One focus of our activities is reducing the environmental impact of resource production and the manufacture of our consumer goods. The Detox program for avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals in textile production is an essential element in this. By signing the Greenpeace Detox Commitment in October 2014, we publicly reaffirmed our commitment.
The Progress Report provides a detailed insight into the measures taken to date to eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals in textile production. We publish a follow-up report every year.
Beyond the usual pollutant tests on the product, Tchibo monitors and regulates the use of chemicals in the supply chain as well. For this purpose, we have developed a Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL). This list includes potentially hazardous substances which may not be used in the manufacture of textiles (or other articles of daily use).
Basis for identifying hazardous chemicals based on their intrinsic properties (e.g. hazardous to health or the environment) in order to develop improvement measures.
Tchibo supports its suppliers and their wet processing plants in implementing an integrated chemical management system. In addition to on-site training measures, Tchibo provides its suppliers with a manual that provides operational support for implementing Tchibo requirements.
As part of its membership in the 'Partnership for Sustainable Textiles' Tchibo worked with EDEKA and the Otto Group to develop an introductory information kit for suppliers. This enables all alliance members to harmonize their chemical management communications.
Tchibo is committed to raising the industry’s awareness of the environmental impact of certain finishing processes. The fact sheets on critical substances and substance groups jointly developed in the Textile Alliance are one instrument for this.
Tchibo provides its suppliers with a guide to inventorying the chemicals used in production. This template was jointly developed in the 'Partnership for Sustainable Textiles' in consultation with the Zero Discharge Hazardous Chemicals Group (ZDHC), and can be used by all a lliance members.
Tchibo and its suppliers have managed to initiate the successful substitution of hazardous chemicals in several cases. The results are published as case studies on subsport.org, and can help other companies and producers to select suitable chemicals.