Start by making sure you know what information you already have within your organisation. Identify the materials used in your products (e.g. cotton, wool, polyester) as well as the desired functions (e.g. water repellence, fire resistance, printing). Identify which types of chemicals used to obtain the aesthetic expression and the functions needed (e.g. colour, crease resistance, softness, water repellency, flame retardency).
Relevant information can be found in specifications, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), contracts or orders, or may be known by those responsible for the preparation of such documents.
Next step is to contact your trade association. They may be able to provide information about the latest chemical news, advice on where to find additional information and which substances to avoid or restrict in your specific products.
Further below you can find useful links to additional sources of information.
Textile groups and collaborations
http://www.made-by.org/ (Made-By)
http://www.afirm-group.com (AFIRM)
http://www.roadmaptozero.com (ZDHC)
https://www.wewear.org (AAFA)
http://outdoorindustry.org/ (OIA)
Regional/International industry associations
European Apparel and Textile Confederation http://euratex.eu/
International Association of Natural Textile Industry http://www.naturtextil.com/
International Apparel Federation http://iafnet.eu/
International Textile Manufacturers Federation http://www.itmf.org/wb/
International Wool Textile Organisation http://www.iwto.org/
African Cotton & Textile Industries Federation http://www.cottonafrica.com/
US National Council of Textile Production http://www.ncto.org/
The International Textile and Apparel Association http://itaaonline.org/
Industrial Fabrics Association International http://www.ifai.com/
Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council of India http://www.texprocil.org/
Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council of India http://www.srtepc.org/
