Roadmap To Zero

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Instead of trying to remove hazardous chemicals after making a product, it makes more sense to manage chemical inputs from the very start. The ZDHC MRSL helps to make that possible and it's the bedrock of our work.

Different chemical formulations are used in production. Each of those formulations is made from a list of substances. The ZDHC MRSL looks in detail at those substances. It establishes which ones to avoid, in particular those banned from intentional use.

The ZDHC MRSL helps chemical formulators by offering guidance on substances they can avoid using in their products.

Suppliers also benefit. To make materials, they must source various chemical products from formulators. The ZDHC MRSL makes that easier by proving the absence of hazardous substances in those products.

A living document

The ZDHC MRSL is a living document and since its initial release in 2015 the ZDHC MRSL has been regularly updated. The update process is a science-based evaluation that involves:

Collecting a list of chemicals proposed to be banned for use in fashion. Anyone can propose a chemical that should be banned through the ZDHC MRSL Submission platform. It’s a way to amend a limit or propose a new substance or a process that should be added to the ZDHC MRSL.
Review of the proposed chemicals by an expert panel. The MRSL Council is an independent group composed of technical experts from diverse segments of the textile, apparel, leather, and footwear industry, and other significant stakeholders with relevant industry knowledge and experience. They use an objective, science-based approach to review proposed substances and decide whether to include the chemical on the ZDHC MRSL and the Candidate List.‍
The ZDHC Candidate List is how the ZDHC MRSL constantly evolves and improves. The Candidate List is a list of high-priority chemical substances that don’t yet have safer alternative chemicals (or processes) commercially available. The list is meant to highlight where innovation is needed to create safer alternatives – both in the manufacturing and chemical industry.

Making safer chemicals easier to source

Different chemical formulations are used in production practices. In turn, each of those formulations is made from a list of substances. The ZDHC MRSL looks in detail at those substances. It establishes acceptable limits for each one and outlines which ones to avoid, in particular those banned from intentional use.

The ZDHC MRSL helps chemical formulators by offering guidance on substances they can avoid using in their products.

Available Electronically or as a PDF

The ZDHC MRSL is electronically available at http://mrsl.roadmaptozero.com/.

On this interactive, user-friendly platform, a user can easily search for chemical formulations that are restricted from intentional use, or download the ZDHC MRSL as a PDF file.‍

A living document

The ZDHC MRSL is a living document and since its initial release in 2015 the ZDHC MRSL has been regularly updated. The update process is a science-based evaluation that involves:

Collecting a list of chemicals proposed to be banned for use in fashion. Anyone can propose a chemical that should be banned to a website ZDHC created specifically for this purpose: the ZDHC MRSL Submission platform. It’s a way to amend a limit or propose a new substance or a process that should be added to the ZDHC MRSL.

Review of the proposed chemicals by an expert panel. The MRSL Council is an independent group composed of technical experts from diverse segments of the textile, apparel, leather, and footwear industry, and other significant stakeholders with relevant industry knowledge and experience. They use an objective, science-based approach to review proposed substances and then recommend whether ZDHC should include the chemical on the MRSL and the Candidate List.

The ZDHC Candidate List is how the ZDHC MRSL constantly evolves and improves. The Candidate List is a list of high-priority chemical substances that don’t yet have safer alternative chemicals (or processes) commercially available. The list is meant to highlight where innovation is needed to create safer alternatives – both in the manufacturing and chemical industry.

Keeping ZDHC MRSL updates transparent

This document contains and explains the procedures used to update the ZDHC MRSL.

Because the ZDHC MRSL gets updated with new substances that should be phased out of the value chain, we have taken steps to protect data quality. Our aim is to ensure the transparency and consistency of any updates. That means users need clear instructions to follow.

With that in mind, we created the Principles and Procedures to provide the necessary guidance.

ZDHC applies the OECD (2021) definition of PFAS when assessing conformance to the ZDHC MRSL. MRSL V4.0 sets limits for unintentional PFAS contamination in formulations: below 25 µg/kg for individual PFAS and below 250 µg/kg for the sum of all PFAS.

Certifiers use a risk-based approach that combines document review with analytical testing, including total fluorine and targeted PFAS analysis. The paper also covers practical topics such as PTFE, fluorinated dyes, recycled materials and responsible communication, for example, using “no intentionally added PFAS” rather than “PFAS-free”.

Managing PFAS risk goes beyond MRSL conformance. It also requires responsible chemical management throughout the entire supply chain.

This platform is one of the tools we use to keep information in the ZDHC MRSL and Wastewater and Sludge Guidelines updated, accurate and holistic.

We want to hear people's suggestions, so feedback on the ZDHC MRSL and Wastewater and Sludge Guidelines is constantly gathered. This platform provides ZDHC Signatories, stakeholders and the general public the opportunity to propose new parameters or updates to existing parameters in the ZDHC MRSL and Wastewater and Sludge Guidelines.

Submissions made via the platform will be considered through a transparent process and clear set of standards ensures an objective evaluation of proposals.

