Alpinestars have released a statement following the brand’s recall of its GP Plus gloves that was announced at the end of May.
Chromium (VI) is a substance which can cause a variety of health issues, but in particular the ones pertaining to the Alpinestars gloves are those caused by skin contact, which the UK government details as dermatitis, and skin ulcers if left untreated.
As a result of the discovery of Chromium (VI), which is used in the production of stainless steel, the European Commission called for the product to be removed from market.
Alpinestars’ statement released in response says that the Chromium (VI) that has been discovered in its gloves was not used in the manufacturing process, but instead has emerged as a result of the oxidation of Chromium (III).
“Alpinestars has been working closely with ILNAS of Luxembourg since the discovery of Chromium VI in an old batch of GP Plus Gloves model 3556513-12 (black/white) with production code: OA86990, put in production in 2015,” an Alpinestars statement reads.
“Alpinestars does not use Chromium VI in our leather manufacturing process. Instead, Chromium VI can over time be formed from the oxidation of Chromium III (which is the most common tanning agent in the tanning of leather) due to certain environmental conditions and circumstances (heat, UV, changes in pH). For this reason Alpinestars conducts accelerated ageing processes as part of its ongoing chemical management system,” the statement says.
Alpinestars’ statement continues, saying that their GP Plus gloves did not form an “excess level of Chromium VI” in the manufacturer’s own independent ageing simulation tests.
The statement reads: “The GP Plus model 3556513 was first developed in 2013. Since the introduction of the REACH regulations and the specific Chromium VI restriction introduced in 2014 (Reg. 301/2014), Alpinestars has embarked upon a stringent chemical management system. Based on the chemical tests conducted over the years by Alpinestars, GP Plus model gloves did not form an excess level of Chromium VI in the independent tests made to simulate the ageing of the products.
“On the May 27th 2022 publishing of the product report on RAPEX, which we fully support and have given input on, we have taken the necessary steps to ensure this particular batch of gloves is no longer on the market.
“Since the productions of the above model 3556513, the GP Plus models have been replaced by GP Plus model 3556517 and the current GP Plus model 3556520.
“Chromium VI is classified as a skin sensitizer and can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
"It is with this in mind, that we advise any consumers who may still be in possession of this particular batch OA86990 of GP Plus Black/White gloves, to return them to their local Alpinestars dealer or contact directly Alpinestars Product Support directly by email at the following address: p.support@alpinestars.com to make arrangements for the return and replacement of the gloves.
“Please refer your check only to glove model 3556513-12 indicated with OA n° 86990 located in the internal label on the cuff of the gloves.
“Alpinestars takes quality issues very seriously and we regularly test the leather products we sell for Chromium VI and have not detected any abnormalities to date. We regret any inconvenience caused to our customers.”
