The production of clothing is a complex and chemically intensive process that uses a lot of water and energy which has a major impact on the environment. To limit water and energy consumption, Schijvens Corporate Fashion produces clothing from recycled materials. This means that we don’t use new raw materials, which has an average saving of 99% water, 40% CO2 emissions and 40% energy.
In the past year, we closely studied the chemical process in our productions. Think of dyes, but also certain finishes such as making blouses non-iron. All these applications can affect people and the environment, and we limit this as much as possible. For this reason, we have drawn up a so-called ‘RSL’ (Restricted Substances List) and ‘MRSL’ (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List) list, which tells which chemicals can be harmful and therefore should not be used in our clothing, including during the different production processes. “RSL is a list which tells which chemicals should not be in the product. This list has been compiled together with trade association Modint and is based on ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) program, an initiative of textile companies with the aim of banning hazardous chemicals. This therefore applies to the entire production chain from manufacturing raw materials to assembling the clothing.
We expect that all of our suppliers set up their processes in such a way that these chemicals are not used during the production of our clothing and will be tested by a third party. In addition, we have started auditing our main dyers to determine how environmentally friendly they operate and where improvements can be made. For example, this year we completed a joint sustainable project at a dyehouse in China in collaboration with Arcadis and the IMVO Covenant, whereby many improvements were made, and also had the opportunity to learn from each other. Furthermore, an audit was recently carried out in Pakistan and Turkey is also planned for the short term, which together already comprises about half of our production. In this way we try to gain more insight into production locations deeper in the chain and we try to limit risks as much as possible.
Read our Sustainability Report for more information!
