Our chemical requirements

Sustainable fashion is better for our environment - and for us as people. At Newbie we have strict chemical requirements, and we conduct thousands of tests in independent laboratories to ensure your confidence in the products we make for your little ones. 

Chemicals are added during the production process of textiles, for example, so that colours last or when children's functional clothing is treated for waterproofing. Most are harmless, but some can be harmful to the environment and people.

Therefore, at Newbie we have strict requirements regarding chemicals. This applies to our entire range. Our Chemical Restrictions List (pdf) details all substances that we prohibit. The requirements are updated regularly and are among the most stringent in the industry. 

We go further than most:

• We follow the EU chemicals legislation REACH.
• We follow the strictest laws of the countries in which we are located.
• The requirements for Oeko-Tex labelling, apply to all our clothes.
• We follow the Textile Importers Chemicals Guide.
• We prohibit chemicals according to information from government agencies, voluntary organisations and scientific reports.

All our suppliers undertake to comply with our requirements. We carry out thousands of random checks to ensure this. The tests are conducted by independent accredited laboratories.

We replace and remove chemicals

We work with relevant organisations to help improve the management of chemicals in our industry. We cooperate with authorities, other businesses and organisations to improve standards. We are members of the research organisation Swerea Chemical Group and contribute to discussions and panels with the Swedish Chemicals Agency.

Through constant updating and assessment, we stay a step ahead. Since spring 2014, we have prohibited perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) for example, in our production. We also prohibit PVC, phthalates, banned azo dyes and hazardous flame retardants, among other things. 

Research is progressing and we are working intensively and proactively on chemical related issues within the industry. We abide by the standard EU regulations, so that our industry can become more sustainable. We do it out of care and respect for people and our environment.