We aim to continuously decrease our chemical footprint, as it is estimated that a significant share of global chemical output and industrial water pollution originates from the textile industry. In textile manufacturing processes such as bleaching, dyeing, printing, and finishing, various chemicals are used to ensure the appearance and properties of the textiles.
The use of chemicals in production is strictly regulated in Europe e.g. with the REACH chemical legislation. Marimekko’s other customer markets such as Japan and the United States also have their own stringent chemical regulations. It is Marimekko’s responsibility to ensure that all Marimekko products – manufactured in Europe and elsewhere – comply with chemical requirements of both European legislation and the legislation and regulation in Marimekko’s other customer markets. For our suppliers, we have implemented chemical management principles, which are detailed in our contracts and in Marimekko’s Restricted Substances List. We monitor compliance with these requirements through risk-based material tests or product-specific analytical tests performed in external laboratories.
We seek to further reduce the use of chemicals and replace them with alternatives that lessen the burden on the environment. To support this work, Marimekko’s own printing factory offers unique possibilities for testing new dyestuffs and other chemicals in the printing process.
Marimekko’s printing factory has its own environmental and chemicals management processes in place. Most of the fabrics printed at our printing factory are certified according to the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®. The certificate guarantees that the materials contain no substances harmful to people or the environment, as detailed in the standard criteria. In 2023, 80 percent of the fabrics printed by our factory were covered by the certification. To further reduce the use of chemicals, we have increased the share of unbleached materials used in our printing factory. In 2023, the share of unbleached materials used in our printing factory was 40 percent. In 2023, we piloted alginate-based thickener for printing paste together with Origin by Ocean and tested new plant-based dyes in the printing factory.
Since July 2019, all new products have been free from PFCs and PVC. Our products are not treated with flame retardants and we do not use biocides in our products or to protect them during transportation. Biocides are active substances that are meant to protect items against microbes, for example.
The CE marking on the product guarantees that the product meets EU health, safety and environmental requirements, which ensure consumer safety. Reflectors, oven mittens and kettle holders have to bear the CE marking.
Our dishes and tin cans are food safe. Legislation on this subject protects human health from harmful substances which could be transferred to food from the article or the materials used in it.