section two methodology and results
However, a greater percentage (9%) of samples had concentrations of NPEs above 1,000 ppm, the “business as usual” limit set by Oeko-Tex,90 which only covers a narrow range of NPEs, compared to the previous investigation, where only 2 out of 78 samples (3%) were above this level. In total, 28 items had concentrations of NPEs above 100ppm, the limit set by some brands in Restricted Substances Lists (RSLs) for their own products. For example, C&A91 sets a limit of 100 ppm and Mango requires no detection of NPEs for use in manufacturing92. As with Greenpeace’s previous investigation,93 this study cannot indicate the extent to which NPEs, or any of the other hazardous substances, are used or discharged in the manufacture of products for each brand as a whole, or for any specific production facility. Similarly, no estimate can be made of the extent to which these hazardous chemicals are used, or discharged during the textile processing in each place of manufacture, or in each facility in that place. Nonetheless, the results clearly indicate the variety of hazardous substances used in textile manufacturing and in particular that the use of NPEs continues to be widespread throughout the global textile industry, during the manufacture of products for a host of major international brands.
Previous Study
67%
tested Positive Current Study
63%
tested Positive
image © Alex Stoneman / Greenpeace
image Greenpeace Research Laboratories at Exeter University.
Greenpeace International Toxic Threads: The Big Fashion Stitch-Up 29