Roadmap To Zero

An important element of the value chain

Fibres are an important part of the value chain. Therefore it’s a logical next step for ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme to include fibre production processes and their raw materials. In 2018, the scope of the Programme extended to include the production of Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF). This is the first fibre production area included in the Programme. More materials will be added in the future.

Global viscose production is growing fast, which is why the initial focus is on Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF; including viscose, modal and lyocell). MMCFs are produced from natural feedstock like wood or plants, using hazardous chemicals. Within the production process of viscose and modal, particularly where that’s not an integrated (closed loop) process, chemicals react with the cellulose. This creates by-products, which can be released into the air, water and soil, so we’ve been working to tackle the issue.

An 2018 industry expert report commissioned by ZDHC concluded that restricting chemicals via the ZDHC MRSL approach would not work. The restrictions would halt most MMCF production processes. We would achieve most impact by collaboratively setting guidance around good chemical management and limits for wastewater, sludge, and air emissions during fibre production. At the same time ZDHC can continue researching MMCF production processes using less hazardous chemicals.

In March 2018, ZDHC hosted the first multi-stakeholder MMCF roundtable with representatives from approximately 80% of the global MMCF production. Several ZDHC Signatory Brands attended, including C&A, Coop Switzerland, Esprit, Inditex, H&M, M&S, Primark, PVH Corp and F&F, as well as Value Chain Affiliates Lenzing Group, BIRLA CELLULOSE, Sateri, Canopy, Textile Exchange, Bluesign and the China Chemical Fibers Association (CCFA), the Collaboration for Sustainable Development of Viscose (CV) and the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles.

The roundtable agreed that ZDHC should lead a collaboration to develop a framework of guidelines for wastewater, sludge, waste and air emissions specific to MMCF production, and expectations for process by-product recovery rates. The guidelines will, for now, focus on MMCF production. Dissolving pulp production processes will be considered at a later stage.

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Supporting sustainable chemical management

A sound sustainable chemical management system (CMS) supports worker safety and reduces environmental impacts within the community and the broader environment.

Supporting the adoption and implementation of the ZDHC CMS, two documents are publicly available.

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ZDHC CMS Framework‍

The ZDHC CMS Framework provides the textile, apparel, and footwear industries with a united base. It can be incorporated into a broader management system, such as an Environmental Management System (EMS).

The ZDHC CMS Framework gives a high-level overview of the CMS requirements. However, each organisation defines its implementation scope and may include specific operating unit(s) or a range of parts of its value chain. Brands, suppliers and facilities can adopt the CMS Framework with the Chemical Industry, Service Providers, and other supply chain partners.

Please note: The ZDHC CMS Framework is complementary to every regulatory, operational, or product requirements. Its intent is to be used to measure the success of an organisation’s own chemical management system.

ZDHC CMS Technical Industry Guide

The ZDHC CMS Technical Industry Guide covers the implementation of a CMS in the supply chain.

The CMS Technical Industry Guide provides the basis to harmonise requirements across Brands and Suppliers in the implementation of Sustainable Chemical Management. Suppliers can tailor and implement their plans to meet the harmonised expectations, whether they are tanneries, dye-houses, mills, printers or footwear assembly units, or another kind of facility.

Implementation

For more extensive implementation support and training, visit the ZDHC Supplier to Zero and ZDHC Academy.

A Chemical Inventory template

A Chemical Inventory list (CIL) is a list of all chemical formulations kept or used in a facility. An organisation should have a robust process for creating and updating the CIL. We provide a template to help organisations in creating this valuable resource.

Having a well-run CIL assists with purchasing decisions. It also promotes responsible usage, pollution prevention, traceability and chemical handling decisions. A CIL also helps to control future disposal costs. As an example, tracking chemical storage may indicate excess chemicals are available in another facility, thus preventing unnecessary purchases.

The content of Chemical Inventory should include; the chemical commercial name, SDS information, identification numbers (CAS no.) of hazardous substances present, hazard information of the chemical formulation, conformance of the chemical formulations to requirements, amount of storage or consumption, and storage location.

