The ZDHC Foundation, established in 2015, promotes sustainable chemical management in the fashion industry, initiated by Greenpeace's 2011 "Dirty Laundry" report exposing toxic pollution. The Roadmap to Zero Programme focuses on eliminating hazardous chemicals through guidelines and tools across three stages: Input, Process, and Output, ensuring safer manufacturing practices.
Background of ZDHC
The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation is a well-known not-for-profit organization that leads sustainable chemical management in the fashion industry. The movement began in 2011 with just six brands in response to Greenpeace's “Dirty Laundry” project, and it officially became a foundation in Amsterdam in 2015.
With a mission to eliminate hazardous chemicals from the textile and footwear industries, the ZDHC promotes sustainable chemical management through guidelines including the Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) and Wastewater Guidelines, fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders to protect human health and the environment.
ZDHC’s Roadmap to Zero Programme
ZDHC developed the Roadmap to Zero Programme that focuses on detoxing fashion supply chain around three interlinked areas: Input, Process and Output. Each comprises in-depth guidelines, tools and educational modules and progressive leader programmes.
Did you know that Intertek participated in the development of ZDHC’s Roadmap to Zero Programme? We are proud to have contributed to a more sustainable future for fashion and be doing so continuously.
Input
This stage involves identifying and managing the chemicals used in manufacturing.
ZDHC establishes guidelines and tools aimed at restricting hazardous chemicals before they enter the production process. Key components include the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL), which outlines prohibited chemicals, and various tools such as the ZDHC Gateway - Chemical Module, ZDHC ChemCheck, and ZDHC InCheck Report. These resources help manufacturers select safer chemical alternatives and ensure compliance with sustainability standards.
Process
This stage focuses on implementing practices for managing chemicals throughout the production process.
ZDHC develops harmonized guidelines and tools to facilitate effective chemical management practices throughout the supply chain. This includes resources like the Chemical Management System (CMS) Guidance and assessment tools designed to support facilities in implementing ZDHC standards. The goal is to promote consistent application of best practices across all stages of production.
Output
This stage measures the results of the input and process stages to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized.
Initiatives such as the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines set standards for wastewater management, ensuring that any chemicals used during production are properly managed and do not contaminate water sources. Tools like the ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module and ZDHC ClearStream report provide data transparency and facilitate compliance monitoring.
Intertek can help you meet ZDHC requirements
Are you committing to a sustainable future for fashion but do not know where to begin?
Intertek is recognized by ZDHC as a third-party ZDHC Approved MRSL Certifiers, trainer and solution provider to help apparel and textiles companies phase out hazardous chemicals in their supply chains. We have a set of Total Chemical Assurance solutions that can help you comply with the ZDHC requirements at each stage: Input, Process and Output.
Intertek's Total Chemical Assurance solutions support brands in eliminating harmful chemicals from supply chains through testing, auditing, and training, leveraging technology like ToxClear and ZDHC Gateway for enhanced sustainability.
