Newsletter Buying & Production nr. 2, 2022
Sector
- 30 MEPs urge EU to combat fashion greenwashing
- 2 funds for responsible production now open
Safety & compliance
- REACH Extension of the candidate list
- Latest Standards For Motorcyclist’s Protective Clothing
EPR and Triman logo
- Update Responsibilities for Modint members under the French AGEC law (EPR and Triman logo)
Trade policy
- The situation between Ukraine and Russia
- EU refers China to WTO following its trade restrictions on Lithuania
Sourcing
- VF Corp launches enhanced traceability product maps
Sector
30 MEPs urge EU to combat fashion greenwashing
30 MEPs have called on the European Commission to make improvements to the proposed PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) legislation for fashion. One of the signatories, Hilde Vautmans MEP, said changes to PEF were necessarily to help combat fashion greenwashing and better inform consumers on clothing’s environmental impact, writes Apparel Insider. Read the letter>>
2 funds for responsible production now open
Do you work for a company, NGO or knowledge institution and are you involved in making production chains more sustainable? Then you can now submit project proposals for 2 funds!
Corporate responsibility
RVO carries out two programs based on an integrated approach to corporate social responsibility and the sustainability of global production chains. For example, the Anti-Child Labor Fund (FBK) offers the opportunity to conduct research and take measures against child labor in the production chain, and the Responsible Entrepreneurship Fund (FVO) offers financial support for screening the production chain and implementing improvements on social risks.
Start
Both funds will reopen in February. Project proposals for subsidies, knowledge sharing, advice and substantive supervision can be submitted in partnership.
- Child Labor Prevention Fund > open from 1 February to 7 April
- Responsible Business Fund open from February 4 to September 30
Walk-in sessions
Are you unsure whether you qualify for an FBK or FVO subsidy? Or do you want to know how to write a good project proposal or quick scan? Then come to our weekly digital walk-in session, every Thursday afternoon between 16.00 and 16.30. Our project advisors will tell you more about your options and give you tips & tricks. You can register for these walk-in sessions by sending a message to fbk@rvo.nl or fvo@rvo.nl
Safety & compliance
REACH Extension of the candidate list
The candidate list has been expanded with four new substances which, after initial research and consultation with the chemical industry, most likely are not relevant for our industry.
Expansion of the list of candidates on January 17th 2022. This time, the list of candidates has been expanded to include four new substances. Below is a short explanation of the substances including an initial assessment of the possible relevance to our industry.
6,6'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-methylenedi-p-cresol (CAS# 119-47-1) Another acceptable name is 2,2'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol);
It is about therefore a bisphenol; according to the REACh registration dossier, the substance is used as an anti-aging agent, i.e. as an antioxidant, for elastomers, rubber (tires) and other polymers, used, whereby according to ECHA an occurrence also in adhesives, inks, lubricants and fuels is possible. So far there is no evidence from the textile auxiliaries industry that this substance is used.
tris(2-methoxyethoxy)vinylsilane (CAS# 1067-53-4)
This is a very reactive substance that is used to produce polymers. A comment on the inclusion of PE cables on the candidate list and a possible relevance for sealants (probably made of silicone) by ECHA are mentioned, rubber and plastic. Due to the high reactivity of this substance, its occurrence in Textile auxiliaries and ingredients very unlikely above a concentration of 0.1%. this is still being checked by the Association of the Textile Auxiliaries Industry.
(±)-1,7,7-Trimethyl-3-[(4-methylphenyl)methylene]bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one including all individual isomers and/or combinations thereof (4-MBC) (no CAS#)
According to ECHA, this substance is only relevant in cosmetics.
S-(Tricyclo(5.2.1.02,6)deca-3-en-8(or 9)-yl O-(isopropyl or isobutyl or 2-ethylhexyl) O-(isopropyl or isobutyl or 2-ethylhexyl) phosphorodithioate (CAS# 255881-94-8)
This substance is according to the REACh registration dossier in hydraulic fluids, lubricant and fats approved for use; a use for textile finishing is therefore very unlikely.
In summary, it can be said that these four new substances are not expected to be relevant to our industry. A concentration above 0.1%, that would trigger an information obligation in the supply chain is therefore not to be expected.
