Greenpeace, an international environmental organization, published its latest review of the detoxification progress of fashion brand supply chains on its website this year.
Greenpeace has been actively promoting the elimination of hazardous substances in the fashion industry's products and processes in recent years. Therefore, it launched the online Detox Catwalk, ranking fashion brands based on the following three key requirements and their commitments:
1. Phase-out progress of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) and phthalates - Among the 11 identified toxic and hazardous chemicals used in the textile industry, APEOs and plasticizers are the most widely used. All brands that have committed to detoxification must phase out these two toxic substances as soon as possible;
2. Phase-out progress of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) – PFCs are waterproof and oil-repellent chemicals, but they have persistent environmental and bioaccumulative toxicity. Therefore, brands should phase out the use and emissions of PFCs as soon as possible; and
3. Supply Chain Transparency – The public has the right to know what toxic substances a factory uses and emits during the production process, and the exact location of those emissions.
Greenpeace reviewed the detoxification progress of 18 brands that had pledged to detoxify, categorizing them into "Green Leaders" and "Greenwashers." However, because some brands have not yet made a public commitment, Greenpeace was unable to conduct a detailed assessment of them, and for these brands, Greenpeace has collectively referred to them as "Green Losers."
– Truly Green: Brands that set credible timelines, concrete plans, and clear execution directions to lead the industry toward a toxin-free future. The truly green brands on this list include – Adidas, Benetton, Burberry, C&A, Esprit, Fast Retailing, G-Star, H&M, Inditex, Levi Strauss, Limited Brands, Mango, M&S, Primark, Puma, and Valentino.
– Greening: Brands that have not yet achieved their own commitments to hazardous substance management and have failed to fulfill their corporate social responsibility. Nike and LiNing are among the brands included in the greening category.
– Disdain for Green: Companies addicted to drugs that refuse to commit to detoxification responsibilities. Brands named include – Besteller, Dolce & Gabbana, GAP, Giorgio Armani, Hermes, LMVH Group, Metersbonwe, Only the Brave, PVH, Vancl, and Versace.
The official website link for Greenpeace Detox Runway is as follows:http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/detox/fashion/detox-catwalk/
Although Taiwan's own textile brands have not yet been specifically named by Greenpeace for improvement, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Taiwan's textile industry are upstream supply chain manufacturers for international brands. It is recommended that Taiwan's SMEs pay attention to the hazardous substances and environmental protection commitments of major international brands, and adjust their hazardous substances management systems and environmental protection policies in their factories as soon as possible in order to quickly align with international trends and successfully obtain orders.
Sources:Chemical Watch (2015-04-23) (Compiled by PIDC)
