UKFT has launched the fourth issue of the Sustainability 101 series offering guidance about chemical compliance for UK fashion and textile businesses, including key regulations, applicable standards and certifications, testing guidelines and a risk assessment.

Navigating chemical compliance is essential for the global fashion and textile industry, as ongoing research into harmful substances leads to frequent regulatory updates. These changes often introduce new restricted substances or adjust allowable limits for chemicals in components, mixtures, or finished products. To ensure both human health and environmental safety, textile manufacturers must manage chemicals used in processes like dyeing, printing, and finishing in line with these regulations. Fashion brands and retailers also face the challenge of ensuring their products are free from harmful substances, often through testing or certifications.

This guide was created to help businesses stay informed and compliant with evolving chemical regulations in the industry.

The guide to chemical compliance for UK fashion and textile businesses includes:

• An overview UK REACH, EU REACH and Prop 65
• An overview of chemical regulations around the world including Switzerland Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, USA, Canada, Brazil, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, India and more.
• Details on applicable standards and certifications for chemical compliance
• Testing guidelines
• Risk assessment
• Glossary of terms

UKFT’s Sustainability 101 series has been created to support and guide the sustainable development of fashion and textiles in the UK. In order to meet the environmental, social and economic challenges of today and in the future, understanding sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity.

These guides are available to UKFT members. To learn more about membership, visit here.

Further editions will follow providing industry insight into new legislation related to energy, carbon and climate. The guide will introduce frameworks, tools and audits to help meet obligations whilst accelerating best practice.

The Sustainability 101 guides are just one of a wide range of initiatives that UKFT undertakes on behalf of the sector and members. If you are a member and would like to receive a copy, contact sustainability@ukft.org.

For more information on membership visit ukft.org/membership

SUSTAINABILITY 101 SERIES