Lindex ban Perfluorinated Compounds
Swedish Fashion Retailer Lindex has banned the use of perfluorinated compounds (PFC’s) in all the garments they sell. All products ordered after 2014-10-29 must not be treated with PFC compounds.
Lindex has been phasing out PFC’s since 2012 as a part of its efforts to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals. The fashion retailer has already banned 16 phthalates starting with DEHP, BIBP, DBP and BBP and the use of PVC and APEO in their production, and their “Limitations of Chemicals” list that the retailer’s suppliers undertake to follow goes beyond legal requirements.
“To eliminate all doubts about the actual content of the water repellant finishes that are used, we have found that the most successful way to ensure PFC free finish in our garments has been to nominate chemical brands that can provide us with that. So far we have started a cooperation with one chemical brand, the RUDOLF GROUP that can provide and guarantee us a PFC free finish", says Agneta Häll, Quality Standard Manager at Lindex.
The cooperation with the RUDOLF GROUP first began in 2012 when Lindex started using the fluorocarbon-free water-repellant finishing BIONIC-FINISH®ECO in their outerwear range for kids. With a close dialogue between the retailer and the chemical supplier the cooperation grew, and today the RUDOLF GROUP has provided Lindex suppliers with important information and training.
“Lindex has worked very straight on the change from PFC containing finish to a finish based on a fluorine free recipe – our BIONIC-FINISH®ECO. Already from the beginning, all parties were involved: Lindex headquarter, Lindex Shanghai office, RUDOLF GROUP headquarter (Germany) and RUDOLF GROUP China. This enabled a good cooperation and fast communication. Lindex and RUDOLF GROUP checks the production processes together and organises clarifying discussions between all involved parties including fabric suppliers and textile mills”, says Sabine Jahn, Pull Marketing Manager at RUDOLF GROUP.
Today, BIONIC-FINISH®ECO is used as finish in Lindex entire outerwear range. The next goal for Lindex is now to ensure that their suppliers completely phase out the use of PFC’s, even for other brands to ensure non-contamination.
“We are proud to be one of the first fashion brands to have banned and phased out the use of PFC’s and it is great to see that other brands are following. We look forward to see it become industry!” says Agneta Häll.
Lindex is a part of the Chemical Group at Swerea IVF and the branch dialogue KemI.
For more information, please contact:
Linda Skogsberg
Sustainability Communications Coordinator, Lindex
Phone: 46 (0) 31 739 51 58
E-mail: linda.skogsberg@lindex.com
Lindex is one of Europe's leading fashion chains, with more than 490 stores in 16 markets. Our business concept is to offer inspiring and affordable fashion. The Lindex selection encompasses a variety of fashion concepts within women's wear, men's wear, kids' wear and lingerie for women who are interested in fashion. Lindex is part of the Finnish-listed Stockmann group. More information is available at www.lindex.com
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