Satra’s latest seminars in the Far East highlighting current and new European legislation on restricted chemicals and substances found in some consumer clothing products have proved a major success for the UK technology centre. Satra chemist John Hubbard led the four-venue tour in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Thailand, highlighting what is an essential subject for product suppliers to the European Union.
He explained the common restricted substances, such as: Cadmium Chrome VI, Pentachlorophenol (PCP), Azo dyestuffs (aromatic amines), Formaldehyde, Di Octyl Phthalate plasticisers (DOPs), Protein in Latex, Organotins and extractable transition metals, such as Antimony, Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Selenium, Barium, Chromium and Mercury.
Some of these can be harmful when inhaled or when in contact with the skin and as a result are restricted in their use. Others cause long-term harm to the environment. The onus is, therefore, on manufacturers to confirm that these are absent from their products.
Hubbard says: ‘This was the first time Satra has explained the subject to industrialists in this the world’s most prolific manufacturing region. ‘The response was very encouraging. There was stimulating inter-action between Satra and the delegates and I think we’ve played a major role in promoting a greater awareness of the dangers of these substances and how organisations can ensure their products are acceptable for target markets.’
