Zero Discharge group calls for help from chemicals companies
05/11/2012
The group – which includes Nike, Li-Ning, adidas, Puma and Jack Wolfskin – is aiming to eliminate all hazardous chemicals from its supply chains by 2020 and is seeking support from chemicals companies to help it reach its targets.
It said in a statement: “The ZDHC members recognise the importance of engaging the chemical industry in order to truly shift the system towards preferable solutions. We believe that the chemical industry should be deeply involved and would welcome their involvement as an active member of the ZDHC Joint Roadmap.”
In the last quarter, a study was set up to determine whether nine classes of chemicals are in discharge to water or sludge using on-site visits and audits, and the members agreed to ask their suppliers to source APEO/NPE-free preparations. Pilot projects were completed in Bangladesh and China, with further pilots being set up in Vietnam, Taiwan and India.
One goal is to provide a list of safer chemistries across the supply chain and the group has been working with the outdoor industry, chemical suppliers and textile experts to help it achieve this.
It added: “Expansion of ZDHC participation is crucial in order to tackle the complex issues involved and to lift these challenges from a few industry leaders to the entire industry.”
Representatives from the group of nine companies met in September to discuss progress and draw up targets for its next quarter, which it will report no later than May 31, 2013.
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