This information, amongst others, helps an organisation to select the right PPE for chemical use and identify the correct storage conditions. If chemical information is missing, there must be a corrective action plan to obtain this data from chemical suppliers.

The Chemical Inventory can be compiled by completing the following actions: a) stock take (items and quantities held in storage), b) delivery information (items and quantities delivered) and c) use information (items and quantities used).

The Chemical Inventory list should be regularly updated and its information maintained for purpose. It is recommended to follow, at a minimum, the following frequency: a) Stock take, annually and b) delivery c) usage information, monthly.

The CIL should be maintained by a responsible person whenever chemicals are purchased, stored or used. The revision date should be clearly marked in the inventory. It is recommended to highlight changes to the CIL content. The template CIL offers guidance to meet all of the above requirements.

Input

process

Output

Process

Smarter Processes

The positive impact of doing things right

Process is that crucial link between inputs and outputs. Safer inputs make a big difference, as long as they are used the right way. That's key to reducing their environmental impact. When good procedures and best practice are in place, outputs become cleaner, and process works.

Guidance

Chemical Management System

For a value chain to reduce its environmental impacts, good business practices are needed. The ZDHC CMS includes two parts. The first is the ZDHC CMS Framework which lays out the minimum components of a CMS. The second is the ZDHC CMS Technical Industry Guide which covers the implementation of a CMS in the supply chain.

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supportive document

Framework

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supportive document

Technical Industry Guide

To harmonise requirements across Brands and Suppliers in the implementation of Sustainable Chemical Management, the CMS Technical Industry Guide provides the basis. Suppliers can tailor and implement their plans to meet the harmonised expectations, whether they are tanneries, dye-houses, mills, printers or footwear assembly units, or another kind of facility.

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CIL

Chemical
Inventory List

We provide a template CIL. It's designed to help facilities keep an inventory of chemicals being used in each work area. A well created, well maintained CIL supports traceability and chemical handling decisions. It promotes responsible usage and helps to control future disposal costs. This template will help in achieving those aims.

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supportive document

Performance InCheck Guidelines

The ZDHC InCheck Report (Inventory Check) helps a supplier to check their chemical inventory against the ZDHC MRSL Accepted Certifications in the ZDHC Gateway. This helps the Supplier to improve their sustainable chemical management practices. The InCheck Guidelines contain all necessary information for the industry regarding the Performance InCheck Report.

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Fibres

Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres

This document standardises wastewater, air emissions and chemical recovery requirements for MMCF manufacturing facilities. Define a standard approach for MMCF fibre manufacturing emissions control. The creation of this document is a collaborative effort from the industry: MMCF manufacturing facilities, brands, service providers and subject matter experts.

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supportive document

ZDHC MMCF Guidelines

Implementation

This support document underlines the steps and actions necessary to implement the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines and support the involved stakeholders during the implementation.

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Solutions

A Common Approach

How do we unite thousands of organisations and get them committed to one giant ambition? By helping everyone work together in a common way. The end goal is to preserve our planet. Our solutions connect everyone's efforts and measure progress towards that goal. So we share them all over the world and help put them into action.

A series of smart solutions

We develop and maintain powerful solutions that support the industry's transformation.

Practical help and guidance

Hands-on advice and educational tools support and drive the use of best practices.

Sharing and promotion

Our solutions can work anywhere, so we actively promote their use worldwide.

Training and support

We offer knowledge, individual guidance, and training from the ZDHC Academy.

ZDHC Foundation

Roadmap to Zero

Implementation HUB

Gateway

Smarter Processes

Chemical Management System

Framework

Technical Industry Guide

Chemical
Inventory List

Performance InCheck Guidelines

Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres

ZDHC MMCF Guidelines

A Common Approach

ZDHC Foundation

Roadmap to Zero

Implementation HUB

Gateway

Smarter Processes

Chemical Management System

Framework

Technical Industry Guide

Chemical Inventory List

Performance InCheck Guidelines

Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres

ZDHC MMCF Guidelines

A Common Approach

Chemical
Inventory List