Our Chemical Management & Product Compliance

At Sioen, product safety, responsible chemical management and regulatory compliance are integral to our sustainability approach. We continuously work to ensure that our materials, products and manufacturing processes meet applicable legislation, customer requirements and recognized industry standards.

Our approach

Our approach combines supplier engagement, independent certifications, internal quality systems and continuous monitoring of emerging chemical regulations. This enables us to proactively manage chemical risks, increase transparency and support the transition towards safer and more sustainable material solutions.

OEKO-TEX®

Sioen uses internationally recognized certification systems to support product safety and sustainable manufacturing.

Many fabrics and textile components used in our products are certified according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, providing independent verification that tested materials comply with strict requirements regarding harmful substances. In addition, Sioen NV is certified according to OEKO-TEX® STeP (Sustainable Textile & Leather Production) at Level 3, the highest certification level within the system.

The OEKO-TEX® STeP certification covers design, quality control, production management and logistics activities and includes requirements related to environmental performance, chemical management, occupational health and safety and social responsibility. Our certified facility also meets the requirements of the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL).

REACH Compliance

Compliance with chemical legislation forms a fundamental part of our product stewardship programme.

Sioen requires compliance with the European REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) throughout its supply chain. All suppliers are contractually required to comply with applicable chemical legislation and provide written declarations confirming compliance.

Materials are screened for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) and assessed against applicable regulatory requirements. Compliance is supported by supplier declarations, internal quality processes and risk-based verification activities. In addition, our Supplier Code of Conduct requires transparency and responsible chemical management throughout the supply chain.

PFAS Transition

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have historically been used in certain textile applications where high levels of water, oil or chemical repellency are required.

Sioen is actively evaluating and implementing PFAS reduction and substitution strategies wherever technically feasible and compatible with product performance, durability and certification requirements. For many product categories, PFAS-free alternatives are already available and are being progressively introduced.

At the same time, certain specialist applications in protective clothing may still require fluorinated technologies in order to achieve specific performance requirements defined by applicable standards. In these cases, Sioen carefully balances worker safety, product durability, regulatory developments and environmental considerations while continuously investigating suitable alternatives.
As regulatory requirements evolve, including ongoing European discussions regarding broader PFAS restrictions, Sioen remains committed to reducing reliance on PFAS while maintaining the protection levels required in demanding professional environments.

Restricted Substances & Product Safety

Beyond PFAS, Sioen applies a broader approach to chemical risk management.
Our chemical compliance programme includes:

  • Supplier chemical compliance requirements
  • Internal Restricted Substances Lists (RSL)
  • Risk-based supplier and material assessments
  • Monitoring of SVHC substances
  • Compliance with applicable REACH requirements
  • Continuous monitoring of emerging regulatory developments
  • Product testing and certification where relevant

Through this structured approach, we strive to ensure that products meet legal requirements while supporting the highest standards of safety and quality.

Responsible Chemical Stewardship

Responsible chemical management extends beyond legal compliance. Sioen continuously works with suppliers, customers, industry organisations and certification bodies to improve transparency and identify more sustainable alternatives.

Chemical considerations are embedded in product development, sourcing decisions and manufacturing processes. New materials and finishing technologies are evaluated not only for their technical performance, but also for their environmental impact, regulatory outlook and long-term sustainability potential.

By combining certification, regulatory compliance, supplier engagement and innovation, Sioen aims to support a safer and more sustainable textile value chain while continuing to deliver high-performance solutions for professional users worldwide.

Liens connexes