Back in 2002, we introduced chemical restrictions. Today, we are working to eliminate harmful chemicals from processes and products in our supply chain and replacing hazardous chemicals with safe alternatives. Understanding chemical composition in the supply chain helps suppliers manage risks, ensuring our products meet our requirements.
How we manage chemical risks
Inevitably, chemicals are used in each stage of the production of garments and footwear. In BESTSELLER, we manage chemical risk on two levels.
We work closely with our suppliers to ensure that they are managing their chemical inventory properly. Through our Factory Standards Programme, which covers all Tier 1 production and Tier 2 tanneries, we systematically check whether the factories have protocols in place for the safe handling and use of chemicals. We require all factories to maintain and provide us with a chemical inventory list (CIL) of the chemicals kept on site. During factory assessments, our assessors check that safety precautions regarding the use, storage and handling of chemicals are being taken, and that employees are provided with protective equipment and have been sufficiently trained in handling chemicals.
We have a thorough Chemicals Testing Programme to ensure all products meet our requirements. Our Restricted Substances List (RSL) and Packaging Restricted Substances List (PRSL) catalogue chemicals that are banned or restricted in our final products. Our requirements are continuously updated according to the latest legislation, AFIRM guidelines, as well as following precautionary principles and industry best practices, as they develop over time. Finally, the updated RSL/PRSL are shared with our suppliers.
Through our Chemical Testing Programme, we systematically test our products and materials at accredited global independent laboratories approved by BESTSELLER to ensure that all products comply with our requirements.
Our Restricted Substances List (RSL) prohibits or restricts certain chemicals in our products. This list applies to all suppliers and subcontractors.
Suppliers must ensure compliance throughout their production network, educate partners, and work only with those who meet our RSL requirements. Updated annually, our RSL reflects legislative changes and best practices.
All factories with wet processing facilities, incl. tanneries, are assessed for chemical management, waste tracking, and proper disposal. Our in-country chemical & environment teams verify chemical safety protocols and ensure employees have protective equipment and training.
We enforce strict chemical management protocols, requiring suppliers to test products and materials at accredited independent laboratories to confirm compliance with our requirements.
We’re part of AFIRM
BESTSELLER is a member of AFIRM (Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management), an industry organisation comprising apparel and footwear brands working to reduce the use and impact of harmful substances in the supply chain. Through our engagement in AFIRM, we align with industry peers on restricted substances, substance limits, test methods, chemical investigations as well as responses to legislative developments.
Here's why
AFIRM provides a forum to discuss chemical details, legislative changes and different materials. It is also a great resource for us and other companies like us, as it produces materials in various languages that we can use in training for suppliers and stakeholders. We developed a sampling guide, which is instructing brands on how to run chemical tests on product samples. We have shared this guide with AFIRM members, to share and align best practices with our industry partners who may not have the resources to develop this internally.
BESTSELLER’s Restricted Substances List (RSL) describes the limitation and prohibition of substances in products manufactured for BESTSELLER.
Feel free to read our annual report.