A large number of retail chains are increasingly extending their support to the “Detox” campaign by Greenpeace against use of polluting chemicals in the textile industry.
Kaufland, a supermarket chain, is the latest addition to this list. Kaufland confirmed the signing of a voluntary commitment, refraining from using polluting substances in the manufacture of textiles and shoes by 2020.
The campaign against polluting chemicals in textile production was initiated in 2011 by Greenpeace, which called on retailers like Edeka / Netto, Norma or the Metro subsidiary Real to join hands in this movement. The Edeka group (Hamburg), a textile private label, also ensured their support to Greenpeace in the campaign and would meet the Oeko-Tex 100 Standard.
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According to the textile expert of Greenpeace, Kirsten Brodde, Aldi, Lidl and Rewe / Penny, Tchibo and the Swiss chain Coop have become a trend-setter in this initiative among the supermarkets and the progress reports suggests that almost all harmful chemicals have been banned. However, programs for collection and recycling of textiles would set in motion.
The Detox Campaign is designed for a toxic-free future, as today the world is filled with hazardous chemicals causing havoc from the factory to the high street to our homes. The purpose of the campaign was to expose the direct links between global clothing brands, their suppliers and toxic water pollution around the world.Since July 2011, the Detox campaign has mobilised hundreds of thousands of people around the world to challenge major clothing brands to eliminate all releases of hazardous chemicals from their supply chains and products. There are 33 international brands who have joined the campaign, which corresponds to 15 per cent of global textile production.
