The report was developed with input from industry leaders in FDRA’s Product Safety Working Group, and includes new and updated information on product safety standards related to chemicals used in footwear production. Ultimately, the new Guide helps footwear companies understand which specific chemicals are used in production and develop a strategy to effectively manage their use.
“BLC is delighted to be working again with FDRA to produce this guide which is an invaluable reference tool to help navigate the changing landscape of global product safety regulations," said Dr Victoria Addy of BLC. "The guide provides a concise overview of chemical risk by material and offers information on likely future legislation trends to allow users to be ahead of the curve. Written and backed up by many years of collective experience, the FDRA and BLC guide is must for anyone in the footwear supply chain whether sourcing materials, manufacturing or retailing product."
“This document is the only of its kind for our industry and our members have found it to be an extremely valuable reference," said FDRA President Matt Priest; "Our partnership with BLC continues to add great value to the industry. This new guide will provide clarity to our members in an ever-changing regulatory environment. The guide is a key component of FDRA’s comprehensive product safety program provided to our members."
Clarks International stated: "This guide from BLC/FDRA not only shows the priority levels of the more critical chemicals, but also identifies the componentry in footwear where they have the potential to occur. The use of such information to support our internal policies, backed with the provision of consultancy and testing services offered by BLC, makes them a valuable partner within the footwear regulatory world."
