improvements that protect the well-being of factory workers, local communities, consumers and the environment.

Business Environmental Performance Initiative (BEPI)

Another major chemical management standard is the amfori* Business Environmental Performance Initiative (BEPI). This practical framework covers 11 separate environmental performance areas, ranging from energy use and greenhouse gases to chemical management. A clear four-step approach enables companies to drive continuous improvement through supply chain mapping and analysis, improvement work and progress monitoring. TÜV Rheinland’s BEPI-qualified auditors help to navigate this comprehensive process swiftly and smoothly.

Capture a Share of Cleaner Markets

As a world-leading independent provider of technical services for testing, inspection, certification and training, we have been helping clients succeed for over 140 years. Today, that includes working with the entire supply chain to eliminate hazardous chemicals in products and production processes and meet sustainability goals. Contact TÜV Rheinland today to find out how you can audit and control your chemical footprint, and capture your fair share of the growing market for cleaner and greener textiles, clothing and footwear.