Chemistry

Protect and preserve

VF insists on the use of safe and preferred chemistry in the high-performing products that consumers expect from us.  

We’ve committed to eliminate and/or restrict 100% of unwanted chemicals or substances, using the innovative CHEM-IQSM program, from VF’s supply chain by FY26. Learn more about our goal here.

37K+

chemical auxiliaries screened through the CHEM-IQSM program since 2016

1,075+ MT

of non-preferred chemicals removed from the supply chain since 2016

410+

supply chain factories participated in the CHEM-IQSM program in FY2023

CHEM-IQ - the perfect balance

Our proprietary CHEM-IQSM program helps us prevent use of unwanted chemical substances across our value chain before such substances could be used in the manufacturing of VF brand products. VF’s CHEM-IQSM program often restricts chemical substances prior to applicable regulatory restriction. When an unwanted chemistry is identified, we replace it with safer alternatives throughout our supply chain. 

To protect consumers and the workers making our products, we maintain strict protocols to manage chemistries throughout the supply chain, including our Restricted Substances List (RSL) and the CHEM-IQSM Substances to Avoid (STA) list. 

Through CHEM-IQSM, we’ve identified and removed more than 1,075 MT of non-preferred chemicals from our supply chain. CHEM-IQSM doesn’t limit our chemistry creativity; it enables us to accelerate product innovation in line with our green chemistry principles, reducing hazardous waste from product design to final production. 

In 2017, we made our CHEM-IQSM Program Manual available to other manufacturers so they can share its breakthrough benefits. Many players in our industry are now using CHEM-IQSM and we’re actively exploring new ways to extend its use throughout the textile supply chain. 

Stewardship and safety

Our commitment to product safety is uncompromising, and nowhere more so than in our use of chemicals and our approach to chemistry. We deliver safety through many forms—through associate and supplier training, safety audits, product testing, and strict adherence with our policies, standards, and Product Safety Manual.

Transforming raw materials into finished products is an incredibly complex process, and there are hundreds of different stages in our supply chains. Delivering the highest standards of safety and quality isn’t straightforward—it requires constant vigilance and investment in an end-to-end Product Stewardship Program, run by our specialist in-house Product Stewardship Team. The team gives us oversight at every stage of the supply chain and connects us to the suppliers and third parties involved, ensuring that our rigorous standards are met every step of the way.

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