Glossary

Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) are chemical treatment methods that use powerful oxidizing agents, such as hydroxyl radicals or ozone, to break down and degrade complex pollutants and contaminants in wastewater.

Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) are surfactants used as detergents in the textile industry, which can break down to release toxic nonylphenol, an endocrine disruptor linked to reproductive and developmental problems.

Alkylphenol ethoxylates

Advanced oxidation processes

Azo dyes are organic compounds bearing the functional group R−N=N−R′, in which R and R′ are usually aryl and substituted aryl groups. They are synthetic and do not occur naturally. Azo dyes comprise 60–70% of all dyes used to treat textiles, leather articles, and some foods. Chemically related derivatives of azo dyes include azo pigments, which are insoluble in water and other solvents.

Benzothiazoles are synthetic chemicals used as antimicrobial agents in textiles, which have raised concerns due to potential toxicity, mutagenicity, and endocrine disruption effects on human health.

Best practice(s) refers to the most efficient, effective, and reliable methods or processes that have been established as the standard(s) within the industry. These practices are developed through experience, research, and successful implementation, and they are adopted to improve productivity, ensure safety, reduce costs, and maintain high-quality standards in manufacturing or production processes.

Biocides are chemicals designed to control or kill microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses in various products or systems.

Blockchain technology can be a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof digital ledger for tracking chemical sourcing, processing, and use in the textile supply chain, enabling real-time monitoring and accountability. It works by creating an immutable record of transactions between suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers, allowing each party to verify the origin and movement of chemicals through the supply chain.

Chemical Management Systems (CMS) is software that enables a structured approach to monitor and control chemicals throughout the textile production process, integrating substance identification, hazard assessment, regulatory compliance, and information sharing within an organization or supply chain. It supports worker safety and the reduction of environmental impacts from manufacturing processes within the community and the broader environment.

A chemical product is any material or substance made through chemical processes or containing chemical compounds. These products can range from raw chemicals like acids and solvents to mixtures like paints, detergents, and cosmetics. REACH regulates the manufacture, import, and use of these chemicals in the European Union to ensure they are safe for human health and the environment.

In the context of textiles, chemical traceability refers to the ability to track and trace substances used in textile articles throughout the supply chain. This involves ensuring that all chemicals involved in the production process are documented and can be traced back to their origin (Schenten et al., 2019).

Chlorophenols are synthetic chemicals used as biocides in textiles, known to be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and endocrine disruptors, posing health risks to humans who come into contact with treated fabrics.

The Circular Economy is an economic model and system that aims to keep products and materials in use. Unlike a traditional linear economy, which follows a "take, make, dispose" model, the circular economy emphasizes extending the lifecycle of products, promoting sustainable resource use, where products and their components are continuously cycled back into the economy.

The circularity refers to the practice of designing and managing products to minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency, and enable the continual use of resources through recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing. It focuses on creating closed loops in production and consumption where materials are kept in circulation and their value is maintained over time.

A climate-neutral economy balances environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic stability. It involves not only eliminating net greenhouse gas emissions but also ensuring sustainable use of natural resources, protecting biodiversity and reducing all forms of pollution.

A closed-loop recycling is a process where waste materials are recycled back into the same product or a similar one. Instead of being discarded or used for different purposes, the material is continuously reused within the same system.

Chemical Management Systems

The Colour Index Database is a global reference system for identifying and classifying colours, pigments, and dyes, providing standardized names, numbers, and descriptions.

Describes consumers’ understanding of chemical traceability and informed decision making according to circular economy standards (purchase, use and disposal).

Describes the intensity of cooperation along the various value chain stakeholders (incl. the ability and willingness to be transparent and the perception of data protection aspects).

Describes the intensity of cooperation between two or more (potential) competitors and if necessary a neutral party to reach a common ground to trace the chemicals in the apparel sector.

Describes the extent to which public perception is critical regarding the management of chemical substances in the apparel industry. Critical public opinion is represented by the press, social media, NGOs, and consumers.

In the context of the Digital Product Passport, a data carrier refers to the technology or format used to store and transmit the digital information associated with a product. The data carrier ensures that this information can be accessed, shared, and used throughout the product's lifecycle by various stakeholders.

In the context of data access and storage, decentralized means that the data is not stored in a single, central location but is instead distributed across multiple locations or systems. This setup ensures that no single point of failure exists, making the system more resilient, secure, and accessible.