Six New Signatories Join ZDHC

Commitment to Sustainable Chemistry Strengthens with Six New Contributors Joining ZDHC

01/20/2017

Today, six new companies commit to the goal of zero discharge of hazardous chemicals in the textile and footwear value chain, demonstrating strengthened commitment to sustainable chemistry within the sector.

The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Programme is a collaboration of over 50 signatory brands, value chain affiliates and associates working towards the elimination of hazardous chemicals.

ZDHC takes a holistic approach to safer chemical management by focussing on a range of key areas to achieve this goal. Its key tools include a Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL), Chemical Guidance Sheets, Wastewater Guidelines and the launch of two new platforms: The ZDHC Academy and Chemical Gateway.

“Since January 2015, our contributor base has doubled and I'm delighted to see this growing commitment from the textile and footwear industries.” says ZDHC Executive Director Frank Michel.

“Today we also welcome our first contributors based in Sri Lanka and Thailand, further expanding our geographic scope.”

With the addition of the following six companies, the total number of contributors to the ZDHC Programme is 56. As official contributors to the Programme, all companies commit to working collaboratively on the development and implementation of ZDHC tools and to supporting the goal of widespread implementation of sustainable chemistry across the textile and footwear industries.

Joining the Programme as Value Chain Affiliates are:

• ICEC - The Quality Certification Institute for the Leather Sector, the only certification Institute worldwide specialised for the leather sector.
• MAS Holdings, one of the world’s most recognised Design–to-Delivery Solution Providers for apparel and textile manufacturing. Based in Sri Lanka.
• Siam Pro Group of companies, a leading speciality chemical company with an extensive portfolio to fully serve the textile industry - headquartered in Thailand.
• TÜV SÜD, an international service corporation focusing on consulting, certification, training and the testing of consumer products (e.g. textile, toys).

Joining as Associates are:

• The Fiber and Textile Chemicals Technology Division – A Division of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), one of the world’s leading technology R&D institutions, aiming to innovate a better future for society.
• OEKO-TEX®, provides certifications and services which test for harmful substances and optimize production conditions, helping companies deliver high quality, more sustainable products.

For more information on the ZDHC Programme and its tools, see here.

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