1

RSLs – Why?

Compliance Expectations

Sridhar Thiagarajan

Levi Strauss & Co.

2

RSLs – Why?

• Regulatory burden growing

• Green consumerism rising

• Brands with RSL increasing

• Leverage resources through partnerships

• Ownership of chemical product safety at all levels is a must

• Factory self-governance of chemical product safety is required

3

Chemical Use

• From cotton plantation to finished garment, 14,000 potential chemicals

• Chemicals used on garments may have direct skin contact

• Chemicals may pollute air, land, or water

• Managing Risk is Important!

4

What is an RSL? Why?

Chemical substances either:

• Prohibited from use

• Limited in the product

• Restricted in manufacturing

• Legislation

• NGO

• Consumer / worker protection

5

Public Magazine Story

Poisonous Cord

In the blue cord of a child’s sweater, the quantities of aromatic amines were so high that it could not be sold.

• Found: 408 ppm benzidine• Law: 30 ppm

6

Consumer Protection

Types of consumer reactions:

• Skin irritation

• Sensitization

• Cancer

• Respiratory irritation

Dyes, Resins, Solvents

7

To Act Responsibly…

You must know:

• Why failures occur?

• How failures occur?

• What is inside the chemical?

• Who has the information?

8

End of Life

What you put in is coming out!

9

At Factory, We Expect…

• Communication

• Record of chemicals used

• Production control

• Necessary information regarding chemicals used

• Responsible person (chemist)

10

Chemical Companies

The must know what their products contain…

But, you need to ask!

If they don’t know, don’t use them!

11

Chemical Information

Know what you are using:

Pre-treatment

Dyeing / Printing

Finishing

Wetting agents

Every chemical must be reviewed

12

Chemical Information

Require for ALL Chemicals:

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) RSL Compliance Declaration

If Chemical Supplier:

Has no MSDS Won’t sign RSL declaration

Needs to test chemical

They don’t know You can’t be responsible

Don’t use it!

13

To Fulfill RSL Expectations

• Understand RSL requirements

• Communicate and ask questions

• Obtain information from chemical suppliers

• Know and control your chemicals

• Test products when required by brand or when in doubt

14

Summary

RSLs Help To:

• Comply with the law

• Protect the consumer

• Protect the environment

• Meet NGO concerns

• Protect business

15

Thank You!

Sridhar Thiagarajan

Asia Product Safety Manager

Levi Strauss & Co.

+91 (44) 5218.1301

sthiagarajan@levi.com