British heritage label Burberry has responded to 'hazardous chemicals' allegations carried out by Greenpeace-led protests by pledging to remove potentially harmful substances from its factories by 2020.It was only last week that Greenpeace hit out at the brand after an investigation determined that harmful substances were present in 82 garments by 12 brands including H&M, Gap, American Apparel and Disney. Burberry was lambasted for the suspected chemicals being present in the metallic purple shirt modelled by 11-year-old Romeo Beckham in its spring/summer 2013 campaign.
Evidence proved that the Tunisia-made £175 shirt contained relatively high levels of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPES), man-made chemicals often used in detergents. NPEs degrade to nonylphenols (NP), which can interfere with hormones. The statement by the campaigning group also revealed each of the 12 brands tested sold children's items containing 'hazardous chemicals.'
In a formal response released on January 24, Burberry said: "All Burberry products are safe and fully adhere to international environmental and safety standards. We have an active programme dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of our supply chain, working in collaboration with our suppliers and NGOs. Greenpeace is aware of our work, which includes the commitment to eliminate from our supply chain the release of chemicals that have an environmental impact."
Despite this however, the British label has now pledged to remove all suspect chemicals from its factories by 2020 and inches Greenpeace's Detox campaign effort even closer to its goal, which urges major clothing brands to commit to zero discharge of all toxic chemicals by 2020.
lze Smit, Detox campaigner at Greenpeace International said to the Daily Mail:"Burberry's Detox commitment to rid us of these hazardous little monsters represents a new chapter in the story of toxic-free fashion," adding: "In taking this landmark step, Burberry has listened to their customers' demands and joins the ranks of brands acting on behalf of parents everywhere to give this toxic nightmare the happy ending it deserves."
She added that the move 'raises the bar for the luxury sector' in the lead-up to fashion weeks worlwide.
