09 Apr FDRA and BLC Leather Technology Release New Guide to Managing Chemicals in Footwear
WASHINGTON, DC — The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) and BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd. today released the updated and revised 3rd version of their popular “Guide to Managing Chemicals in Footwear.” 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.
FDRA members can access the Guide on FDRA’s Intel Center or by clicking here. Members who do not yet have their ID and password can receive them by contacting Andy Polk at apolk@fdra.org
“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 Vikki Addy of BLC Leather Tech. “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 Ltd 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.”