Eurofins | BLC Develops Chrome VI Risk Profiler Tool for Leather
Eurofins | BLC are renowned for innovation and have recently created an Excel-based desktop tool to profile the risk of chromium VI (chrome VI) formation in tanneries, with the aim of enabling better management of this notable restricted substance for manufacturers, brands and retailers of leather and leathergoods.
At Eurofins | BLC, our experts have identified key questions in the Chrome VI Risk Profiler tool to highlight the risk associated with chrome VI formation. The tool has been designed so that tannery details can be inputted to the spreadsheet which automatically produces a risk score. This risk score can be used immediately to start to identify the risk of controlling chrome VI.
Why should you profile chrome VI risk?
Chrome VI is a restricted substance that is regulated internationally due to its carcinogenic and sensitizing properties. It is the responsibility of brands, retailers and manufacturers to ensure that chrome VI risk is minimized in the supply chain so that ultimately, consumers and workers are protected. The Chrome VI Risk Profiler is an ideal tool to support the chemical management of chrome VI.
How is chromium VI (chrome VI, Cr6) formed?
Chromium III tanned leather can form traces of chromium VI under certain environmental conditions. The conversion from chromium III to chromium VI is an oxidation process and can be facilitated by the factors like heat, UV radiation, changes in pH, presence of unsaturated organic compounds (e.g. natural fats), oxidizing agents and many other factors. Often several of these factors need to be present at the same time.
The formation of chromium VI from chromium III can be slow which means that articles not containing chromium VI directly after production of the leather may develop some chromium VI during transport and storage, especially where there is a propensity for chrome VI to form due to the conditions outlined.
Under well managed production conditions, chrome tanned leather should pose a low risk of containing chrome VI. Poor process control, poor quality chrome powder and adverse storage conditions can, however, cause the formation of the harmful hexavalent form of chromium.
New Chrome VI Risk Profiler Tool
The Eurofins | BLC Chrome VI Risk Profiler Tool works through responses to a series of questions covering a multitude of different risk categories are sent to the tannery for completion. On return of the questionnaire, the results are entered into the profiling tool which automatically generates a risk profile for the tannery.
Why use the Chrome VI Risk Profiler Tool?
- Demonstrates that compliance is taken seriously
- To assess chrome VI risk within the supply chain
- Helps to identify where chrome VI audits may be needed
- Helps to formulate a smart testing plan (which suppliers, volume, frequency etc.)
- The individual category scores help to identify which areas of manufacturing require improvement/attention
- Supports chemical management objectives
- An education piece/training process for the brand and its’ suppliers
- Easy to use
Get a Demonstration of the Chrome VI Risk Profiler Tool
If your business is looking to profile the risk of chrome VI in the leather supply chain, contact one of our experts today to find out more and to receive a demonstration of the tool. Email [email protected], call +44 (0)1604 679 999 or complete the form at the bottom of this web page.
8 January 2019