Burberry to offer toxic-free fashion

After previously rebutting allegations from Greenpeace that garments from its children's wear

line were infested with "hazardous chemicals," British luxury brand Burberry has announced its commitment to eliminate the use of dangerous chemicals from its supply chain by January 1, 2020.

The announcement comes two weeks after environmental group Greenpeace published its report, titled "A little story about the monsters in your closet", which revealed traces of potentially harmful chemicals has been found in children's clothing and footwear from twelve international brands such as Primark, Gap, H&M and Burberry. Greenpeace called on its followers to campaign on the luxury brand's social media channels and urge them to join its detox campaign.

As part of its commitment to cut out all hazardous chemicals from all products that Burberry produces or sells, the luxury fashion house will priorities its apparel range. Burberry has also agreed that it will begin disclosing the chemical discharges of its suppliers in the South by no later than end of June. Additionally, Burberry has also confirmed that it shall eliminate all per-and poly - fluorinated chemicals in its supply chain by July 1, 2016. Both chemicals are man-made and widely used in the fashion industry to make textile and leather products stain and water-proof.

Burberry issued the following statement concerning its commitment to remove hazardous chemicals from its products early this week: "We also have an active and on-going programme dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of our supply chain, working in collaboration with our suppliers and NGOs. This includes a commitment to eliminate from our supply chain the release of chemicals that have an environmental impact, going beyond required international environmental and safety standards."

Ilze Smit, Detox campaigner at Greenpeace International commented: "Burberry's commitment to rid us of these hazardous little monsters opens a new chapter in the story of toxic-free fashion. In taking this landmark step, Burberry has listened to its customers demands, joining the ranks of brands acting on behalf of parents everywhere to give this toxic nightmare the happy ending it deserves."

"Burberry's move raises the bar for the luxury sector. With the Fashion Weeks coming up, brands like Gucci, Versace and Louis Vuitton risk getting left behind. From budget to luxury, people have a right to demand our clothes are free from hazardous chemicals and big brands have a responsibility to do something about it," added Smit.

Other fashion companies who have joined Greenpeace's detox campaign and committed to eliminating hazardous chemicals from its supply chain by 2020 include; Nike, Adidas, Puma, H&M, M&S, Zara. Mango, Levi's and G-Star Raw.