The footwear industry has made significant strides in recent years to prioritize sustainability and consumer health. A key aspect of this effort is the reduction and elimination of harmful chemicals in the footwear manufacturing process.
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental and health impacts of their purchases. As a result, there is a growing demand for footwear that is free from harmful chemicals. By choosing footwear made with sustainable materials and produced using environmentally friendly processes, consumers can contribute to a healthier planet.
The footwear industry is taking steps to address the issue of restricted chemicals. Many brands and manufacturers have implemented strict chemical management programs and are working to develop more sustainable products. Additionally, governments and regulatory agencies around the world are enacting stricter regulations to limit the use of harmful chemicals in consumer products.
The Restricted Substance List (RSL) is intended to provide apparel and footwear companies with information related to regulations and laws that restrict or ban certain chemicals and substances in finished home textile, apparel, and footwear products around the world. The RSL was developed by a special working group of the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s (AAFA’s) Environmental Task Force. It serves as a practical tool to help individuals in textile, apparel and footwear companies, and their suppliers – responsible for environmental compliance throughout the supply chain – to become more aware of various national and international regulations governing the amount of substances that are permitted in finished home textile, apparel, and footwear products.
Here is a brief explanation of what chemicals are not acceptable in footwear and why.
Allergenic dyes: Allergenic dyes are a significant issue in the footwear industry, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin.
Disperse Dyes: Widely used to color synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. Some disperse dyes, especially those containing aromatic amines, can cause allergic reactions.
Reactive Dyes: Used to dye cellulosic fibers like cotton and viscose. Certain reactive dyes can cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis.
Azo Dyes: A large group of dyes used in various textile applications. Some azo dyes can release aromatic amines, which are known allergens.
These dyes can cause a range of allergic reactions, from mild skin irritation to severe dermatitis.
Brominated organic flame retardants: Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a class of chemicals added to materials to reduce their flammability. While they’ve been widely used in various industries, including electronics, textiles, and construction, their presence in footwear has also been a concern due to potential health and environmental risks.
Some BFRs are persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which can accumulate in the environment and pose long-term risks to ecosystems. Exposure to BFRs has been linked to various health issues, including: Endocrine disruption, Developmental and reproductive problems, Neurotoxicity, Cancer. To address these concerns, many countries have implemented regulations and restrictions on the use of BFRs in various products, including footwear.
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a chemical compound commonly used in the production of various materials, including footwear. Formaldehyde can be used as a preservative to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria in leather and other materials. It’s used in the production of resins, which are used as adhesives and coatings in footwear. Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to various health problems, including: Respiratory irritation, Skin irritation, Eye irritation, Cancer risk.
Acetaldehyde: Acetaldehyde is not typically used in the production of footwear. However, it can be a byproduct of certain chemical processes used in the leather tanning industry. Some chemicals used in footwear production, such as formaldehyde, can release harmful fumes, including acetaldehyde, during certain processes. Inhaling acetaldehyde can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause eye and skin irritation. Exposure to high levels of acetaldehyde can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function. Some studies suggest a link between long-term exposure to acetaldehyde and an increased risk of cancer, particularly cancers of the upper respiratory tract and liver.
Biocides: Biocides are substances used to kill or inhibit the growth of harmful organisms like bacteria, fungi, and mold. They are often used in the footwear industry to prevent the degradation of materials, control odor, and protect against microbial infections. However, the use of biocides in footwear raises concerns about potential health and environmental impacts.
Some biocides can cause skin allergies and irritations in sensitive individuals. Biocides can harm aquatic life and soil organisms if they are released into the environment. Certain biocides have been linked to endocrine disruption, which can affect hormone levels and reproductive health.
Hazardous volatile organic substances (VOC): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of organic chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. VOC, commonly known as organic solvents, are widely used in footwear manufacturing as part of adhesives, cleaners, primers, paints and coatings and some resins. They can be harmful to human health and the environment. While the footwear industry has made significant strides in reducing the use of harmful chemicals, VOCs can still be present in various stages of footwear production. Exposure to VOCs can lead to a variety of health problems, including: Respiratory problems, Eye irritation, Skin irritation, Neurological effects and Cancer risk.
Chromium VI compounds: Chromium VI is a highly toxic form of chromium that can cause serious health problems. While it’s not intentionally added to footwear, it can be present in leather products, particularly leather shoes. Chromium VI is a strong allergen that can cause allergic contact dermatitis, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. This can lead to skin irritation, redness, itching, and blistering. Inhalation of chromium VI dust can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure to chromium VI has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.
For modern footwear, stringent regulations and quality control measures are in place to ensure the safety of consumers. Reputable brands adhere to these standards and use non-toxic materials in their products.
Overall, RSL play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, environmental friendliness, and ethical production of footwear products. Adherence to RSL enhances the brand reputation of footwear companies by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and consumer well-being. I also promote transparency within the footwear supply chain by encouraging suppliers to disclose the chemicals used in their manufacturing processes. RSL is not only ensuring ethical use of chemicals in footwear products but also driving innovation in the footwear industry by prompting manufacturers to find safer and more sustainable alternatives to restricted substances.