Britain’s Burberry revealed this week a report outlining its continued investigation into the existence of hazardous chemicals used in the manufacturing of its clothing, adding it plans to compile a Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL) in response to the presence of the compounds, alkylphenols and phthalates.The London-based luxury brand began investigations in January and since then has arrived at looking closely at its partners - those involved in the label’s supply chain and manufacturing processes - and their use of alkylphenols and phthalates in water and raw materials.Through the study of the partners’ incoming water, pre-treatment effluent and post-treatment water samples, 52% tested positive for phthalates. Some 29% of these positive readings were attributed to the incoming water and effluent. Approximately, 64% of the phthalates were detected in effluent only, while 7% of positive results showed phthalates in incoming water only.The Burberry report also revealed its results from the testing of raw materials used in the manufacturing of the brand’s A/W 14 collection. The investigation found 11.1% of partners’ materials detected phthalates, while 88.9% were found to contain traces of alkyl phenols.Burberry’s report recognised the two chemicals were found in their supply chain but went on to state it reflects lack of knowledge on their existence and impact on the environment.“This investigation has identified that the general awareness among suppliers related to the use of and presence of alkylphenols and phthalates does not correlate with the findings of effluent and raw materials testing,” read the report.The reported added: “Although all findings indicate legal compliance and to local and international legislation, there is a significant need for increased awareness of potential sources of contamination against partners.”The results have prompted Burberry to develop a Burberry Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL) and update its current Product Restricted Substance List.Alkylphenols are a group of man-made chemicals primarily used as detergent agents for scouring and bleaching or as emulsifiers in dyestuff and pigment preparations.Phthalates are chemicals typically used as plasticiser in printing, coating and in PVC based materials to provide flexibility and softness.Burberry concluded its report by saying it still plans to extend its ongoing effluent testing to 80% of global production.