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Verified InCheck - Level 1
Wastewater Treatment System Operator Minimum Qualifications
ZDHC Air Emissions Position Paper
The world’s largest database enabling safer choices of chemical products available to the textile, apparel and footwear industry. The ZDHC Gateway operates on transparency and collaboration to clean up supply chains and eliminate harmful substances.
The ZDHC Supplier Platform enables suppliers to evaluate their knowledge and implementation status against the industry best practices. The Platform marks the entry point to take full ownership of the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme implementation efforts.
The global academic centre and training platform specialised in sustainable chemical management offered through ZDHC Accredited Training Providers.
ZDHC Laboratory and Certifier Management Platform
The comprehensive and easy-to-use platform to manage the assessment process for sustainable chemical products and establish its acceptance certification.
ZDHC Expert Platform (coming soon)
ZDHC Approved Experts on speed dial to support you in the implementation of sustainable chemical management. The platform to accelerate impact.
Help preserve our resources and protect future generations,
fund ZDHC Projects to detox the fashion and footwear supply chain.
ZDHC envisions a toxic-free future in fashion and footwear for our consumers, workers and the environment. We are working with leading NGOs, policymakers and public institutions to challenge the industry together.
Existing and aligned global frameworks can achieve considerably more than clustered regulations. ZDHC is accepted and policed by global brands to drive collective impact. For our stakeholders at brands, manufacturers and chemical suppliers, we guide the industry towards implementing a seamless chemical management framework until this shared future is a reality.
We address the source of the problem, re-engineer the entry point to production, and evolve the product creation process until safer, economically viable and sustainable solutions can be offered at scale. To foster the innovation that preserves our planet, we are looking for your funding to research, develop and pioneer future-embracing solutions.
Thriving Brand & Retailer community, covering the global fashion & footwear industry
5.200+ facilities, targeting to grow to 12.000 over the next 3 years
The Roadmap to Zero Programme publishes global guidelines to drive large-scale industry-wide implementation
The ZDHC Implementation HUB provides extensive implementation tools & solutions
Supplier to Zero programme offers solutions, training and experts.
Largest global database of sustainable chemistry
The ZDHC Gateway includes nearly 46.000 safer alternative chemical products
Large implementation base and thriving community
Brand & Retailer community, covering a  large percentage of of the global fashion & footwear industry
Our Global Textile industry includes 5.200+ facilities, targeting to grow to 12.000  over next 3 years
Over 1.4000 chemical manufacturers from the global Chemical industry have joined ZDHC today
Largest global database of sustainable chemistry
The ZDHC Gateway includes nearly 46.000 safer alternative chemical products
Publicly available resources are the key to our success to drive large-scale industry-wide implementation
The Roadmap to Zero Programme publishes global guidelines
The ZDHC Implementation HUB provides extensive implementation tools & solutions
Supplier to Zero programme offers solutions, training and experts.
Why Fund ZDHC Projects
Sustainable chemistry has moved to the very top of the European Commission agenda and policymakers worldwide, as well as the investment community.
Sustainability undoubtedly remains the top priority for the coming years and with increasing urgency. Starting this year, new regulations related to due diligence and governance in the supply chain will become mandatory in the European Union, applicable to global supply chain. As a natural effect, the EU chemicals strategy is becoming an integrated part of the Green Deal.
The Brands and Apparel sectors sit firmly at the nexus of growing demand from customers, governments, and investors to address material ESG externalities across the value chain.
As the leading initiative in sustainable chemical management for the apparel and footwear industry, ZDHC will further advance implementation and continue to drive a positive conjoint impact on our planet’s interest and society’s well-being.
ZDHC has identified the following key projects and areas which match the DNA of ZDHC, as well as market needs, to work collaboratively via funding and investment support from organisations including philanthropic, governmental, public institutions, development agencies and financial investment institutions.
Sustainability undoubtedly remains the top priority for the coming years and with increasing urgency. Starting this year, new regulations related to due diligence and governance in the supply chain will become mandatory in the European Union, applicable to the global supply chain. As a natural effect, the EU chemicals strategy is becoming an integrated part of the Green Deal.
