Chemicals

Despite their often negative associations, chemicals are also very useful. Chemicals are found in almost everything we surround ourselves with – furniture, clothing, food, medicine and hygiene products. Many different types of chemicals are used during the manufacturing process of a textile product to improve its quality. Among other things, chemicals are used to give the fabric a certain color or a particular property.

However, the responsible handling of chemicals is a must. Lack of knowledge about the risks and effects of chemical use can have major consequences. Cellbes therefore works extensively with chemical issues, and suppliers are continuously informed about new requirements that are developed based on international and European legislation.

Naturally, our products must not contain substances at levels that exceed current regulations or are prohibited by current legislation. In addition, we do not allow products to contain substances that are listed as candidate substances in the European chemicals regulation REACH.

Chemical safety assurance

To ensure that our suppliers comply with legislation and that our products do not contain chemicals that are prohibited, random product samples are taken every season. The products tested are based on a supplier’s past performance, whether the supplier is new, or whether a product is considered a risk due to new legislation. Thus, the tests carried out are not random, but are determined by a risk assessment of the product.

Membership of the Swedish Chemicals Group

As part of our sustainability and safety work on chemicals, Cellbes is a member of the Swedish Chemicals Group. The Chemicals Group is part of Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), whose mission is to disseminate the latest knowledge in chemical and environmental issues to member companies in the textile and electronics industries. The Chemicals Group’s guide, “Guidance on Chemicals”, provides our suppliers with information about regulated chemicals, the processes in which they are most commonly used, and their impact on the environment and humans. A new edition of “Guidance on Chemicals” is sent out twice a year.

Read more in our latest sustainability report here.