T-ChIP Is a Unique Chemical Hazard and Risk Assessment Program

T-ChIP, the new Textile Chemical Information Profile program, opened for business on January 22nd. T-ChIP is a unique chemical hazard and risk assessment program designed by textile chemistry experts specifically for textile and textile chemical manufacturers.

Manufacturers confidentially submit information about their commercial textile chemical products through the secure website. T-ChIP accesses the latest human and environmental toxicological data and conducts a verifiable, ingredient-level hazard and risk assessment.

T-ChIP provides manufacturers with a concise summary of the hazard/risk profile that helps the manufacturer manage chemicals responsibility, communicate with brands and retailers, and respond to the industry’s mandate for more sustainable, greener textile chemistry.

Commercial textile chemical products, such as finishing agents, lubricants, detergents, dyes, and pigments, are complex blends of many chemicals, the formulas for which are usually proprietary.

Until recently, it has been acceptable to provide hazard assessment data for a commercial product as described by the MSDS. But sustainability-minded brands and retailers are now demanding hazard information for that product’s individual ingredients as well. T-ChIP provides a confidential means to conduct that ingredient-level hazard assessment without revealing valuable formulation trade secrets.

Through the secure portal, manufacturers disclose information about their commercial chemical products including a detailed list of ingredients. T-ChIP thoroughly evaluates the hazards posed by the chemical product and its ingredients against all pertinent RSLs, SVHC lists, international regulations, and the latest toxicological knowledge.

But hazard assessment is only one part of a responsible chemical management program. The other critical component is risk management. To assess risk, manufacturers provide additional information about operating procedures in areas such as water, air, and waste treatment, materials handling, and employee training.

T-ChIP benchmarks these procedures against the industry’s standard practices and assesses the manufacturer’s risk. T-ChIP then combines the risk assessment and hazard assessment to gauge the likelihood that the commercial chemical compound may pose a threat when used as intended.

T-ChIP aligns with the chemical management ideals of the AAFA, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, USEPA, AFIRM, OIA, and many others. T-ChIP is recognized by many respected textile certification organizations as an effective chemical management tool.