Tesco pledges to remove potentially hazardous chemicals from its F&F clothing range

The supermarket will remove chemicals including including phthalates, brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, chlorinated solvents and heavy metals

(Reuters)

Tesco has pledged to remove a host of potentially hazardous chemicals from its F and F clothing range.

The supermarket chain joins a growing list of high street retailers who have committed to ensuring their suppliers do not allow the chemicals in their products.

Tesco will immediately begin the process of eliminating 11 groups of hazardous substances from its F&F brand, Greenpeace said in a statement.

The environmental group has been working to sign retailers up to its “Detox Standard”, which aims to remove chemicals including phthalates, brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, chlorinated solvents and heavy metals, all of which are thought to be harmful to human health.

Phthalates are thought to play a role in male genital birth defects and impaired reproductive function in adult males, while brominated flame retardents have been linked to thyroid disruption, memory and learning problems, delayed mental and physical development, lower IQ and reduced fertility.

Tesco's commitment goes beyond what EU regulations require and includes some substances thought to be harmful but not necessarily backed by scientific evidence, Greenpeace said.

Marks & Spencer, H&M, Benetton, Levi Strauss, Aldi and Lidl are among 80 international brands and suppliers who have now committed to the Greenpeace Detox 2020 Campaign since it began in 2011.

Kirsten Brodde, Detox Campaign leader at Greenpeace Germany, said: “The Detox standard is the new industry baseline. In only six years, forerunners of the textile sector went from total denial and opacity of their supply chain to transparency and the banning of all hazardous chemicals.

“Tesco's commitment shows the rest of the industry that using hazardous chemicals is not an option anymore.

“Tesco now has the opportunity to match the progress being made by other retailers and Greenpeace will monitor it closely to ensure they follow up their commitment.”

Alan Wragg, technical director for clothing at Tesco, said: “This commitment is part of our goal to protect the environment by sourcing products sustainably and responsibly for our customers.”