ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals)
ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) aims to ensure the environmental sustainability of chemicals used in the leather, textile and footwear industry. ZDHC is a group of apparel and footwear brands and retailers working to steer many industries towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals. We can say that ZDHC was actually launched in 2011 as a response to the Greenpeace DeTox campaign. In the first place, ZDHC has created a joint roadmap that outlines the collaborative efforts and steps needed to guide the apparel and footwear industry towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals for all products by 2020. The group, which consisted of 6 brands when it was first established, later included more than 20 brands. Today, many brands Europe and the USA, many sportswear, luxury and fashion brands, small niche brands, as well as many brands whose value is expressed in billions of dollars are members of Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals.
ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Principles
Clothing and footwear supply chains are long and complex. It is also constantly moving towards developing countries where labor is cheap. This means that production facilities and workers may lack the knowledge and training necessary to implement a chemical management program. ZDHC also works to ensure that hazardous chemicals in the clothing and footwear industry have zero impact on the environment throughout their lifecycle. In his work, he uses the following competencies and principles:
Ø Establishing and sharing best practices throughout the supply chain with all stakeholders
Ø Using the philosophy of management systems
Ø Establishing an open, consistent and transparent communication with all stakeholders
Ø Enabling interaction with stakeholders different regions and cultures
Since its establishment, ZDHC has gradually developed its communication network and level of influence. Especially after 2013, it has made many new initiatives. It has made significant strides towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals, including establishing an independent ZDHC legal entity based in Amsterdam and strengthening the organization and the ZDHC programme. In this process, many programs and documents were developed and published. These documents express a standardized approach to tools and processes that results in workload reduction, simplicity, improved communication and cost savings. Some of the documents that ZDHC has developed include:
Ø Framework for Prioritization of Hazardous Chemicals to prioritize relevant chemicals
Ø Chemical Guide Pages: Provides information on 11 dangerous chemical classes defined by Greenpeace.
Ø Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL)
Ø Research List: This document contains chemical substances that cannot be found in use. The list sends a message that ZDHC will phase out these chemicals once an acceptable alternative has been identified.
ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Focus Areas
Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals updated its previously published joint roadmap in late 2015. This update identifies four distinct focus areas to strategically support all elements of the supply chain in adopting improved chemical management practices:
Ø Wastewater quality: Businesses will compare the existing standards and available data at the facilities, develop a guideline and encourage the inclusion of functioning wastewater treatment plants in their production facilities.
Ø MRSL: Businesses will update MRSL and include leather processing chemicals in MRSL. They will also involve stakeholders and take sustainable steps towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals with a transitional period.
Ø Describe a process for finding safer alternatives, develop a process for adding and removing substances the research list, and engage with stakeholders to find alternatives to the chemicals involved
Ø Audit protocol: Businesses will align the audit protocol with the Higg index, develop and finalize an evaluation process, and engage groups to promote the adoption and use of the audit protocol
In addition to these four focus areas, there are studies covering these topics. ZDHC wants businesses to transparently share their data with the public for zero discharge of hazardous chemicals and to provide their employees with specific training on this issue.
Businesses participating in ZDHC have the opportunity to follow and apply best practices in the management of chemicals. It can also establish a chemical management strategy to respond to and address the chemicals involved. The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals movement
