Burberry crackdown on toxins in clothing

BURBERRY will ban toxic chemicals in factories after residues were found in its children’s clothing.

Tests by Greenpeace found suspect chemicals in a style of shirt modelled by 11-year-old Romeo Beckham.

Harmful substances were found in children’s products made by 12 brands including Disney, Adidas and Primark, the campaign group said.

Many hazardous chemicals are now widespread in the environment after years of being discharged into waterways around clothing factories.

Last week it was revealed that a £175 metallic purple shirt worn by Romeo Beckham in Vogue magazine contained toxic chemicals.

Romeo, the Beckhams’ second child, wore the top for Burberry’s spring/ summer 2013 ad campaign alongside model Cara Delevingne.

Greenpeace tested the same style of shirt and found a relatively high level of nonylphenol ethoxylates.

These are man-made chemicals often used as detergents while cloth is being made. They degrade to form toxic nonylphenols, which affect hormones and can accumulate in the body over time. There is no evidence the levels found cause instant harm.

Burberry announced that it will remove all suspect chemicals from its factories by 2020.

Ilze Smit, of Greenpeace, said: ‘Burberry’s detox commitment to rid us of these hazardous little monsters represents a new chapter in the story of toxic-free fashion.’

She added that the move ‘raises the bar for the luxury sector’ in the run up to fashion weeks worldwide.