TOXIC BRANDS

Greenpeace have reported that traces of toxic chemicals harmful to the environment and to human health have been detected in products made by top clothing manufacturers.

Samples of clothing from Adidas, Uniqlo, Calvin Klein, H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lacoste, Converse and Ralph Lauren were found to be tainted with the chemicals, known as nonylphenol ethoxylates.

Greenpeace said that nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE's), commonly used as detergents in the production of synthetic textiles, were detected in two-thirds of the samples tested. "NPE's break down to form nonylphenol, which has toxic, persistent and hormone-disrupting properties."

Greenpeace said that it purchased branded clothing - mostly made in China, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines - and subjected it to scientific analysis. "Even at low levels, it represents a big threat to the environment and human health."
 
Adidas also came under fire in a separate Greenpeace report released last month, which accused them of polluting major rivers in China with chemical waste. As the second biggest player in the sportswear industry, Adidas has an obligation to detoxify its global supply chain. "So far, the brand has done nothing despite repeated requests. This is really unacceptable.”

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