The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) published the eighth edition of the AAFA Restricted Substances List (RSL), covering apparel, footwear, and home textiles. The list, which has become a go-to industry resource, together with a growing set of other chemical management tools, can be downloaded for free at the AAFA Web site.
“As global product safety regulations grow more complex each year, the AAFA Restricted Substances List continues to be a vital resource in our industry's robust chemical management strategy,” said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “The AAFA RSL, now in its eighth iteration, helps keep the U.S. apparel and footwear industry competitive in the global market by removing the doubt and confusion that can come when navigating domestic and international regulations.”
“In addition to addressing product safety concerns, the AAFA RSL has been a helpful tool in creating a more sustainable supply chain for the apparel and footwear industry,” Burke said. “By understanding how to manage our supply chain, we are finding a better way to do business.”
“In our effort to keep our global industry competitive and compliant in the marketplace, the AAFA RSL provides clear and concise information on the newest developments in global product safety standards,” said AAFA Environmental Committee Chairman John Eapen, Vice President of Environmental, Health & Safety at America & Efird, Inc. “We extend our gratitude to the AAFA Environmental Committee, the members of the RSL Task Force, and our RSL peer review group for their time and significant contributions to update this important list.”
This eighth addition of the AAFA RSL will be highlighted at AAFA's upcoming International Product Safety and Sustainability Conference in Dongguan, China on April 29, 2011. Among the many industry experts on the agenda, Thomas A. Nelson, Managing Director, Vice President Global Product Procurement, VF Asia, will provide the conference keynote address. AAFA is also pleased to host a presentation by Jeffrey Hilsgen, Attaché, of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recently opened office in Beijing, China.
The AAFA RSL will also be discussed during AAFA's upcoming domestic Product Safety & Chemical Management Seminar and Exhibition in Hollywood, CA on May 25, 2011.