More information : Antonio Barberi Ettaro
Latest Standards For Motorcyclist’s Protective Clothing
Read here the interpretation on the latest Standards For Motorcyclist’s Protective Clothing.
EPR and Triman logo
Update Responsibilities for Modint members under the French AGEC law (EPR and Triman logo)
In our December newsletter we informed our members about the French EPR for textile products and packaging and the correct use of the Triman logo. We have recently received new information and updated our document. Read more>>
Trade policy
The situation between Ukraine and Russia
Trade in our sector with Ukraine is not large, relatively little is produced in Ukraine for Dutch Modint members. Exports to Ukraine are also not substantial. Russia is of course a substantial export market and the textile and carpet industry is also dependent on gas supplies. Modint would like to get in touch with companies for whom these countries are essential for business operations, more information from Antonio Barberi Ettaro
MODINT has received the following message from VNO NCW that we would like to share with you:
It is currently difficult from an economic point of view to say exactly what will happen that is important for Dutch companies. However, we can already say two things:
1. there is more transatlantic unity than before
2. if necessary, the Netherlands and NATO want to impose a sanction package that will confront Russia with serious consequences in the event of further aggression in Ukraine, without red lines.
In the event of the imposition of sanctions by the West and a possible response from Russia, there is a considerable chance that the Dutch economy and the business community will also be affected. Think of the energy sector, or agriculture and horticulture. Within the sanctions, consideration is given to 'Wind-down Periods' (a period to give operators the opportunity to close existing activities), and 'Carve-Outs' (specific exceptions to the sanctions) to reduce the burden on companies , but this also needs to be discussed and agreed within the EU.
Cyber
Cyber is a very important weapon, including in the tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Cyber attacks have previously been carried out by foreign actors. The NCSC, the Dutch National Cyber Security Center, is closely monitoring the situation and is aware that local attacks can have a spill-over effect. It is therefore recommended that you keep an eye on the cyber resilience manual of the NCSC on digital government. In addition, the AIVD, the General Intelligence and Security Service, also regularly publishes valuable publications on the cyber threat area.
Consequences for the Dutch business community
Without prejudging the facts, it is generally important that the Dutch business community considers developments in geopolitics in prices in business operations. In today's multipolar world, conflicts are increasingly likely and can have significant consequences for the operations of internationally operating companies.
With regard to the situation at the Russian border, account is taken of, for example, the possible cessation or reduction of the gas supply, the (partial) closure of the airspace above the Ukraine and Russia, significant obstacles in financial traffic with Russia, the loss of suppliers of goods such as grain or of customers for products such as flowers. Many important sectors depend on activities in this region, and far-reaching sanctions can have far-reaching consequences for Dutch businesses.
russian gas
As already mentioned, the cessation or reduction of the gas supply is a realistic scenario. The EU is currently coordinating with quiet diplomacy the search for alternative forms of gas or possible new gas suppliers. The Netherlands itself is 15 to 20 percent dependent on Russian gas. Provided there is a shortage of gas in the Netherlands, a National Gas Management Plan will be discussed, in which citizens and companies can be asked to use less gas, and the use of gasreserves can be considered.
What now
There is currently little to say about further developments. The hope remains that a diplomatic solution will be found. At the same time, it is important that Dutch companies seriously consider how they should respond to a possible escalation of the situation.
EU refers China to WTO following its trade restrictions on Lithuania
The EU has launched a case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the People’s Republic of China over its discriminatory trade practices against Lithuania, which are also hitting other exports from the EU’s Single Market. These actions, which appear to be discriminatory and illegal under WTO rules, are harming exporters both in Lithuania and elsewhere in the EU, as they also target products with Lithuanian content exported from other EU countries. As attempts to resolve this bilaterally have failed, the EU has resorted to initiating dispute settlement proceedings against China. The WTO consultations initiated today are the first step in this process. Read more>>
Sourcing
VF Corp launches enhanced traceability product maps
VF Corporation, one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies, enhanced its traceability mapping program by revealing Tier 1 through Tier 4 supplier information in a consolidated, downloadable file, bringing an unparalleled level of industry transparency. Read more>>
