Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals
Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) is a collaborative initiative that aims to eliminate the release of hazardous chemicals in the textile, apparel, and footwear industry. It was launched in 2011 by a group of major brands, retailers, and suppliers who recognized the need for a coordinated approach to address the environmental and health impacts of hazardous chemicals used in the industry.
The goal of ZDHC is to promote the implementation of sustainable chemical management practices throughout the supply chain. It seeks to achieve this by providing tools, guidelines, and training to help brands and suppliers phase out hazardous substances and adopt safer alternatives. The initiative focuses on addressing the entire lifecycle of chemicals, from their manufacturing and use in production processes to their disposal or recycling.
ZDHC has developed a set of guidelines called the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC MRSL) that outlines the substances that are prohibited or restricted in textile and footwear manufacturing. These guidelines are regularly updated based on the latest scientific knowledge and regulatory requirements. The ZDHC MRSL is used as a reference by brands and suppliers to ensure compliance with chemical restrictions and promote transparency in the supply chain.
In addition to the MRSL, ZDHC provides tools and resources to assist companies in implementing safer chemical management practices. This includes the ZDHC Gateway, an online platform that helps suppliers assess and improve their chemical management systems, as well as the ZDHC Chemical Module, which provides a standardized way to assess the environmental and human health impact of chemicals.
ZDHC collaborates with various stakeholders, including brands, suppliers, chemical companies, and NGOs, to drive industry-wide change. It aims to create a common understanding and commitment towards responsible chemical management and to encourage the adoption of best practices across the textile and footwear industry.
By promoting the zero discharge of hazardous chemicals, ZDHC seeks to minimize the environmental impact, protect workers' health and safety, and ensure the sustainability of the industry.
