Amazon

Corporate Chemicals Policy

Amazon launched a safer chemicals policy in 2018, which initially focused on private-label formulated products. Over time, the company has adopted additional chemical restrictions on private-brand food packaging, textiles, and some other products.

The policy no longer states an explicit preference for safer alternatives, though the company indicated it plans to revise the language during the next update.

Supply Chain Disclosure

All Amazon-owned Private Brand baby, household cleaning, personal care, and beauty products in the US & EU are required to register their products in WERCSmart, where their formulations are screened for Amazon RSL chemicals. Disclosure is for intentionally added chemicals, except for fragrance and flavors.

The company also requires disclosure of plastics in packaging for these private label categories as well as private label softlines.Disclosure of plastic packaging for hardline private brands is in process.

These disclosure practices do not apply to the hundreds of millions of other products sold on Amazon.com that are not covered by the policy.

Supplier Accountability

Amazon keeps private-label suppliers informed of updates to its RSLs for formulated products, apparel, footwear, home textiles, and food contact materials. The company ensures conformance with its RSLs via product testing and supplier declarations. For certain products, company accepts OEKO-TEX certifications in liu of testing. Amazon Devices also conducts yearly training for suppliers.

Consumer Disclosure

All Amazon private brand formulated products provide ingredient lists on display pages and the product labels.

Amazon also promotes products to consumers that meet standards including Safer Choice, EWG Verified, and Made Safe, which do not contain a set list of chemicals of high concern. This is through its Climate Pledge Friendly program.

Restricted Substances List (RSL)/Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL)

Amazon has developed restricted substance lists for its private brand baby, household cleaning, personal care, beauty products, Amazon Kitchen food contact packaging, apparel, apparel accessory, and footwear products. The restrictions vary based on geography. Restrictions apply to at least five classes of MTS chemicals of high concern and four plastics of high concern (for food packaging). The RSL for formulated products has been expanded in recent years to include an additional 708 chemicals. The company has also adopted the AFIRM RSL for all Amazon private brand apparel and home textiles.

The company has also developed a safer chemistry program for electronics but has not disclosed a RSL for electronics.

The company restricted methylene chloride and NMP in brand name paint removal products.

The company’s food contact RSL applies to recycled plastics and additives.

Its RSL’s are global in nature except for formulated products which are applicable for only the U.S. and Europe.

Chemicals and Plastics Reduction

Amazon expanded its RSL for private brand formulated products, adding an additional 708 chemicals. The company worked with suppliers to replace some of these chemicals with alternatives, but did not disclose which specific chemicals were replaced.

Amazon private brand devices removed polyethylene bags that surrounded the devices. The company has also been working to reduce the use of plastics in “jiffy mailers” and have been phasing out the use of these mixed material mailers.

Investment in Safer Solutions

Amazon Devices is funding a chemical hazard assessment in 2024, and the company has made other financial investments to perform chemical hazard assessments on chemicals used in devices.

Implementation of Safer Solutions

Amazon has expanded its Climate Pledge Friendly program to include and promote EPA Safer Choice and DFE certified products. Additionally, Amazon sells numerous private-label products that are Safer Choice certified.