BASEL, Switzerland — August 6, 2013 — In a recent initiative, the International Organization “The
Ecological and Toxicological Association of Dyes and Organic Pigments Manufacturers (ETAD)” issued
a fresh list of impurities for dyes used in textile applications. This important list includes
impurity substances which are known for their toxicity and are required to be restricted for usage
in raw materials that constitute part of textile production activity across the world. The new list
will ensure the safety of final products for the consumers.
The substances (in the table) will be listed with recommended limits as well as with
reference methods; the given values refer to the dyes formulations, which by complying with these
values will also comply with the corresponding requirements of most existing standards for textile
products as importantly published in the Restricted Substances Lists (RSL) of the textile
retailers.
The list is aimed to provide a unified reference which covers the different existing
voluntary standards and reflects the high standards for quality of ETAD members’ products. The list
was compiled by ETAD member companies at the recently held General Assembly.
Dr. Clemens Grund, ETAD Vice President, commented, “Issuing this new list of impurities, is a
logical development coming from the long established and well-known ETAD limits for heavy metals
and the restriction for all banned carcinogenic amines. This will become a helpful tool for further
strengthening ETAD’s role in the discussion about product safety and sustainability.”
Mr. Ravi Kapoor, ETAD President reiterated, “ETAD will continue to play a proactive role in
the definition of toxic substances towards safe use by consumers as also address the waste
management and sustainability issues relating to the DYES and Pigments industry with the formation
of the recent Environment Sustainability Committee.”
Since its foundation ETAD (the Ecological and Toxicological Association of Dyes and Organic
Pigments Manufacturers) has been known for promoting a high level of product safety and for issuing
corresponding recommendations. The latest step of these activities has been the creation of a
specific list of impurities of concern for dyes used in textiles applications. These impurities are
known for their toxicity and need to be restricted in all inputs to the textile production in order
to guarantee the safety of the final product for the consumers.
Substances/Substance Groups
Chlorobenzenes/Chlorotoluenes
Chlorophenols
Organotin compounds (e.g. TBT)
PCBs
Short-Chained Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs)
NPEOs & OPEOs
DIOXINS & FURANS
Formaldehyde
PAH, polycyclichydrocarbons
Quinoline
Posted August 6, 2013
Source: ETAD
