Singapore-based dye and chemical provider Huntsman Textile Effects and Singapore-based textile
manufacturer Ramatex Group have formed a strategic partnership with the goal of becoming the first
textile company globally that is committed to helping major brands fulfill commitments in the Joint
Roadmap: Toward Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals — an initiative recently issued by brands and
marketers including Adidas Group, C&A, H&M, Li Ning, Nike Inc. and Puma to lead the apparel
and footwear industry toward eliminating hazardous materials discharge in the supply chain by 2020.
The initiative is a direct response to Amsterdam-based advocacy group Greenpeace
International’s Detox challenge to global sportswear and fashion brands following its Dirty Laundry
reports, which found hazardous chemicals released by textile facilities in China and disclosed that
samples of clothing and footwear from 15 brands tested positive for toxic chemicals.
“As a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Huntsman Textile Effects is proud to be a
part of this major initiative in driving sustainability throughout the whole textile value chain,”
said Paul Hulme, president, Huntsman Textile Effects. “This partnership [with Ramatex] will
leverage our combined capabilities to deliver not only the challenges of the roadmap but indeed
create a model for real, sustainable change within the textile industry.”
Ramatex was established in 1976 and became vertically integrated in 1990, allowing it to
control the entire apparel manufacturing process from spinning, knitting, dyeing and printing to
exporting. The company operates three fabric mills and 13 apparel factories in Singapore, Malaysia,
Cambodia and China.
“Ramatex has always been committed to meeting the needs of the brands and responsible to the
consumers we supply,” said Ma Wong Ching, chairman, Ramatex. “It is clear that the Joint Roadmap is
challenging and ambitious but represents an important first step in reducing the environmental
impacts of the textile industry. I am proud to say that with our solid foundation and the strong
support of our partner, Huntsman we are well placed to meet the challenge.”
December 13, 2011