Zeology is awarded with the ToxFMD Screened Chemistry® Certificate

We are proud to announce that our subsidiary Nera has acquired ToxFMD Screened Chemistry^® certification for Zeology. Zeology is a truly sustainable alternative to existing tanning agents. It is zeolite-based and therefore chrome-free, heavy metal-free and aldehyde-free.

Zeology will be added to the partnering ZDHC brands’ shared Preferred Chemical List (PCL) and to CleanChain. Zeology was already certified ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) Level 3 conformant by Chem-MAP.

Screened Chemistry

Screened Chemistry^® is used by a variety of brands (such as H&M, Levi Strauss & Co., Nike Inc. and C&A) with the goal of advancing public health and environmental protection around the world. Screened Chemistry^® is the concept of identifying the use of safer alternatives while eliminating hazardous chemicals in the industry. In a Screened Chemistry^® approach, human health and environmental impacts are fully evaluated so dangerous chemical substitutions are avoided.

As part of a Screened Chemistry^® assessment, all intentionally added chemicals and residuals above 100 ppm (0.01%) are assessed for human health and environmental toxicity and fate hazards using robust chemical hazard assessment methodologies such as the GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals (CPA 2018). The formulation is chemically analyzed at an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory to provide additional assurance that the formulation complies with the current version of the ZDHC MRSL. In addition to the overall chemical hazard assessment, all assessed chemicals, with the exception of water, are assessed for skin sensitization potential.

Where the minimal amount of points required for certification is 20 Zeology scores 33,8! With this certification Nera adds additional proof that Zeology chrome, aldehyde and heavy metal free tanning is an integral part of making the leather value chain sustainable. With Zeology Nera supports brands at realizing their chrome free leather objectives while maintaining or further improve on leather quality.