The Brands and Apparel sectors sit firmly at the nexus of growing demand from customers, governments, and investors to address material ESG externalities across the value chain.
As the leading initiative in sustainable chemical management for the apparel and footwear industry, ZDHC will further advance implementation and continue to drive a positive conjoint impact on our planet’s interest and society’s well-being.
ZDHC has identified the following key projects and areas which match the DNA of ZDHC, as well as market needs, to work collaboratively via funding and investment support from organisations including philanthropic, governmental, public institutions, development agencies and financial investment institutions:
Call for funding ZDHC Projects
Sustainable Chemistry has moved to the very top of the European Commission agenda and policymakers worldwide, as well the investment community.
Supporting Product Environmental Footprint
Sustainable Chemistry & Resource Management
Environmental Supply Chain Management
Untapping SME’s environmental impact
Project of the Future
Biodiversity is heavily linked to sustainable chemical management. The latter stands at the core of environmental performance indicators such as wastewater, air- and GHG emissions, energy and water pollution. The global fashion and footwear industry must implement sustainable chemical management systems within their supply chains to improve their environmental impact.
improved waste management, water pollution prevention and improved water stewardship through national regulation and ZDHC standard conformance
prevention of harmful chemicals in manufacturing process and end-product
reduced air- and GHG emission through facilities process optimisation
improved occupational health & safety through chemicals handling and storage standards
The positive impact of chemical management on environmental indicators including energy efficiency, GHG reduction and water stewardship
ZDHC engages in building robust air emissions programmes. ZDHC will draw up air guidelines, enforce basic expectations, and highlight areas of opportunity. Support ZDHC to propel the industry towards greater responsibility for our impact within global airsheds and global community health.
consult on air parameters, best practices and reporting limits for testing of hazardous chemicals in air emissions
promotion of monitoring methods to suppliers to achieve systemic reductions and open data sharing with consumers, brands, and interested parties.
ZDHC Air emission Guidelines propel the positive impact on reduction of air emission and GHG
ZDHC enables the circular economy by eliminating and replacing harmful chemicals within the fashion production process right at the point of sourcing and at the first production cycle. Through chemical risk elimination on further recycles of the product and materials, ZDHC helps to establish pre- and post-consumer recyclability.
creating fit for purpose materials
scaling the circular economy
expanding adoption of ZDHC MRSL for chemical recovery
Chemistry plays a critical role in a circular economy and reduces environmental footprint
Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology will radically change how we calculate and compare footprints. But this would only work if you can rely on the quality of the information. The ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme supports the collection of facility-level chemical, air and wastewater data, enabling a product-specific Bill of Material and Bill of Substances. To move from transparency to traceability and link a product back to the specific chemicals used at a facility, the ZDHC Foundation collaborates with the Open Apparel Registry to develop such a list of unique facility identifiers.
avoid duplication and reduce the complexity in the supply chain
enhance the enabling technology for supply chain due diligence and PEF traceability
develop a product-specific Bill of Material and Bill of Substances, to provide full visibility over the environmental footprint of products you can buy
Supporting Product Environmental Footprint
ZDHC supports PEF, supply chain due diligence and transparency via traceability of enabling technology
Sustainable Chemistry is a transformative approach contributing to innovative solutions to resource efficiency, the circular economy as well as carbon-neutrality. With the aim to ignite innovation within the chemical industry, ZDHC invests in the new ZDHC Formulation to Zero Programme. It brings the existing initiatives of ZDHC MRSL conformance (ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List) to create an industry-wide approach to demonstrate sustainable chemistry excellence and positively influence LCA (Life Cycle Assessment).
ignite innovation within the chemical industry
drive positive impact through reduction of chemical hazard & exposure and improve environmental performance indicators (air, waste, energy and water).
connect different players in LCA supply chain framework to evaluate various trade- offs
Sustainable Chemistry & Resource Management
Innovation in manufacturing processes through sustainable chemistry
Even though the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme has reached a critical mass of adoption by global brands, retailers and local manufacturers, it lacks presence in particular production regions. Extending our reach within the Mediterranean and Latin America through the ZDHC Implementation HUB and growing our local representation will expand the positive impact of sustainable chemical management and strengthen business connectivity. It will bring economic development to regions of interest and create global market access for textile, apparel and leather companies.
