Our chemical policy

Chemical safety is more relevant than ever, with new circular opportunities made available through different recycling technologies. We are working hard to be ahead of the game. In 2022, we launched the Kvadrat Manufacturing Restricted Substance List, mRSL.

The List encompasses substances that are restricted by legislation, such as REACH, ZDHC and SVHC and other standards in our relevant markets. It includes industry best practice and guidelines such as EU Ecolabel, Möbelfakta and Red List​.

Why it matters



Several substances do not support our sustainability agenda and are often applied unnecessarily. If the natural properties of a textile’s raw material meet the requirements and expectations for the intended purpose, we do not recommend further treatments. All our polyester curtains and upholstery textiles are inherently flame retardant (Trevira CS) and many of our woollen products live up to market performance standards due to the fibre properties of wool (e.g., natural flame-resistance). This makes additional flame-retardant treatments obsolete.​

Long-term commitment​

 

In our ongoing pursuit of chemical safety, in 2023, at Kvadrat, we have taken the decisive step to make all our products completely Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) free by January 1st, 2024. We will put additional resources into evaluating these substances and a plan for how we can phase them out completely.​
 

 

As a minimum requirement, our suppliers and productions partners are expected to meet our substance requirements below:*​

  • Comply with REACH (EU / UK) regulations and the list of substances of very high concern (SVHC).​​
  • All dyes live up to EU Ecolabel restrictions, including no use of the 28 restricted Azo-dyes and no use of carcinogenic dyes. ​​
  • Follow the requirements of the California Proposition 65 List and disclose in case of any substance presence ​​
  • No use of halogen-based flame retardants (including brominated and chlorinated) ​​
  • No use of chlorine agents for bleaching of yarns, fabrics, knitted panels or end products with the exception of man-made cellulose fibres. ​​
  • No use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride)  ​
  • No use of PFAS (all perfluorinated compounds including PFOA and PFOS) ​​
  • No moth proofing (for woollen products)​

The substances listed above do not support our sustainability agenda and are often applied unnecessarily

 

*For more information please read page 33 of our Sustainability Report