WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Carter’s, the leading retailer of baby and children’s clothing in the US
is not transparent about the toxins and other chemicals used to
manufacture its clothing. In response, Green America has launched
a new campaign to urge Carter’s to adopt a strong and transparent
chemical management policy, starting by implementing a public
Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) and issuing public
updates as the company phases out the most dangerous chemicals.
Carter’s, the owner of OshKosh B’gosh and Skip Hop, currently provides
very little information to its customers and the public regarding the
chemicals used to produce its clothing. Green America reached out to
Carter’s in 2018 and 2019 to ask for details about its chemical
management policies, but the company declined. Common chemicals used in
the industry can affect the health of workers, worker communities, the
environment and consumers. For instance, azo dyes, banned in the EU, are
still one of the most commonly used dyes sold in clothing in the US, and
can produce a known carcinogen.
In June, Green America will release a comprehensive textile industry
report ranking major US clothing and textile companies on toxin use and
worker treatment. Carter’s has emerged as a clear problem company within
the report.
“Parents want to know that the clothing they are purchasing for their
babies and children is free from harmful chemicals,” said Green
America’s Social Justice Campaign Manager, Caroline Chen. “Non-toxic
clothes should be readily accessible to all, and not just available to
those who can afford to pay a premium. As the largest retailer of
baby clothes, Carter’s needs to come clean about toxins in its supply
chain and its plans to reduce those toxins and protect workers,
customers, and communities in the US and around the world.”
“The fashion industry’s use of toxic chemicals has, for too long,
placed workers, the environment, and consumers health in serious risk,”
said Alexandra McNair, CEO/Founder of Fashion FWD. “It is critical
for Carter’s to adopt a transparent comprehensive chemical management
policy so we can move forward into a healthier and safer future for
everyone.”
Carter’s has an internal restricted chemical list but does not provide
any information to its customers or the public about which chemicals are
prohibited. Carter’s is less transparent than several other clothing
companies, including Gap and Target, about the factories it uses to
manufacture its clothing and the protections for workers at those
factories.
Carter’s also has one Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified
organic line of clothing, which demonstrates the company’s ability to
manufacture clothing free of harmful chemicals, but this is a drop in
the bucket compared to its overall clothing production, and the company
should extend these certified practices to all of its clothing lines to
better protect consumers and those impacted along the supply chain.
Carter’s does not publish a corporate social responsibility (CSR)
report, which would help the company to measure and communicate its
performance on environmental, social, and governance measures.
The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries on Earth,
with over 8,000 chemicals in use. Many of these chemicals are harmful,
resulting in devastating consequences for workers and communities. Some
of the most commonly used dyes contain known carcinogens and an
estimated 20% of industrial water pollution is attributed to the textile
manufacturing industry. Leaders in the industry are adopting publicly
available MRSLs and RSLs that limit toxic exposure at the factory level
and protect consumers.
ABOUT GREEN AMERICA
Green America is the nation’s leading green economy organization.
Founded in 1982, Green America provides the economic strategies,
organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to
solve today’s social and environmental problems. http://www.GreenAmerica.org
ABOUT FASHION FWD
Fashion is a dynamic and booming industry. But it’s also dangerous and
harmful. The hazardous chemicals used to make our clothing can seriously
harm our health. Everyone across the supply chain is affected — from
factory workers to consumers. At Fashion FWD, we’re paving the path
forward by providing the knowledge, resources, and tools you need to
make more informed decisions about the clothes you purchase and wear.
Contacts
Max Karlin for Green America, (703) 276-3255, or [email protected]