expand ZDHC resource capacity to form relations with regional and local industry associations, manufacturers, brand representatives, NGOs, policymakers
map the local needs relating to the Roadmap to Zero Programme implementation
increase the adoption of ZDHC guidelines, platforms and solutions in target regions/countries
facilitate the permanent sustainable business to business infrastructure
Environmental Supply Chain Management
Growing ZDHC representation and support to the regional supply chain community and improving impact on environmental performance indicators
An estimated 85 to 90% of factories do not comply with industry-led environmental and social sustainability initiatives. A large proportion of this segment includes Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), across Tier 2, 3, and 4 Suppliers. Anticipating upcoming EU legislation and the influence of initiatives such as the EU Green deal would mean this group of suppliers needs to improve their environmental performance. The ZDHC platforms for suppliers have the answers for them to implement for impact.
attract SME’s to focus on cleaner air emission, GHG emission reduction and water stewardship by presenting economically attractive solutions
support thousands of SME facilities to improve their chemical and environmental performance via ZDHC Supplier to Zero programme
Untapping SME’s environmental impact
ZDHC platforms enable SMEs to improve their environmental impact and increase their economic viability
Project of the Future
Your project could feature here in the future. Get in touch with ZDHC, contact us at the email and number below to start the discussion.
We are awaiting your ideas!
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Case studies from funded ZDHC Projects show
the successes of collaborating with ZDHC across the globe.
Development of ZDHC Gateway for Wastewater Module
Waterways and habitats surrounding factories are most at risk to the harmful effects of wastewater. Toxic compounds in the effluent can seriously disrupt our aquatic ecosystems.
The ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module is the first global web disclosure platform to increase data transparency and -accuracy between stakeholders. The ZDHC platform centralizes verified data on wastewater testing performed by ZDHC Accredited Laboratories, in line with the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines.
Enabling widespread adoption of good chemical management systems, policies and procedures, the ZDHC gateway leads to greater engagement, understanding and support of the ZDHC vision. Today, ZDHC Gateway – Wastewater Module hosts 4.800+ Supplier accounts and published over 8.000 wastewater test reports.
The project, funded by C&A Foundation (now known as Laudes Foundation) in 2016. Six outcomes, identified by the grant, were successfully performed over the course of four years:
User-friendly information system to gather and map wastewater disclosure
Dataset of lab test reports as a basis of facility performance disclosures
Public online disclosure portal to fulfil transparency obligations and accelerate impact
An operating procedure for users that ensures information is timely, accurate and processed according to agreed-upon standards
An expansion of the stakeholder community that agrees to regular wastewater monitoring in a transparent way
Training materials to ensure processes, standards and tools are understood and used correctly to support capacity building and better stewardship practices.
Phasing out harmful compound DMFAs through ZDHC industry innovation project
Changing an industry and adopting better production practices does not happen overnight, even if technical solutions seem to be within reach.
The process of substituting DMFa, like many other restricted substances, requires a mindshift. This project shows that collaborative efforts, open communication and stakeholder engagement brings lasting sustainable change to an industry.
DMFa (Dimethylformamide) is a volatile organic compound with links to reproductive toxicological issues. The solvents are used in plastics, rubber, and polyurethane coating and do not only create a strong odor in finished products, they are harmful properties subject to regulatory action restricting their use and allowed concentration levels. It is therefore listed in product restricted substances lists (P-RSL) and assessed in final product testing.
To highlight the need for safer alternatives, DMFa became a ‘candidate’ on the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (ZDHC MRSL 2:0). Following REACH legislation, the ZDHC Foundation led an innovation project for sustainable and safer PU production to phase out the use of DMFa. The project was conducted in China and established a new protocol which could be replicated globally.
The pilot project started in early 2017 and upon its completion in September 2020, ZDHC hosted an InConnect digital meeting to discuss its final results & outcome. Over 25 global brands participated, of which a majority confirmed to implement or plan to implement strategies on DMFa-substitution.
From a consumer’s perspective, the finishing product remains unchanged. For producers it is a reliable sign that brands’ commitments are put into action.
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