How has chemical management changed compared to before, and what is the current focus?
Chemical management has shifted from “end-of-pipe inspection and rectification” to “full-process control,” covering the entire process from procurement to production to discharge. It now includes auxiliary materials and gradually promotes traceability and collaboration along the upstream and downstream supply chain.
The focus lies in whether raw materials comply with MRSL, whether the entire chain is traceable, whether high-risk chemicals are substituted, and whether final products meet RSL compliance.
We are a small factory. Does chemical management have nothing to do with our business?
It does. Good chemical management is a basic requirement for securing orders. It helps avoid risks such as environmental penalties and product scrap. Small factories don’t need to copy the systems used by large enterprises — focusing on the core areas enables cost-effective compliance.
As a small enterprise with limited funds, how can we achieve MRSL compliance at low cost?
- Establish a simplified chemical inventory and record book, focusing on managing high-risk chemicals;
- Request suppliers to provide MRSL compliance certificates and conduct third-party spot checks on high-risk chemicals to ensure safety and compliance.
Our company has no relevant knowledge at all. Where should we start with chemical management?
- Understand the pain points and expectations in daily operations;
- Focus on key issues and prioritize implementation. If the factory has no clear direction, consider conducting a specialized chemical management audit to identify gaps and weak points, then address the most critical areas accordingly.
From the perspective of large buyers and brands, what is the most difficult part of implementing sustainable chemical management?
The challenge for brands may lie in the multiple tiers of the supply chain, varying levels of chemical management awareness and capability across these tiers, disconnects between practices and documentation, and a lack of information sharing between upstream and downstream partners.
