Chemicals & supply chains
Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL)
A list of chemical substances banned from intentional use in manufacturing processes — notably the ZDHC MRSL for apparel and footwear — going beyond restrictions on the finished product.
Definition
A Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) is a list of chemical substances that must not be intentionally used in the facilities that process materials, as distinct from a Restricted Substances List (RSL), which limits residual substances in finished products. The best-known example is the ZDHC MRSL (currently version 3.1) for the textile, apparel, leather and footwear industries, with third-party conformance levels for chemical formulations.
References
Overview
What it means
An RSL protects the end consumer; an MRSL protects workers, communities and waterways by stopping hazardous chemistry at the factory gate — input control rather than output testing. Suppliers demonstrate conformance through certified chemical inventories and wastewater testing.
How it is used
Brands require suppliers to use MRSL-conformant formulations; chemical suppliers certify products against ZDHC conformance levels; procurement teams screen chemical inventories.
Why it matters
Input-based chemical management is the front line against toxic discharge in global supply chains, advancing SDG 6 (clean water) and SDG 12 (responsible production).
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