Textile chemicals and materials of the best quality
Major retailers in the textile industry are naturally eager to protect their brand. As a supplier, you can therefore only succeed in the market with a reliable proof of the quality of your products – especially when it comes to textile chemicals.
For some time now, brands and retailers have required their chemicals suppliers to submit a positive "test report" according to level 1, 2 or 3 of the ZDHC MRSL test. We support you by providing our services and will be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.
MRSL testing – Your proof of compliance with the ZDHC requirements
With the MRSL, ZDHC has published a robust and comprehensive list of hazardous substances that also applies to manufacturing. The list is based on input from key stakeholders among ZDHC members and chemical companies. It is intended to help establish acceptable concentration limits for substances and enable manufacturers and users of chemicals to manage the use of chemicals and to substitute harmful substances.
We test chemical substances for textile production worldwide in accordance with the ZDHC requirements. There are 3 levels for manufacturers to choose from, depending on their substances and their requirements.
- Level 1: We verify whether the chemicals in question meet the requirements of the MRSL.
- Level 2: In addition to the requirements of Level 1, our experts will perform an on-site audit of your production.
- Level 3: In addition to the requirements of Level 1 and 2, we verify whether formulators are capable of independently assessing chemicals and substituting harmful substances.
When preparing our test reports, we follow the requirements of the ZDHC as specified in the MRSL. In November 2022, version 3 of the list was released, which includes the following changes:
- Update and review of chemical substances, for example:
- New entries such as titanium dioxide and perboric acid
- Substances previously on the candidate list such as siloxanes (D4, D5, D6) and dimethylformamide
- New entries in the candidate list such as bisphenol AF, S and F
- Limit values (e.g.: change of the limit value for SCCP and MCCP to 250 ppm)
- Test methods
Towards Sustainable Excellence with TÜV Rheinland
In conjunction with the update to the MRSL, ZDHC has released a new version of the MRSL Conformance Guidance (v2.0). The changes to the conformance guidance include new requirements for conformance to ZDHC MRSL Levels 1, 2, and 3:
- Analytical testing in combination with a review of the associated safety data sheet for MRSL Conformance Level 1
- On-site assessment of chemical stewardship for Level 2 (previously for Level 3)
- Inclusion of chemical hazard assessment capability for formulators of chemicals in Level 3.
Following the release by ZDHC, you now have a transition period of 12 months (until November 2023) to implement the ZDHC MRSL v3.0 and the Conformance Guidance v2.0. Once the ZDHC publishes an update, we offer re-testing based on spot testing. During this spot re-testing we only check the newly added substances and whether the substances that have already been tested are in compliance with the new requirements (list of harmful substances). This process saves you time and money compared to a full re-test.
In addition to compliance testing according to MRSL v3.0, we support you with a gap analysis and promoting your chemical products, and with training and instructions for the MRSL compliance process.
Test report as basis for certification
Upon request, we also offer you a certification of your chemicals according to the MRSL specifications. This certification requires an inspection of the production facilities.
Learn more about MRSL testing in our information flyer "MRSL Conformance for Chemical Manufacturers". Download now!
International webinar series "Ask a DetoXpert".
Our experts are happy to share their knowledge with you. We previously held a webinar on the MRSL Conformance Role Play. Watch it now to learn more!
Chemical safety – In Germany and worldwide
TÜV Rheinland is proud of its long and successful history, especially in the Group's homeland of Germany. The spacious campus at our headquarters in Cologne is home to a highly specialized laboratory that satisfies all the requirements of European textile chemical manufacturers.
Here, our specialists process your orders promptly and with competence. We offer you an expertise that goes far beyond the day-to-day business. Put your trust and confidence in a testing and certification specialist backed by more than 150 years of experience!
Furthermore, we also offer our services on international markets – whether in North America or Asia. TÜV Rheinland will always be there for you.
Do you have questions about the chemical safety in the textile industry?
