Chemical Management at Recover™: a proactive approach to safer and more sustainable recycling

At Recover™, sustainability begins with the way we transform textile waste into high-quality recycled cotton fiber. Unlike conventional textile manufacturing processes that often rely on extensive wet processing and chemical treatments, Recover’s core recycling technology is primarily a mechanical process that requires minimal chemical and water inputs. This reduces potential environmental impacts while supporting our mission to accelerate circularity in the textile industry.

While chemical use in our operations is limited, our commitment to responsible chemical stewardship is not. We recognize that any substance used in manufacturing must be managed with the highest level of control, transparency, and accountability. This is achieved through our broader sustainability strategy, which is built on a comprehensive Chemical Management System (CMS) designed to protect people, products, and the environment throughout the chemical lifecycle. The framework is formalized through our Chemical Management Policy and Chemical Management System Manual, which incorporate key requirements and commitments, including adherence to ZDHC guidelines, compliance with MRSL requirements, and the maintenance of an internal chemical inventory.

Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) Commitment and Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Alignment

Recover follows a Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL)-based approach to chemical management. Our Chemical Management System incorporates internationally recognized frameworks such as AFIRM Restricted Substances Lists (RSL) and the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) MRSL. The objective is to eliminate hazardous substances at the source before they enter production processes. 

The ZDHC MRSL is a globally recognized, science-based list of chemical substances prohibited from intentional use during manufacturing processes. Unlike traditional product-focused restrictions, it addresses chemicals at the input stage, helping prevent pollution before it occurs. 

Recover requires chemical suppliers to demonstrate compliance with applicable MRSL requirements and gives preference to suppliers that can provide recognized ZDHC conformance documentation and certifications. Supplier qualification processes include verification of Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS), chemical composition information, and supporting compliance documentation. Chemical compliance is therefore integrated into procurement and supplier approval activities rather than being treated as a standalone exercise. 

Recover’s Chemical Inventory

Recover maintains a Chemical Inventory List (CIL) as part of its Chemical Management System, ensuring full traceability of all substances used throughout operations. The inventory includes production chemicals, laboratory reagents, maintenance products, and other controlled substances, each linked to corresponding Safety Data Sheets and approval records. 

The quantity and diversity of chemicals used in Recover’s manufacturing process remain very limited compared with traditional textile production. The primary purpose of these substances is to support specific operational requirements, such as antistatic performance during fiber processing, or during laboratory testing, equipment maintenance, or quality assurance activities.

Because our recycling process is fundamentally mechanical, chemical consumption represents only a minor component of our overall production system, supporting our objective to minimize environmental impacts while maintaining product quality and consistency.

Monitoring Chemical Discharge and Waste Management

Recover's chemical management strategy extends beyond inventory control to include monitoring potential environmental releases and responsible waste management practices.

Our operations evaluate and control potential pathways for:

• Chemical discharge to water and waterways.

• Air emissions associated with manufacturing activities and upstream supply chains.

• Generation and disposal of sludge, hazardous waste, and other solid waste streams.

• Storage, handling, and final disposal of chemical residues,

Our Chemical Management System actively restricts hazardous, toxic, persistent, and bioaccumulative substances from being introduced into operations. This approach supports internationally recognized chemical management principles, including those promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, which seek to reduce risks associated with hazardous chemicals and waste worldwide.

Supply Chain Controls, Audits and Continuous Improvement

The effectiveness of these controls is periodically assessed through internal audits, certification audits, customer assessments, and sustainability evaluation programs. Chemical management requirements are also reviewed as part of GRS implementation, Higg FEM assessments, and customer-specific compliance programs. Audit findings and performance reviews are used to identify opportunities for continual improvement.

At Recover, chemical management is not simply a compliance obligation, it is a key element of responsible manufacturing. Through a combination of restricted substance management, supplier engagement, rigorous monitoring, employee training, and continuous improvement, we strive to ensure that our recycled fibers are produced in a manner that protects workers, consumers, communities, and the environment.

Our Chemical Policy is publicly available and reflects our commitment to safe, transparent, and sustainable chemical management across all global operations.