Click here to access the ZDHC Submission Platform

A chemical conforms to the ZDHC MRSL when it does not contain substances that are listed on the ZDHC MRSL at levels above the set MRSL limits. Sourcing and managing chemicals so that only those formulations meeting the MRSL are used helps to reduce their environmental impact.

The ZDHC Chemicals to Zero - Foundational document offers a recognised, credible way to prove how well a chemical product conforms to ZDHC MRSL requirements. It helps chemical formulators to prove that they conform to their customers.

Measuring ZDHC MRSL Conformance

There are three foundational levels of ZDHC MRSL conformance. Higher levels of conformance mean more confidence in the consistency of ZDHC MRSL conformance and better evaluation of product stewardship systems at a chemical manufacturer through a ZDHC approved certifier.

ZDHC MRSL Conformance Levels 1-3 give a confidence rating that this requirement would be met consistently. The higher the level the more confidence there is that the chemical formulation will meet the latest version of ZDHC MRSL requirements. This is because more information is known about the chemical formulation and the chemical formulator at higher conformance levels.

Third party evaluations

Independent, third-party evaluations confirm a chemical company’s claims regarding ZDHC MRSL conformance. This provides extra clarity and reassurance on how well a chemical formulation meets ZDHC MRSL requirements.

Proving ZDHC MRSL conformance

The ZDHC MRSL Conformance Guidance offers a recognised, credible way to prove how well a chemical product conforms to ZDHC MRSL standards. It helps chemical formulators to measure and prove that conformance to their customers.

Measuring ZDHC MRSL Conformance

There are three levels of ZDHC MRSL conformance. Higher levels of conformance mean more confidence in the consistency of ZDHC MRSL conformance and better evaluation of product stewardship systems at a chemical manufacturer through a ZDHC accepted certification body.

Third party evaluations

Increased transparency worldwide

As well as helping companies take control of the chemicals they use, the ZDHC MRSL contributes to knowledge within the industry. As chemical companies converge on the ZDHC MRSL, it increases visibility on substances being used throughout the industry.

ZDHC MRSL Level 3 Conformance: Interim Virtual Audit Guidance

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Due to global travel restrictions and health concerns, the ZDHC has had to review how to ensure ZDHC MRSL Level 3 Audits are still possible. The ZDHC MRSL Implementation Task Team has worked to create an Interim Process to describe how these Level 3 Audits are possible during the travel limitations. This Interim Process will be effective until at least 1 January 2021. At that point, the Task Team will re-evaluate the COVID-19 situation and recommend extending, amending or dismantling the procedure.

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Chemicals to Zero - Progressive

Chemicals to Zero – Progressive (CtZ-P) provides a pathway for chemical formulators to build on ZDHC MRSL conformance and demonstrate stronger chemical safety management. It is designed to help identify and mitigate formulation-level risks that could contribute to ZDHC MRSL substances being detected in finished materials and products, while recognising that RSL compliance can only be verified on the finished article.

The CtZ-P Framework brings together three key components: a Management System Assessment, a Risk Evaluation Grid (REG) and a Quality Assurance Framework. The Management System Assessment evaluates the chemical formulator’s management systems, product stewardship programme and technical capabilities. The REG provides a consistent, structured approach for evaluating formulation-level risks, using the latest applicable AFIRM RSL as a technical reference for substances that overlap with the ZDHC MRSL.

CtZ-P is designed to build on existing assessments, test data and management systems where appropriate, helping reduce duplication and make the progression beyond MRSL conformance more efficient. "Building on ZDHC MRSL Level 2 or Level 3 conformance, formulations can achieve CtZ-P status by meeting the applicable management system and Risk Evaluation Grid requirements.

Together, these elements help bridge safer input chemistry and downstream product safety, giving formulators a clearer pathway to demonstrate robust chemical stewardship and helping suppliers and brands manage RSL-related risks with greater consistency and confidence.

The framework extends quality assurance beyond initial CtZ-P certification by supporting ongoing oversight of certified formulations. Through surveillance, due diligence and the management of findings and corrective actions, it helps verify continued conformance and strengthens accountability across the CtZ-P Programme.

MRSL

Safer chemicals

A good start transforms the end result.

A paradigm shift is happening throughout the value chain. By managing chemical inputs, we
want to ensure safer products, cleaner water and fresher air. That will truly benefit both people and planet. Our solutions help the industry to transform their value chains.

zdhc MRSL

The ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List

The ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (ZDHC MRSL) provides a continuously improved list of harmful substances. This restricts the intentional use of harmful substances and enables the manufacturing processes in the fashion, leather and footwear industries to switch to safer, more sustainable alternatives, by using the ZDHC Gateway.
ZDHC MRSL Change Log V3.1 to V4.0

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supportive Document

ZDHC MRSL Update Principles and Procedures

The ZDHC MRSL is regularly updated with new chemicals that should be phased out of the supply chain. We want to ensure those updates are always done in a transparent, consistent way. So we created this document to keep everything on track. It explains the process of how we update the ZDHC MRSL.

