1 RSLs – Why? Compliance Expectations Sridhar Thiagarajan Levi Strauss & Co.

2 RSLs – Why? Regulatory burden growing Green consumerism rising Brands with RSL increasing Leverage resources through partnerships Ownership of chemical product safety at all levels is a must Factory self-governance of chemical product safety is required

3 Chemical Use From cotton plantation to finished garment, 14,000 potential chemicals Chemicals used on garments may have direct skin contact Chemicals may pollute air, land, or water Managing Risk is Important!

4 What is an RSL? Why? Chemical substances either: Prohibited from use Limited in the product Restricted in manufacturing Legislation NGO Consumer / worker protection

5 Public Magazine Story Poisonous Cord In the blue cord of a child’s sweater, the quantities of aromatic amines were so high that it could not be sold. Found: 408 ppm benzidine Law: 30 ppm

6 Consumer Protection Types of consumer reactions: Skin irritation Sensitization Cancer Respiratory irritation Dyes, Resins, Solvents

7 To Act Responsibly… You must know: Why failures occur? How failures occur? What is inside the chemical? Who has the information?

8 End of Life What you put in is coming out!

9 At Factory, We Expect… Communication Record of chemicals used Production control Necessary information regarding chemicals used Responsible person (chemist)

10 Chemical Companies The must know what their products contain… But, you need to ask! If they don’t know, don’t use them!

11 Chemical Information Know what you are using: Pre-treatment Dyeing / Printing Finishing Wetting agents Every chemical must be reviewed

12 Chemical Information Require for ALL Chemicals:  MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)  RSL Compliance Declaration If Chemical Supplier:  Has no MSDS  Won’t sign RSL declaration  Needs to test chemical They don’t know  You can’t be responsible  Don’t use it!

13 To Fulfill RSL Expectations Understand RSL requirements Communicate and ask questions Obtain information from chemical suppliers Know and control your chemicals Test products when required by brand or when in doubt

14 Summary RSLs Help To: Comply with the law Protect the consumer Protect the environment Meet NGO concerns Protect business

15 Thank You! Sridhar Thiagarajan Asia Product Safety Manager Levi Strauss & Co. +91 (44)