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Submission Platform

As part of the open approach we take, our door is always open for new information. The ZDHC Submission platform is part of this two-way communication. It's a channel to gather new submissions to amend a limit, propose a new substance that should be added to the ZDHC MRSL or the ZDHC Wastewater and Sludge Guidelines. If we are missing information, we want to know about it. This platform will allow people to submit their suggestions quickly and easily.

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ZDHC PFAS Position Paper

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent chemicals that remain in the environment for a very long time. This is why they are also referred to as ‘forever chemicals’. ZDHC does not permit the intentional use of PFAS in chemical formulations within the scope of the ZDHC MRSL. The ZDHC position paper explains how PFAS are defined and assessed under the ZDHC MRSL V4.0, and how the supply chain can manage the risk of unintentional contamination.

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Conformance

ZDHC Chemicals to Zero - Foundational

Previously called the ZDHC Conformance Guidance. This document outlines the requirements for indicating ZDHC MRSL conformance. It shows how confident we are that a chemical formulation would always conform. That's useful information for chemical formulators wanting to make safer products. Because ZDHC Accepted Certification Standards are used to indicate conformance, this document also shows those standards how to earn ZDHC acceptance.

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Chemicals to Zero - Progressive

Chemicals to Zero – Progressive takes chemical formulation assessment beyond ZDHC MRSL conformance. It combines stronger product stewardship and management systems with a structured approach to RSL-related risks, helping chemical formulators demonstrate robust chemical safety management and respond more consistently to downstream requirements For suppliers and brands, CtZ-P provides greater confidence in chemical inputs and a more consistent basis for management of product safety risks further along the value chain.

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ZDHC MRSL Industry Implementation Approach

Collaboration is a key success factor when implementing the ZDHC MRSL. We’ve identified four key stakeholder types that play a key role: certification bodies, chemical formulators, suppliers and brands. By implementing in a collaborative, connected way, these stakeholders can reduce the impact of the implementation efforts. This document provides a standard approach to help achieve this.

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Chemicals to Zero - Progressive Quality Assurance Framework

Ensuring quality and integrity across CtZ-P certificationThe Chemicals to Zero – Progressive (CtZ-P) Quality Assurance Framework establishes the requirements that support consistent, credible and robust CtZ-P certification. It brings together the approval and oversight of certifiers and laboratories, assessor qualification, market surveillance and post-certification due diligence to strengthen confidence in CtZ-P certification outcomes.

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Virtual Audit Guidance

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Levels

Conformance Levels

Level 3

A visit to a chemical supplier site

Level 2

Product Steward

Level 1

Conducting document reviews or tests

Level 0

A supplier declaration

supportive standards

ZDHC Approved Certifiers — Chemicals to Zero — Foundational

Rather than creating our own certification standard, it makes more sense to leverage those already available in the market. We do that by awarding ZDHC Approved Status. To earn approval, a certifier will be thoroughly assessed. We will see how well it indicates a formulation's conformance to the ZDHC MRSL.

Please review the list of ZDHC MRSL V2.0 accepted
Conformance Indicators to find a Conformance Indicator.

V2.0

ZDHC MRSL Level 3 Conformance: Interim Virtual Audit Guidance

Chemicals to Zero - Progressive

Safer chemicals

The ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List

ZDHC MRSL Update Principles and Procedures

Submission Platform

ZDHC PFAS Position Paper

ZDHC Chemicals to Zero - Foundational

Chemicals to Zero - Progressive

ZDHC MRSL Industry Implementation Approach

Chemicals to Zero - Progressive Quality Assurance Framework

Virtual Audit Guidance

Conformance Levels

ZDHC Approved Certifiers — Chemicals to Zero — Foundational

Ars Tinctoria S.r.l.

BLC Chem-MAP

bluesign® bluefinder

Brachi Testing Services Srl

Bureau Veritas

Centre Testing International Group Co., Ltd. (CTI)

Centro Tessile Cotoniero e Abbigliamento S.p.A.

Centro Tessile Serico Sostenibile srl

Clean Production Action's (CPA) GreenScreen Certified™ Standard for Textile Chemicals

CNTAC Quanzhou

Control Union

ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®

Elle.a.ci.ti.srl

FITI Testing & Research Institute

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

Hohenstein

ICEC – istituto di certificazione della qualità per l’area pelle

IMPAQ Shenzhen

Inditex The List

Intertek

MTS

NimkarTek Detox Laboratory (NDL)

SciveraLENS®

SGS Global

Sustainable Textile Solutions (STS)

Testtex India Laboratories Private limited

TEXANLAB LABORATORIES PVT. LTD.

ToxServices’ Full Materials Disclosure Screened ChemistryTM (ToxFMD®) Program

TÜV Rheinland

TÜV SÜD

UL

ZHEJIANG FANGYUAN TEST GROUP CO., LTD.

ZDHC Gateway Tools: ChemCheck and InCheck